Incredible book!! Makes you feel alive!! ( )

Seventeen-year-old Max Caldwell is tired of living his life by doing all the right things. He’s a senior in high school, and he suddenly finds his “perfect student” status to be empty and meaningless. So he shakes things up a bit. He breaks up with his long-time girlfriend, even though nothing is particularly wrong with their relationship. He starts partying more, and gradually falls out of touch with his best friend. He meets intriguing people in downtown Portland and hangs out with them. But Max still doesn’t find what he’s looking for. And when he tries to return to what he’s turned his back on, he discovers that it’s too late. Everything has been permanently altered, and all that he can do is try to move forward. This is a realistic story that accurately portrays the lost feeling that teenagers often experience when facing the transition from high school to what lies beyond. Highly recommended. ( )