The First True Thing by Claire Needell
Published by HarperTeen on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0062360523
Pages: 256
Goodreads

The First True Thing tells the story of Marcelle, a 16 year old who had been struggling with alcohol abuse. After having a bike accident as a result of the alcohol struggles, Marcelle has gone to an after school rehab and group therapy program. The book tells the story of Marcelle dealing with her friend, Hannah disappearing after getting involved with cocaine and Marcelle going through rehab for her alcohol abuse.

There were some flaws to this story’s messages but the writing was well done. There were problems with how the therapy group was set up and it did not give a realistic well researched depiction of how group therapy works. I think the story could have done well with a non substance abuse tied story-line in the mix for balance.

This would be a title for advanced high school readers to to the content matter. The subject matter would be for audiences who are interested in psychology and like the interpersonal components of the story. This could be hard to read for some audiences.

Reviewed by Kathleen Powers, Winslow Public Library, Winslow, ME