Holly S. (hoLLyLew) reviewed on 3/26/2006 + 51 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

Thyme, 17, is stressed. She is trying to keep her grades up and maintain her status in The Twenty, a nickname for a group of overachieving, good-school-bound juniors. She steals a bottle of Ritalin from her friend Will, thinking it will improve her study habits. An A on a history exam confirms it. Soon, she becomes adept at stealing pills from purses and medicine cabinets, and begins to deal with other students. She even keeps a spreadsheet of classmates problems and pill preferences and who has merchandise she can buy or trade. At the same time, she begins a relationship with Will, continues in the National Honor Society, studies for her SATs, and applies to college. Following the overdose/suicide of a fellow honor student, Thyme finally decides to quit. Her recovery is a little too easy, but the descriptions of addiction and the stresses that cause it are accurate. Thyme observes the emptiness and materialism of the adults lives around her and their abuse of prescription medication, including her father. Given the situations and characters, the abundant use of graphic language is realistic. This quick read may warn some teens of the dangers of drugs.Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

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