Monday, December 11, 2017

Tell Us Something True by Dana Reinhardt - ESSENTIAL

Reinhardt, Dana Tell Us Something True, 202 pages.  Wendy Lamb Books (Random House) 2016. $17.99. Language: PG-13 (52 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG.

River Dean's heart has been shattered.   At seventeen, River's life has revolved around Penny, his longtime girlfriend. When a romantic boat ride turns into his worst nightmare, River is set adrift, on his own, with no idea of what to do next.  In his despair, River sees a sign "A Second Chance", and decides to walk into the building.  He finds himself in a circle with a group of teens with whom he instantly connects.  River quickly realizes he has inadvertently joined an addiction recovery meeting.  River's lack of any addiction does not deter him.  Instead he does the unthinkable.  He pretends to have an addiction so he can continue coming to the meetings.  Meetings where he starts to feel whole again and where the spark of a connection with a girl named Daphne gives him hope and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Every once in awhile you find a gem of a book that resonates on so many levels.  This book has amazing insights into understanding human relationships with quotes that beg to be shared.  "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good." This was one of my favorite books this year.  It delved into serious situations with humor and compassion. 

HS -ESSENTIAL (note content ratings). Gina, Media Specialist

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