The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

Sutter Keely lives in the moment. He spends most days of his senior year cutting class, drinking whiskey and smoking pot with his best friend Ricky, cruising around town, and enjoying the beauty that life has to offer. Most days are spectacular. When beautiful Cassidy dumps him because he can't even follow the simple request to try to think of her feelings before he does something, he's a little bit lost. On top of that, Ricky begins dating Bethany, who doesn't find a lot of humor in Sutter's drunken antics. Luckily for Sutter, there's Aimee, the girl who finds him sleeping on a neighbor's lawn early one morning and offers to help him find his car. As the two learn more and more about each other's lives, an emotional attachment forms; only Sutter knows it's not going to last.

This National Book Award finalist offers some truly spectacular writing. Sutter seems to have a way with words that is both charming and frustrating. :: For concerned adults, the alcohol abuse is part of Sutter's life, but it certainly isn't glorified or condoned by his friends or family. In many ways, Sutter knows that he is the one sabotaging his own future and his own happiness. ::

This book serves a dose of deep, with a light, accesssible presentation, and should be recommended to all high school readers.
Call number: YA THARP (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian