by Rex Ogle
First sentence: “I’m waiting to die”
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Content: There is drug use (and dealing) by teenagers, swearing including multiple f-bombs, talk of alcoholism, and death. It’s in the Contemporary YA section of the bookstore.

Diego is trying to find his way out of his town. His mom is a recovering alcoholic, and after his dad left, all she wants is for Diego to make something of himself. Study hard, go to college, live a better life than she has been able to provide. His best friend, Lawson, is also being raised by his mom, but doesn’t have the drive that Diego has, and has taken the easy way out: he’s selling drugs for easy cash. As the book goes over their senior year of high school, with the ups and downs of their friendship – Diego has a car and Lawson always needs rides places – we find out what drives Diego and what might keep him back.

I liked this one well enough, but I think I wanted more in the end. I was hoping for something similar to Long Way Down, something powerful and deep, and maybe it is that to some readers. I know there will be many who see themselves in Diego and Lawson, and I hope it starts conversations. But, honestly? It left me wanting more. The big climax wasn’t emotionally moving, and I felt like the book went in circles for much of it. That said, I’m glad it’s out there, and I hope it’s a good mirror for some readers.