Don't Breathe a Word

Taking a break from the zombie apocalypse, I decided on a book about teenage domestic abuse. (is that the right word?). It is the story of Joy who is being controlled by her boyfriend Asher. He is domineering, controlling and a big (insert word here). She feels helpless to get away from him, her dad works for his dad, he is rich, and he never actually hits her...so... Joy plans to fake her kidnapping and runs away to Seattle's homeless teen population, where she searches for a boy who had promised to help her. After a few harrowing days on the streets, she finds him and he takes her in. Creed, May and Santos become her street family. She learns that living on the streets is deadly and no one is safe. She falls hard for Creed and fears telling him why she ran away-again, Asher never hit her. Creed is a talented musician who has a great passion for his craft and the need to keep his street family safe. Joy- who calls herself Triste- finds herself in many compromising situations and is horrified what Santos and May will do to survive. When tragedy strikes and she calls for help, her family swoops in takes her away from the streets and Creed. I don't want to give away the ending, so that's all I'll say about the plot. This book was really gritty and tells it like it is on the streets- I assume. It also shows how easily you can be manipulated in the name of love. And how desperate a kid must be to leave home if the streets seem like a better alternative. Stay safe and happy reading my friends.