The book Cold Girls by Maxine Rae is about a girl named Rory Quinn-Morelli and her life before and after her best friend Liv’s death. The before story begins when Rory joins choir and she is placed next to Live in the alto section. They slowly start to become friends as Liv starts making small talk to her. The two start hanging out at each other’s houses and sneaking out to parties together. Soon Rory realizes that she is falling for Liv, who has a boyfriend. A few months later Rory is accepted into her chosen college and Liv is not. 

After a few months of being best friends Rory realizes two things 1) Liv knows Rory likes her and 2) Liv might like Rory too. Just as Liv leans in to kiss her, Rory backs away (because she doesn’t want to be the person to hurt Liv like people have before) and suggests that they leave the party. The two have fun and dance the night away. They both get tired and suggest going home. A car that runs a red light hits their car and Liv dies. 

The after story follows Rory after she reconnects with Liv’s parents and old friends. She starts finding peace in life and opening up to her therapist. The story ends with Rory finding letters Liv was going to give to her for her birthday. She lies down and listens to music she and Liv liked. 

One thing I loved about this book is how the author set it up. Maxine Ray created the story so both the before and after story would switch off each chapter. This showed the reader how she was affected by Liv in so many ways. I rate this book a 10/10 because all the emotions were so raw and real (I cried a few times while reading it). 

Cold Girls by Maxine Rae is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library.