Tolog Review: The Rosebush

The Rosebush
by Michelle Jaffe
reviewed by Kelly Carney

The Rosebush by Michelle Jaffe is a compelling book that focuses on the theme of never giving up. Jaffe starts the novel by surprise, with Jane lying in the hospital after being hit by a car and flung into a rosebush with a “broken rib, 103 thorn piercings, a concussion, a broken leg, and (hopefully temporary) paralysis” (Jaffe 48). Having no recollection of how she got there, she is scared, confused, and extremely overwhelmed. Struggling to move or talk, Jane comes to the devastating realization that she is paralyzed. Jane’s response to this is captivating and makes the reader feel like they are there struggling beside her. Jane slips into a state of loneliness as her eyes drift to the “several bouquets on the windowsill” (Jaffe 5) that remind her of her recent boost in popularity. 

Previously known as the nerd in her school, Jane never would have believed that she would become one of the three musketeers “at the top of the social pyramid” (Jaffe 15). Jane, having recently moved to a new school, was determined to be popular “because popularity meant being accepted” (Jaffe 17). Her determination inspired her to give herself a makeover and her popularity took off from there. She was able to woo her two new best friends Langley and Kate, and they insured Jane would be popular forever. Jane was as happy as she could be with her inseparable new boyfriend, David, and all her new friends. Jane thought everyone liked her, until she realized someone was out to take her life. 

The Rosebush is a mystery novel that describes Jane’s hunt for her predator. Surrounded by family, friends, and the police, Jane battles with recollecting all her memories from the night before. Jane has so many unanswered questions and struggles with her past rushing back into her memory all at once. After receiving different threats through messages and phone calls, her only support system starts to believe that she is hallucinating. Jane fights for what she knows is true and tries to piece together her friends’ different versions of that night. Jane must find who is trustworthy and loyal and is so conflicted that her biggest enemy seems to be herself. Jane pushes herself to find the killer before he comes for her again. 

Michelle Jaffe’s style of writing in this novel is intriguing and captivating. She truly embodies what goes through the mind of a teenage girl, making her able to connect with her teenage readers through her character, Jane. Michelle Jaffe’s tone is upbeat and hopeful with displays of sarcastic humor, even through the difficult and mourning times in Jane’s life. Jaffe made me realize how much I need to embrace every moment of life, because you never know what is around the corner. 

The Rosebush is a novel that would be loved by anyone who enjoys a book about mystery, determination, love, trust, and suspense that will keep them on the edge of their seat.