Would You by Marthe Jocelyn

Natalie is a free-wheeling kind of teen.  She breaks into people’s swimming pools just to have a cool dip with her friends.  They play the would you game where you have two impossible choices:  Would you rather lose all your hair or all your teeth?  Would you rather die or have everyone else die?  They are secure in their own immortality, safe in their sheltered worlds.  Until the accident.  When everything changes.

The characters here are fresh and engaging.  Jocelyn has perfectly captured the mix of angst and hubris that teens feel.  The writing is equally vibrant, pacing itself with the story.  I really appreciate that during the crisis, Natalie’s friends do not abandon her.  Just because they are breezy free teens does not mean they are heartless and cold.  It is a small touch, but just one of many that make the book read so true to life.

Recommended for tween readers in particular, this book is appropriate for ages 12-15.  Readers of Lurlene McDaniel will enjoy this book and will find more than tears to revel in.