Lush Library Binding

Whoof! As a young adult with an alcoholic father, I have so many feelings about this book. Sometimes I felt like I related so much to the protagonist and it felt good to know that, in some sense, I was not alone and that my feelings were being validated in some way. Other times, my heart broke for the characters in the book and I was relieved that even though my father was an alcoholic, he did not hurt us the way this father hurt his children. It is sad when you can relate to characters going through these kinds of hardships, but I remember trying to convince my dad not to drive drunk and seeing him passed out on the couch from what could only be an alcohol-induced sleep and feeling many of the same ways that the protagonist in this story feels. I was so emotionally connected to this book, that it was difficult for me to engage in academic discussion about it.However, I would 100%, in every regard recommend that any adult or teen reading this review reads this book. It sheds light on a very important issue. I think if I read this book when I was in middle school I would have understood much sooner that my father was an alcoholic. Its not always so obvious to children with alcoholic family members that their loved one is addicted. Even as an adult, I read this and felt understood. That is something that I only wish I had when I was younger. It also highlights ways to help when you or someone you know is in such a situation. Even if you can't think of someone who is an addict, this book will give you tremendous insight and help develop a sense of empathy and understanding for those going through different struggles than perhaps you are going through right now.So what are you waiting for? Buy the book.

My daughter has read all of Natasha Friends books and they really made an impact on her. She is a 13 year old and I had thought that the content would be a bit much, but after talking to her about the books she could relate some stories of some of her friends that were going through or could be going through some of the same things. It also made her realize that she had it better at home than she thought. (as most kids do). Natasha Friend really does some great writing and really makes it real for the kids that read the books.

im 14 years old & enjoyed this book. In fact i finished it in about 3 days or so. I think all teenagers/kids have someone in their family or at least a friend who experienced dealing with an alcoholic. The book is a good read and i recommended it to all my friends and even told my english teacher about it which i later gave the book to her to read too!

Great story with a fantastic combination of what a girl goes through in junior high and the effects on her life from having a alcoholic father.

I love this book all that I wonder is what happens with her and Charlie is and her and drew and her and her dad and if her brother has to get the surgery. this book just leaves me with so many questions. I hope there is a sequel to this book. I can't wait to see.

Loved the perfect book and this one wasn't as good but it was still amazing. So worth buying!!! Thank you!

This is one of the best books i have ever read! Natasha really outdid herself with this one! My only thing is that make sure young children dont read it the topic is very heavy and it has some adult content.

I bought this book for a student and she loved it. Now more students are borrowing this book from me everyday. I love when students read,

I am so impressed how much of a punch this relatively short book packs. Sam has a lot to contend with, her father has been drinking for a long time but her mother isn’t acknowledging it. Sam’s father is stressed, he needs support and understanding. Sam doesn’t agree and then it comes the night he goes too far.Natasha Friend really deals with the emotions Sam goes through brilliantly, as the reader you’re with Sam from the very beginning. I loved the friendship she strikes up with AJK. Sam’s relationship with her little brother, how she looks after him. At times my heart just ached. Lush is a great book.