Exit Here, by Jason Myers

Exit here, by Jason Myers, is another teen novel addressing the topic of drug use. However, the approach that the author uses makes the book stand out. Myers does not attempt to blatantly preach the evils of drug abuse, but rather writes it from the main character's perspective, and allows the readers to draw their own conclusions. When Travis Wayne randomly returns home from a trip to Hawaii, his friends and family are left guessing why he is back. This soon falls to the wayside, however, as Travis and his friends soon fall back into their routine of doing mountains of drugs, going to music shows, getting into fights, and hooking up with random girls. After the third tragedy in one year strikes Travis, all three of which drugs were responsible for, he realizes that maybe he needs to change his life and make things right. As I said previously, the manner in which the book conveys its message is wonderful. It is subtle, yet powerful, and sad, yet hopeful. I would recommend it to all young readers. - Reviewed by MarinaDW, grade 10. .

Pure, by Rebbecca Ray

Pure is about a fourteen-year-old, unnamed narrator who is known as the dangerous, provocative girl at school. After begging her dad to buy her a stereo, they visit the electronics store where she meets Oliver, a twenty-seven-year-old salesman who is going nowhere in life. They soon start having an unconventional affair, where the narrator claims she is growing into her own skin and becoming the woman she always wanted to be. I don't recommend this book because I think the narrator doesn't explain her actions well, and her morals are not fully intact. This story has no moral or lesson, and is overall a disappointment. The plot and characters aren't fully developed. It is a sloppy book that is hard to follow and understand. - Reviewed by Ina, grade 9. .