I can't honestly say that I enjoyed this book, in truth I'm not sure it is meant to be an enjoyable read.
It is a scorching commentary on life in the US for young adults who are being failed by the system and then abused by those they should be able to trust.
Kiara's mother is in prison and she lives with her older brother. He's pretty absent as he's trying to make a career for himself as a musician. She's become an unofficial carer for 9 year old Trevor, who's mother is a struggling drug addict.
With the threat of eviction looming she takes to the street, as she's run out of other options to make money. Not surprisingly, she gets horribly used and abused - but from a source that should be on her side.
It's a frankly depressing read, with very little hope but that is, undoubtedly, the entire point. Make no mistake, this book has some really powerful stuff to say and says it well.
It is a scorching commentary on life in the US for young adults who are being failed by the system and then abused by those they should be able to trust.
Kiara's mother is in prison and she lives with her older brother. He's pretty absent as he's trying to make a career for himself as a musician. She's become an unofficial carer for 9 year old Trevor, who's mother is a struggling drug addict.
With the threat of eviction looming she takes to the street, as she's run out of other options to make money. Not surprisingly, she gets horribly used and abused - but from a source that should be on her side.
It's a frankly depressing read, with very little hope but that is, undoubtedly, the entire point. Make no mistake, this book has some really powerful stuff to say and says it well.