Colleen Hoover's Slammed offers a poignant tale blending romance and tragedy, earning praise for its emotional depth and relatable characters. Critics laud the poetic elements intertwined with the narrative. However, some find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it appeals strongly to fans of contemporary romance looking for an intense, heartfelt story.

Readers who enjoy emotional, intense love stories with deep character development would appreciate Colleen Hoover's Slammed. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire will find similar heartfelt themes and complex, relatable protagonists.

In Slammed by Colleen Hoover, 18-year-old Layken "Lake" Cohen moves to Michigan from Texas with her mother and younger brother following her father's death. She meets and falls for Will Cooper, her new neighbor, who later turns out to be her teacher. Both struggle with their feelings due to ethical boundaries and personal grief. Layken forms significant friendships and faces her mother’s terminal illness, ultimately finding solace and love while navigating her complex emotions and circumstances. The novel includes a student-teacher romance (between adults), mentions of death, child abuse, and depicts a sexual assault.

Emotional / Romantic / Bittersweet / Heartwarming / Melancholic

- Slammed is Colleen Hoover's debut novel, initially self-published in January 2012 before being picked up by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, later that year.
- The book incorporates poetry as a significant element, with the title itself being a reference to "slam poetry," a form of performance poetry that plays a key role in the story.
- Colleen Hoover has shared that she wrote Slammed without any initial plans for publication, motivated by a personal desire to tell the story rather than pursue a writing career.

**Layken “Lake” Cohen**  
An eighteen-year-old preparing for her senior year, who faces new challenges after moving from Texas to Michigan with her mother and younger brother. Her interactions with new surroundings and people shape her journey.

**Will Cooper**  
A 21-year-old student teacher and poetry enthusiast, who lives in Michigan with his younger brother. He is dedicated to his responsibilities and faces personal and professional dilemmas.  

**Kel Cohen**  
A humorous nine-year-old who moves to Michigan with his sister Lake and mother. He adapts to new circumstances and forms a close friendship with a neighbor’s younger brother.

**Julia Cohen**  
The mother of Lake and Kel, who navigates the complexities of family life and personal challenges after relocating to Michigan. She is a nurse who seeks to provide for and protect her children.

**Eddie**  
A vibrant and resilient high school student and Lake's new friend. Despite a difficult past, she offers support and companionship to those around her.

Colleen Hoover

Novel

Slammed

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Slammed and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Slammed Summary and Study Guide

Background

Slammed Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-7

Slammed Part 1, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 8-Part 2, Chapter 14

Slammed Part 1, Chapter 8-Part 2, Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 15-Epilogue

Slammed Part 2, Chapter 15-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Slammed Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Slammed Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Slammed Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Slammed Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Slammed Essay Topics

Slammed

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Slammed?

Reading Age

Book Details