Iggy Corso has come to a major crossroad. Thrown out of high school at sixteen, he has one friend who lives on the edge of reality and two parents who have been swallowed up by the addictions and desperate life of poverty too often found in the projects. But, Iggy has a plan. The way he sees it, the key to his survival is to get back into high school and prove to everyone in his life that he is a decent guy by making a contribution, preferably a heroic one.

The reader is quickly immersed in Iggy's efforts as seen through his street-wise eyes and told in his often disjointed but somehow innocent voice. The story takes us to rich places of dysfunctional hope and dark places where there can be none. Situations may disturb, language may surprise, but I found both appropriately part of his story.

Discussions with adults who have read this book have been interesting. Most loved Iggy, relating to him in various ways, needing to be there for the whole journey. A few put the book down part way through, offended by coarse language and raw content. Some felt young people shouldn't be exposed to the issues this story contained, feeling the young should only read about the more positive aspects of life. Others saw this exposure as important, providing a way to see the decisions some are faced with and the way many live. Not being able to help Iggy at different times in the story made me feel sad and frustrated, because he was that real to me.

I admire K. L. Going's style in her presentation of Iggy and his life. This book left a deep, lasting impression on me, and I highly recommend it for young adults and their parents.