Cat is not perfect, and she has certainly done things that she regrets, but overall she is a good girl. She faces her past with an admiringly courage. She lives in hard circumstances, but grows into an independent and strong girl. This still is written for a young-adult public, but the issues touched upon by this book is interesting for both young and old. This is all described so truthfully, without going into graphic explanations.

All these problems come together in a small Southern town, where a lot of people live in poverty. She isn’t afraid to talk about difficult issues like addiction, rape and abuse. Myracle’s beautifully uncomplicated but unforgiving writing. What I really loved about this book is Ms.

When her best friend, with whom she hasn’t talked for years, is beat up so bad that he is in a coma, she finally fights her past and tries to find out who hurt him. She was scared and angry, but hid all of her feelings within herself, turning into an empty shell of her former self. Cat has been shutting all of her relatives and friends out.

Set in a small Southern town, there are a lot of people that don’t want Cat poking around… Now, her best friend, who is gay, is the victim of a horrible hate crime, and Cat is determined to find out who did it. Cat's reflections on these moments are spot-on.A beautiful tale of finding yourself again after a traumatising event.Ĭat has been pushing everyone around her away. 'Myracle captures well the regret that many feel for things in their past about which they are ashamed. 'Dramatic in both content and presentation.' – The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 'The page-turning mystery and Cat's inspiring trajectory of self-realization will draw readers in and give them plenty to ponder.' 'Cat eventually uncovers the truth in a cliffhanging climax in which she confronts fear, discovers that love is stronger than hate and truly ‘shines.' Raw, realistic and compelling.' Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.Īgainst a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it.

Shine by lauren myracle