Title: Gone Too Far
Author: Natalie D. Richards
First published January 6, 2015
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781402285547 (ISBN10: 140228554X)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
No one knows the truth about what happened the night Stella died, and Piper Woods is determined to uncover it. She stumbles upon a notebook filled with photos and a list of student sins, including Stella’s name.
When Stella dies after a sex-tape goes viral, Piper suspects foul play. As she dives deeper into the mystery, Piper receives a text message daring her to choose a name of someone who deserves to be punished.
Trapped in a web of secrets and lies, Piper must decide whether to play along or risk it all to reveal the truth. But as she gets closer to the answers she seeks, she realizes that the consequences could be deadly.
Will Piper uncover the truth before it’s too late?
Editoral Review
Natalie D. Richards’ young adult novel, “Gone Too Far,” is a thrilling ride full of page-turning suspense and relatable teenage characters.
First published on January 6, 2015, it touches on a number of important social issues, including the opioid epidemic, bullying, and mental health. The novel follows two high school students, Piper and Cam, as they find themselves unexpectedly linked by a common enemy.
Piper is an honor student and model citizen, while Cam is the school troublemaker with a history of drug abuse. Despite their differences, the two band together in order to uncover the truth behind a classmate’s overdose, facing danger and betrayal along the way.
Richards’ writing is fast-paced and engaging, drawing the reader in with vivid description and snappy dialogue. The characters are well-defined and multi-dimensional, each with their own struggles and motivations.
Piper is a particularly compelling protagonist, empathetic and brave in the face of danger. Although some of the plot twists are predictable, with a few moments feeling overly contrived, overall, the narrative is gripping and emotionally compelling.
Richards’ treatment of the themes of drug addiction and its impacts on families and communities is nuanced and insightful, offering a perspective that is both informative and sensitive. Comparisons to similar young adult novels, such as Jay Asher’s “Thirteen Reasons Why,” are inevitable.
However, “Gone Too Far” manages to stand out on its own, delivering a satisfying story while shedding light on important issues. For readers interested in a suspenseful, thought-provoking read with sympathetic characters and a realistic portrayal of the challenges facing young people today, “Gone Too Far” is highly recommended.
It is a book that will stay with the reader long after the final page. 4/5 stars.
