Alcohol has ruined the lives of many people of all ages. However, it can be particularly dangerous for teens who do not yet have fully matured brains to begin with (See The Real Reason Teenagers are so Shortsighted). I just read Testimony by Anita Shreve, one of my favorite authors, and if any novel is going to show teens the dangers of drinking, this is it.
The plot of Testimony is about the repercussions of a night of drinking at a private high school in Vermont. Many lives were ruined from this one event, including not only the teens that drank, but their families, other students, administrators at the school and townspeople. The book is written in the voices of all involved so that we can see all of the different perspectives.
I would highly recommend having your teenage sons and daughters read Testimony as a cautionary tale. Teens need to learn that all of their decisions have consequences and that alcohol impairs their ability to make decisions. Alcohol played a part in loosening two of the adult character's inhibitions which had horrific consequences also, so adults need to heed the same warnings. Testimony would be a wonderful book for the entire family to read and then discuss.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
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I agree. Definitely a GREAT novel for the entire family to read. I really loved how the novel was told from different POVs. Really helped authenticate the characters and their experiences, etc.
i disargree
This would be a great book..will give this as a gift, you see I had this friend who's daughter is an alcohol addict she want to bring her to a adolescent drug treatment program but she is scare that her family would be insulted if she will pursue the decision.