Genre: Realistic
Grades: 9-12
Characterization: Good
Literary Merit: Good
Recommended

Marcelle’s parents discovered her drinking problem when she crashed her bike and wound up in the hospital. Her doctor recommends treatment at the Center, and Marcelle becomes a member of the Peer Support Group for New Living. Group is not the kumbayah situation that Marcelle had expected, and her peers in the Group seem to think bullying is the path to sobriety. Marcelle has been sober for two weeks when she gets a text from her best friend Hannah asking Marcelle to cover for her - “Told Mom I’m w/ you. Senna too.” Marcelle doesn’t feel great about lying to Hannah’s mom and boyfriend, but old habits die hard. When Hannah doesn’t show up for school the next day and won’t respond to texts, Marcelle starts to worry. Hannah’s drug of choice was cocaine, and she had been getting involved with some less than savory types to keep herself supplied. Marcelle must decide whether she should come clean about what Hannah’s been up to or continue keeping her dangerous secrets.

The First True Thing is a character-driven novel of recovery from addiction with an engaging plot that created enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. The book opens with Marcelle receiving Hannah’s text and then flashes back to the time leading up to the accident that landed Marcelle in the hospital. Marcelle is not always likable but she is realistic, and she is trying to her best under the circumstances. She is understandably conflicted about coming cleaning about Hannah’s drug use and other illegal activities. If Hannah is really in danger should tell, but if Marcelle narcs, Hannah and many other friends will be in a lot of trouble. Marcelle’s experience in Group is the other main thread of the plot. Group is made up of all teens with no adult sitting in on the sessions. The techniques employed by the Center seem irresponsible but not totally out of the realm of possibility. I enjoyed Marcelle’s relationship with Andy and the way that it grew in changed throughout her recovery. The ending was unexpected but satisfying. Recommended for readers who like contemporary YA with a dark (but not bleak) tone. ( )