Initial Impressions 9/10/15: Hmmmm I'll say 3.75 stars 
 I wasn't TOTALLY as hooked as I wanted to be with this book. There's a bit of a Thirteen vibe but once you hear that comparison/get that movie stuck in your head, it's hard not to expect even more crazy shit. It was definitely good, very interesting, and so easy to see how someone can manipulate someone else like that. I suppose it was a bit more realistic as far as toxic friendships go and less shocking but I was holding out for a bit more insanity. 
 Review as originally posted HERE on The Book Addict's Guide 10/12/15: As soon as I heard that UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING had a Thirteen feel, I knew I had to read it ASAP. There's just something about toxic friendships that's so interesting and gripping - I think maybe because we've all been there to some degree, even if not quite as extreme. 
 The rumor about the Thirteen vibe was true for me! I definitely saw pieces of the book that reminded me of the movie but I will admit that I was hoping for a bit more. UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING was absolutely a good representation of how seemingly good friendships are actually quite harmful but I guess I was just hoping to see a few more shocking things in there. It wasn't pretty, but it didn't have quite as many "omg moments" as I expected. It was enjoyable, though, because UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING shows maybe a bit more of a realistic and commonplace side of a toxic friendship and although I still haven't quite experienced anything to that degree, I'm sure many of us will see pieces of our own friendships in the book which is even scarier. 
 UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING was a very quick read for me. I actually finished it in a day! I was quickly sucked into Mattie's world and I wanted to know everything about her crazy friendship with Jolene. I think maybe I've read a few too many books because as messed up as their friendship was, I could kind of see things from Jolene's side. I don't think she was right in any way but once I got to know her story, I started to understand more why she turned out the way she did. It was very unpleasant and a bit scary but also very interesting. 
 The book had its highs and lows for me and I wished the pacing had been a bit more consistent. I actually think my interpretation of the pace came because of an expectation so while I found it to be a bit slow at times, I'm sure other people won't have an issue with it. I was looking for more heart-pounding confessions and emulations but there was also a lot of character development too. While I always appreciate character development, I do think I wasn't as crazy about those scenes because I was hoping for more thriller in the book than contemporary and personal reflection. 
 UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING was an exciting read and even though I read it in a day, it was partially my determination to finish... I hoped for a BIT more of a pull to keep flipping those pages. It didn't quite "wow" me but I think it's a very interesting read and I hope others will think so too! I know I definitely want to read more books like this.