As Many Nows as I Can Get

Gr 9 Up–High-achieving students Scarlett and David, who think they have a solid plan beyond high school, find themselves caught up in life-altering decisions and the forces of fate that make them who they are meant to be. When they become unexpectedly attracted to each other before leaving for college, everything changes for them and their friends. Scarlett tells the story in a non-linear timeline, helping the reader piece together the events that create the present, including pregnancy, addiction, and death. The book is well-written with well-developed characters who teach the reader real life lessons, and chapters end with mystery, holding interest until the last word. Readers will feel heartbreak as well as hope along with Scarlett as she tries to fulfill the greatness others say she is destined for and must find ways to deal with roadblocks, even when she creates them. This debut novel evokes emotion and will resonate with teens.