Wasted by Nicola Morgan

Walker Books, 2010. ISBN: 9781406321951.
Highly recommended. Jack allows his actions to be ruled by the toss of a coin, never mind the risks. This brings him a singer by the name of Jess. One reckless night their options run out. Now it's the readers turn to play the game. Spin a coin, catch it. Place it on the back of your other hand. Life or death for someone, heads or tails?
The plot of this novel is well melded together, compelling you to read it cover to cover. Each tiny part is intricately connected to the rest of the story. It has a completely realistic plot that tells the story of some past, present and future teenagers with similar or the same sort of lives. There are two endings to this story, so I warn you that it would be better not to read both or you will not get the same effect of reading it.
The setting of this story seems to be in England, however it does not actually state it anywhere. Most of the book is set in either Jack's or Jess's house with some high school, beach, pub and club scenes. The characters are teenagers of the current era and their families, people you would come across in day to day life. Also quite nice people too!
The main theme is about taking control of your life and not just floating through it. There are minor themes as well that stand out: music, love, alcohol, leaving high school, luck, death and drink spiking. This novel does go a little way into the meaning of life.
The author uses a medium level of imagery to tell the story with a medium level of symbolism. It is written in a high sentence-level style which suits the nature of this story. I believe that the target audience of this book is 17-19 year olds, however it could be enjoyed by those who are up to 25 years old. I would rate this book 10/10 stars.
Amelia Kelly (17 years old)