Wednesday, July 27, 2011

"Shine" by Lauren Myracle



Black Creek, North Carolina is a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. Teenagers at the local high school have grown up together, and it's a tragedy when 17-year-old Patrick Truman is found brutally beaten outside the convenience store where he worked. What is more shocking is that Patrick appears to be the victim of a vicious hate crime. Police are searching for subjects but they have no lead, and no witnesses have come forward.

16-year-old Cat used to be best friends with Patrick when they were younger. She stopped being social with him a few years back...not because of his personality or sexual preferences, just because Cat felt more at home by herself and at church.

When Cat hears of the attack against Patrick, she is devastated. Some community members warn her to leave the issue alone, and some people are convinced that Patrick deserved what he got. Cat is determined to find the responsible person(s) and bring them to justice for the crime they committed. When she starts her investigation, certain members of her friends and community are exposed in unfavorable circumstances. A dark, meanacing problem is ravaging the young people in Black Creek, and its presence may have contributed to Patrick's assault.

This is a powerful, raw, violent book, but has many important messages regarding hate crimes and stereotypes. I would recommend for high school or mature readers. Heavy language and subject matter, but extremely well written.

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