I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book and I went back and worth with the rating. I'm not sure what it is with Lauren Myracle but I feel like she feels the need to push the buttons again and again with her books. This book was really tense and kind of distrubing. At times I wanted to stop reading but I'm not sure what kept me reading and finishing the book (maybe it was the mystery of who hurt Patrick, I did figure that out rather quickly). 
 One major thing about this book that really bothered me was the language. Language usually doesn't usually bother me but OMG, the kids in this book have filthy mouths! Not only was the language horrible but with it being so nasty, I was just appalled with how it really didn't bother any of the characters in the book with how they were speaking to another human being that way. I was also shocked about the one situation between Tommy & Cat (woah, very graphic). 
 I did however like most of the characters especially Cat. I think she was a good character at times but then sometimes I wanted to stick my hand into the book and give her a good slap! 
 I thought the town was very stereotypical and it made me made that there are still people out there that are like this. The whole drug thing grossed me out too. 
 Honestly, when it comes to young adult literature and what I purchase for my library I am very liberal. I am not quite sure what I want to do with this book if it makes it on the Gateway list for next year and if I would feel comfortable circulating it.