Shine by Lauren Myracle

When Cat discovers that her best friend Patrick has been the victim of a hate crime, she vows to find out who did it - especially given the apathy and unwillingness to investigate any leads by the sheriff department in her small town. As she continues to question those close to Patrick while he clings to life in a coma, Cat soon finds herself running into people who don't want her digging up dirt into Patrick's past and present. Does Patrick have something to hide? Or do the people close to him want to make sure Cat doesn't unearth something incriminating? 

Part social commentary, part mystery, Lauren Myracle manages to deal with the heavy subject matter of the plot with respect and dignity. The story grabs you from the very beginning and won't let you go, even long after reading the final page. I finished this book last night and actually found myself re-living the ending as I was driving home from work today and it was just as vivid as when I read it last night. This has been one of my favorite reads so far of 2011.  


Shine by Lauren Myracle
Publication date: May 1, 2011 by Amulet Books
Pages: 376
Genre: Mystery
Audience: Young Adult

*ARC provided through Netgalley