The Truth About White Lies

By: Olivia A Cole

Narrated by: Mela Lee

For fans of I'm Not Dying with You Tonight, this gripping YA novel digs into the historical and present-day effects of white supremacy and the depths of privilege.

Shania never thinks much about being White. But after her beloved grandmother passes, she moves to the gentrifying town of Blue Rock and is thrust into Bard, the city's wealthiest private school. At Bard, race is both invisible and hypervisible, and Shania's new friends are split on what they see. There's Catherine, the school's queen bee, who unexpectedly takes Shania under her wing. Then there's Prescott, the golden boy who seems perfect...except for the disturbing rumors about an altercation he had with a Black student who left the school.

But Prescott isn't the only one with secrets. As Shania grieves for the grandmother she idolized, she realizes her family roots stretch far back into Blue Rock's history. When the truth comes to light, Shania will have to make a choice and face the violence of her silence.

©2022 Olivia A Cole (P)2022 Little, Brown Young Readers

Critic reviews

"A brilliant, riveting page-turner, Cole has flawlessly crafted an addicting story about the depths and domino effect of white supremacy. Not only is this book the perfect conversation starter in the midst of our society's awakening it'll also hold a fire under your feet. Everyone is going to be talking about The Truth About White Lies for years to come." (Tiffany Jackson, NYT best-selling author of Grown and White Smoke)

"A masterfully crafted revelation that lays bare the truth of how the enormity and horror of systemic racism is upheld by the personal silence and denial of many individuals. Brilliant, urgent, and profoundly honest - this is the kind of novel that knocks on the door of your heart and demands to know who you are." (Brendan Kiely, NYT best-selling co-author of All American Boys and The Other Talk: A Reckoning with Our White Privilege)

“The Truth About White Lies is ironically phenomenal in its narrative patience. That steadiness is what anchors and sustains an absolutely blistering critique of where white lies have placed us and how we might move more radically if, and only if, we confront these white lies and white liars. This is absolutely necessary work.” (Kiese Laymon, award-winning author of Heavy)

As Close to Realistic Fiction as One Can Get

I was amazed by the realism of this fantastically vivid cautionary tale. If you enjoy great character development, suspense, drama and action, this is a great book for you. If you are not quite into realistic imagery and situations, then you may want to pass on this experience.

beautifully written

I felt like the author was using words to paint a masterpiece. I could see everything so clearly. loved the narration. Would recommend everyone read this book.

Slow To The Finish

i enjoyed the premise, however, it took too long to get to the meat of the story and I became disinterested.