Ratings & Reviews

Literary Titan Review

★★★★★ -“This story focuses on the effects of drug addiction, not just on the addict, but on the other people in their life, children especially but also siblings and friends and even parents-in-law. I really enjoyed reading this book. Despite the dark theme of substance abuse and drug addiction, there were bits of humor in the story. The author had an engaging writing style. And I really liked the main character, Erin. The whole book was written from her point of view, so I always knew what she was thinking and feeling and why she acted out at times. I didn’t like that Erin kept getting angry about the situation with her mother and taking it out on other people, who were not the source of her anger. But the author offered compelling motivation for her actions, and Erin worked to improve her anger-management issues. I liked the relationships portrayed in this story, especially between Erin and her best friend, Grace, and Erin and her boyfriend, George, who also acted as a good friend to her. And Erin’s grandparents did not just see caring for her as a duty. Even when she was difficult, they loved her, and they enjoyed having her living with them. I believe this story is a realistic portrayal of the realities of life for children affected by drug addiction, and even though it is a work of fiction, this book will resonate with people who are going through a similar situation.” – Literary Titan

Goodreads Reviews:

~”Addiction and the stigma that surrounds it is a growing epidemic in this country. An epidemic that is rarely talked about, and more frequently brushed under the rug. I am willing to bet that if people started opening up, started to have the tough conversations surrounding addiction, we would realize that it is not as isolating as we feel, and that addiction does not discriminate and affects all races, sexes, ethnicity, and socioeconomic groups. While this novel does tell the tale of Erin, a young girl who struggles with creating an identity separate from her mother who suffers from drug addiction, it has the overpowering message that screams: You are not alone. I loved this book. I love any novel that also sheds light on important topic. This is the story of Erin, a young girl raised by her grandparents after her mother abandons her. Erin’s mother is a drug addict, and what unfolds throughout the pages of this novel are the heartbreak and heartache/longing that come when you love someone who struggles with addiction. Amy Voltaire managed to capture youthful innocence brilliantly, by allowing Erin’s new friendships and relationships to unfold, while also not sugar-coating the pain that comes with having a loved one who suffers with addiction. This book is an easy read, one where your heart will connect undoubtedly with Erin and the rest of her trio, as well as showcase the love between grandparents and grandchildren that surpasses all other love. I think this book is a wonderful tool for families to use, particularly with late middle school/high-school age group, to discuss addiction and its implications not just on the addict, but everyone else who loves the addict. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have read this book, and while I am appreciative of the free copy all opinions are my own.”

~”Full of laughter, love, pain, and heartbreak, this book really does have something for everyone. Erin isn’t your typical teenager. She’s is a fifteen-year-old girl struggling with the effects of her mother’s heroin addiction. She was abandoned at five years old, and hasn’t been the same happy child since then. Her life is completely turned around when her mother decides one day to come back into her life. This book follows Erin as she come to terms with her situation and learns to cope in a healthy, positive way. There’s also a bit of a love story embedded in her journey, as well as lessons on friendship and loss. Not only is this a wonderful story, but it’s also educational. The story mentions helpful resources, such as Narateen, an anonymous support group for teens who are affected by drug use. This book was a really great read, and I’m so glad Amy Voltaire decided to write a story about such an important topic. I would highly recommend!”

~”I enjoyed taking the journey with Erin as she navigates the active relationships in her life while contemplating the new relationships that form. This is a well thought out book that does a good job at addressing the affects of addiction on the entire family. There are a lot of children being raised by family members for various reasons and I’m sure they will be able to understand what Erin is going through as it relates to her mother. Great Job Amy Voltaire!!”

 

~Click here for blog review by The Bibliophagist: 

Review of Amy Voltaire’s Debut Novel