✨ "You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy."

Dang, I knew this book would be heavy because it's Ellen Hopkins but it was still bleaker than I'd expected. Like always, the author delves into difficult topics and sheds lights on important issues with flair, skill and emotion. And what shines through it all most is hope.

I loved both POVs, but found Lake's story slightly more compelling (maybe because I'm female). It struck me how the characters' struggles were a mix of circumstances, luck and choices, but it's the last one I can't stop thinking about.

Certainly made me contemplate my own life too; how lucky I am and how things could be so much worse. How I wanna live and make every moment count. Such a well-written story of strength, resilience and hope!