Lies We Tell Ourselves
Lies We Tell Ourselves
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014
Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1950s
2014
YA
14-18 years
HL630L
Super Short Summary
Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley, set in 1959, follows Sarah Dunbar and nine other Black students integrating into Jefferson High School in Virginia, where they face hostility and racism. Sarah is partnered with white student Linda Hairston for a project, leading to a complicated relationship as Linda begins questioning her racist beliefs. Major themes include racial integration and personal transformation. The story includes racist language and accounts of physical and emotional bullying.
Challenging
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
16,124 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Robin Talley's Lies We Tell Ourselves receives praise for its compelling narrative set during the Civil Rights era, addressing issues of race, identity, and prejudice. Some critics commend the realistic portrayal of complex social issues and strong character development, though others find the pacing slow and the dialogue occasionally didactic.
Who Should Read Lies We Tell Ourselves?
Readers who enjoy Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley are typically fans of historical fiction with a focus on social justice and LGBTQ+ themes. Similar to readers of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Malinda Lo's Last Night at the Telegraph Club, they appreciate narratives exploring civil rights, identity, and resilience.
16,124 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Novel • Fiction
Virginia • 1950s
2014
YA
14-18 years
HL630L
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