NILAM GANESH

Faith. A concept so simple to comprehend yet so onerous to implement. As the idiosyncrasies of life
play perpetual tricks on us, breaking our spirits and desecrating our minds, we look unto faith to
save us. For with faith, we have strength. With faith, we have confidence. With faith, we are
equipped with the one and only tool we need to conquer the obstacles in this void we call life.
Grace, Rosina and Erin had faith. The entire Nowhere Girls group had faith. Faith is the coherent and
indubitable factor as to their success in bringing justice for the atrocities committed upon their
fellow women. And although I am here to achieve a much for menial earthly prospect, I come
provisioned with faith, for without faith, I am here but without a purpose.

Greetings, all. I’m Ganesh, you’re friendly neighbourhood potato. Let me tell you about who I am.
I’m a school librarian who is also an ardent bibliophile. I’m also a massive nerd as my stellar
examination scores may prove. Being quite the avid poet, I have written a conundrum anthology of
short poems ranging from romance to motivation. Besides that, I am quite the performer, having
twice achieved the Gold Star Award at the Singapore Performing Arts Festival in addition to being
the secretary of my school’s choir team. I also recently passed my Grade 5 piano practical
examination with distinction. Additionally, and in contrary to popular belief, I am a decent athlete. I
enjoy and excel in track and field events, specifically middle-distance running, having represented my
school in the district level cross-country race for the past couple of years, besides winning the
district/state level virtual run competition in 20___. (ADD THIS BIT TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR ATHLETIC
PROWESS, GANESH. CORRECT ME IF I’M WRONG, BUT YOU DID PARTICIPATE AND WIN THESE
EVENTS, RIGHT?)

Now, to the elusive characters that are Grace, Rosina, Erin and the Nowhere Girls. They are but the
pillars that make up and carry the tale that is The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed. When Grace and her
family are forced to leave their conservative town due to her pastor mother’s liberal views, she finds
out that the new house she’s moving into once belonged to a girl to whom diabolical acts were
committed. Gang raped by three teenagers, Lucy Moynihan was labelled a slut and an attention-
seeker when she reported the atrocious incident heinous act in lieu of getting a fair trial; leaving the
three boys to get off scot-free. Upon discovering this carnal barbarism barbaric occurrence, Grace,
with the help of her two new best friends, Rosina and Erin, founded a feminist group based in their
high school called The Nowhere Girls, aiming to empower teen girls and bring justice for those of
them who have been wronged. Despite the turmoil and negativity they had to face including near-
suspension from school, they not only managed to frame implicate the three boys for their crime,
but also helped educate their peers on bodily autonomy and self-love.

Alt for paragraph 3:

I’ll be reviewing this inexplicable intriguing novel entitled The Nowhere Girls written by Amy Reed.
Reed is a young adult author who has written an array of works of fiction, centring around ranging
from topics like substance abuse, mental illness and to other social issues. The Nowhere Girls is no
exception. Comprising of 404 pages of an eminent storyline, this story kicks off without so much so a
typical preamble or exposition – which is a good thing, mind you. [ commences before the beginning
the book (WHAT?!)]. Lucy Moynihan is a literal nobody in her high school, until one night, she is
forcefully inebriated and gang raped by three seniors. Full of fear and confusion, Lucy hopes to find
solace to her turmoil the calamity that beset her by bringing the boys to justice; only for her pleas to
be utterly disregarded by the community. Branded an attention-seeker and a slut, Lucy is forced to
leave her hometown due to the constant harrying and bullying. The boys continue their unimpeded
reign on of terror until the three protagonists of the story — Grace, Rosina and Erin — enter the fray
by establishing a feminist group called The Nowhere Girls with the inordinate yet unwavering
intention of (achieving?) meting out justice and seeking closure for their peers whom have been
wronged. Not only did they achieve their primary goal, they also helped empower their peers on
bodily autonomy and self-love.

An encyclopaedia compendium of meaningful lessons would be an understatement when

describing the nature of this book. I learned realised that when those in authoritative positions are
misusing their power or fuelling miscarriages in justice, it is up to us, the people, to take action. it is
up to us, the people, to push back and rally against miscarriages of justice when the powers that be
abuse and subjugate wantonly. I learnt that I, your average student, am in fact capable of cultivating
change, albeit on a far smaller scale. Nevertheless, in this rampage chaotic mess of a world, the
tiniest notch smallest iota of good, of virtue is a gargantuan deal makes a huge, salient difference.
Whether it be in school or in the community, I now realise that I have the power to not only call out
any and all injustices, but to also to become an active effectuator involved in eradicating them.

Besides that, this inexplicably heart-rending, yet uplifting tale has opened up my eyes to the trials
and tribulations women and girls face in their daily lives. From being catcalled to being constantly
underestimated and underappreciated, these words unfortunately ring true in today’s hedonistic,
misogynistic world; in fact, they are but the inescapable tags that sum up the status quo norms in
the lives of most women are boxed in. Upon reading this book, I now have a more clear and lucid,
transparent view on the evident sexism that occurs around me — almost daily, if you ask me. Hence,
I have been able to not only deter refrain myself from partaking in such (word) unsavoury,
uncivilised acts; but also help other people better understand this inordinate nefariously
confounding entity that has subtly pervaded every layer and fabric of society christened — gender
inequality.

Last but not least, this book has an imperative message about self-love. Loving and cherishing one’s
self are is integral parts of in creating a coherent human being who will contribute to society. A lot of
individuals, especially teenagers find it hard to love themselves in a world full of non-conforming
idealism and self-deluded stereotypes. so centred around stereotypes and idealistic characteristics.
Nevertheless, we should always stay true to ourselves and not resort to living up to the expectations
of others. people’s expectations of ourselves. Only when we learn to love ourselves sincerely can we
finally be content and in turn, become useful and loving members of society.

Why, our time together is coming to an end. To summarize things, The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed
has benefitted me in ways I never knew were possible. I sincerely believe this book has made me a
better person in more ways than one. that by comprehending and implementing the messages in
this book, I am now a better person. Hence, I implore those of you who have the means to also read
this amazing book with the prospect that you too shall develop faith.