The Year They Fell by David Kreizman
Published by Imprint on July 30th 2019
ISBN: 1250179874
Pages: 384
Goodreads

The first thing we learn about the five main characters in this book is that that most of their parents have died in a plane crash while they’re partying. What we spend the rest of the book uncovering about them is that they’ve known each other since pre-school and were a tightknit circle of friends who fell apart once they hit high school. They all have their own secrets and burdens, but the death of their parents brings them back together. This trite use of that particular storyline is surprisingly not the most dramatic thing to happen to this group of friends in this book.  What follows the death is narcotics addiction, adultery, ADD, PTSD, a concussion, severe anxiety, sexual assault, and oh yeah, there’s a teen pregnancy thrown in at the end.  The sheer amount of drama that these teens are meant to deal with is ridiculous, and there’s so much that several storylines are left unaddressed.  It’s unsurprising to learn that the author is a former writer for several soap operas.  He sure does like the drama.  While teens may find some relatable things to pick from here, it’s just too much.  Not recommended as a purchase.  Best for ages 15 and up.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library, Augusta