 | Another first chance Author: Couch, Robbie | |
| Price: $14.99 | ||
Summary:
Eighteen-year-old River Lang struggles after the death of his best friend and reluctantly joins a research study for struggling teens where he confronts his complex relationship with Dylan's ex, develops feelings for a charismatic jock, and uncovers unsettling truths about the study.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG+ Reading Level: 5.60 Points: 15.0 Quiz: 551670 |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (00/06/24)
Booklist (+) (04/15/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/05/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/15/2024 *Starred Review* Gay 18-year-old River has to see it every day on his drive to school: the billboard with his dead best friend Dylan’s picture under the headline Don’t Drext Like Dylan Did. Yes, Dylan died texting while driving and River blames himself because it was he whom Dylan was texting. Today is Dylan's one-year deathiversary, and River has clandestinely spray-painted a mustache on his friend’s face—he has his (benign) reasons. Unfortunately, someone knows he’s the one who did the deed and blackmails him into participating in a national study called the Affinity Mind and Body Trials that examines social connections. Nineteen other students are participating, including Mavis, Dylan’s girlfriend, who hasn’t spoken to River since Dylan's death. Students participating in the Trials are sequestered in a wing of their school for a week. They are fitted with a small disk affixed to their temples so the administrators can monitor what’s happening in their brains. River is the first-person narrator of the compelling story, but the flashback interludes are narrated by Dylan on the day he died. The narrative grows in strangeness as Couch expertly ratchets up suspense. A superb, thought-provoking effort that is sure to delight readers who enjoy original, beautifully imagined efforts. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
