Slammed by Colleen Hoover

"Slammed" is a deeply moving and compelling novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the power of poetry. The story follows the life of 18-year-old Layken Cohen shortly after the sudden death of her father. As Layken moves to a new town in Michigan with her mother and younger brother, she struggles to cope with her father's death and the responsibilities that now fall on her shoulders.

Characters

• Layken Cohen: The protagonist, an 18-year-old girl grappling with loss and new beginnings.
• Will Cooper: Layken's 21-year-old neighbor, a passionate poet and high school teacher.
• Kel and Caulder: Layken and Will's younger brothers, respectively, who form a quick friendship, mirroring their older siblings' connection.

Plot

Upon moving to Michigan, Layken meets Will, her attractive new neighbor, and an immediate connection sparks between them. However, their budding romance comes to an abrupt halt when they discover that Will is Layken's new English teacher. This revelation sets off a series of events that challenge their feelings for each other, the ethical implications of their relationship, and their individual futures.

Amidst these challenges, slam poetry becomes a powerful outlet for Layken and Will, allowing them to express their emotions and navigate the complexities of their lives. The poetry slam sessions introduce a unique and vibrant community of characters, each sharing their stories and truths through powerful performances.

Themes

• Love and Ethics: The novel tackles the ethical dilemmas of a student-teacher relationship, exploring the boundaries between right and wrong.
• Grief and Healing: It portrays the process of grieving and the paths to finding solace and strength in the aftermath of loss.
• The Power of Poetry: "Slammed" highlights how poetry can serve as a transformative means of expression, offering both an escape and a way to confront reality.

Conclusion

Colleen Hoover crafts a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, with "Slammed" serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel's engaging characters, emotional depth, and the use of slam poetry make it a memorable read that resonates with readers long after the last page.