White Lies and Barefaced Truths cover

White Lies and Barefaced Truths

Author: Hopkins, Cathy

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 3.9
Points 5.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 32390
Points per Word 0.000154
Page Count 182
Points per Page 0.027473

Description

When Cat and Becca start a game of truth or dare, the line between honesty and deception quickly blurs, testing their friendship and forcing Cat to confront a secret she'd rather keep. As the game pushes her to reveal a truth that could hurt her boyfriend, she must decide whether to lie to protect him or admit that their relationship is already over. The story follows the fallout of these choices, showing how a single moment of truth can unravel lives and force everyone to face the consequences of their lies.

Quick Summary

Cat's life gets turned upside down when a truth-or-dare game forces her to spill a secret she swore she'd keep, and the fallout hits both her friendships and her shaky romance. The book's quick pace and snappy dialogue make it an easy read for teens who love a mix of humor and heartfelt drama, especially those who enjoy stories where the mess of teenage honesty gets both funny and touching. While the breakup with her boyfriend is handled with realistic emotional weight, there's enough laugh-out-loud moments especially Cat's sarcastic inner voice to keep the tone light. Parents will appreciate that the novel doesn't dive into heavy topics like drugs or explicit content, focusing instead on the everyday challenges of telling the truth and dealing with the consequences. If you've ever wished for a book like Sarah Dessen's *The Truth About Forever* but with a faster, more playful vibe, this one's a solid pick. At roughly 32,000 words, it's short enough to finish in a weekend, which makes it perfect for reluctant readers who want a satisfying story without a huge time commitment.