The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin-NOT RECOMMENDED

Martin, C.K. Kelly, The Lighter Side of Life and Death, Random House Books, 2010. pgs. 231. Language: R (Had 30 swears within the first 20 pages, unknown large # of fs), Violence: PG-13, Sexual Content: R

After getting drunk at a party, best friends, Mason and Kat have sex with each other. Neither one knows how to deal with the aftermath. Mason has had a crush on Kat for a long time, Mason becomes obsessed with keeping Kat for himself. Kat, however, feels different than Mason. She regrets crossing the friend line and is completely ignoring him. His obsession puts a strain on his clique, since some of the guys also had a crush on Kat. Desperate to get Kat back, Mason hooks up with an older girl named Collette and gets intensely physical with her. He begins to feel guilty, however, about the relationship with Collette. Will the two friend be able to reconcile their differences and take their friendship to a new level or will Kat and Mason be separated forever?

Plot’s not too badly developed, but there is tons of sexual intercourse, innuendo, and lust. The foul language is thick and extremely distracting. Both elements oppress what could have been a decent book if the characters were better developed. Would not recommend for most audiences. PUBLIC ONLY. NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.