Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman
Summary
Ten years ago, after a sun-soaked summer spent in Greece, best friends Bess and Joni were cleared of having any involvement in their friend Evangeline's death. But that didn't stop the media from ripping apart their teenage lives like vultures.
While the girls were never convicted, Joni, ever the opportunist, capitalized on her newfound infamy to become a motivational speaker. Bess, on the other hand, resolved to make her life as small and controlled as possible so she wouldn't risk losing everything all over again. And it almost worked. . . .
Except now Joni needs a favor, and when she turns up at her old friend's doorstep asking for an alibi, Bess has no choice but to say yes. She still owes her. But as the two friends try desperately to shake off their past, they have to face reality.
Can you ever be an innocent woman when everyone wants you to be guilty?
Book Setting: Greece
Tinos
Tourlos
Agios Stefanos Beach
Mykonos Beach
Korydallos Prison
Athens Airport
LAX
Calabasas High School
San Jacinto Mountains
Ace hotel in Palm Springs
Malibu
Nobu
Olvera Street
Starbucks
Reviews
"Slices to the core of a fraught friendship on the brink of disaster."
-PopSugar
"Brilliantly illustrates the vulnerability and cruelty of teenage girls--and how the judgments placed on them create the perfect environment for both to flourish. It brought me right back to my teenage years and cracked my heart open."
-Rachel Kapelke-Dale
"With evocative and astute prose, Berman's sophomore effort is a...searing portrayal of the intoxicating power of privilege, youth, and female friendship."
-Booklist