Rx
- By Tracy Lynn
- Genre: Coming of Age
What parents need to know
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this book is about a teen girl's addiction to Ritalin. Almost every character in the book -- parent and teen -- takes drugs (prescription or recreational), and the protagonist becomes a popular dealer at her high school. There's also swearing, drinking, casual sex (a character thinks she's pregnant), and a suicide. But this is a cautionary tale full of facts and storylines meant to raise awareness of prescription drug abuse.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
An overachieving high school student decides she has ADHD and starts taking Ritalin (stolen from a friend). Soon she's hooked, diagnosing her peers so she can deal to them -- and keep supporting her habit. Teens will never forget that this book has a message: to educate kids -- and parents -- about the dangers of prescription drugs. Narrator Thyme not only details her own addiction, but also documents the drugs' prevalence by including bits of drug talk heard in the halls of her high school and by weaving facts about the drugs into her story. Her mom even trades Xanax with her co-workers.
Is it any good?
This is a dramatic story -- Thyme deals with withdrawal, having her stash stolen (and found by police), and even a teen client's suicide. But it's a timely book, too. The author is definitely didactic, but she connects the dots well, showing how the pressure to succeed combines so dangerously with the prevalence of pills, prescriptions, and self-diagnosis, creating a serious culture of dependency for both teens and parents. Parents are encouraged to read along -- and discuss -- this book with their teens.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about the book's relevance. Do they have friends -- or classmates -- who use prescription drugs, legally or illegally? What have they heard about "study drugs" like Ritalin and Adderall?
This book shows both kids and parents taking lots of prescription drugs; are we too drug-dependent as a society? Do TV ads that promise dramatic weight loss or the end of depression have an impact on our culture's drug use?
Book details
| Author: | Tracy Lynn |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Publisher: | Simon Pulse |
| Publication date: | March 16, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 272 |
About Our Rating System
Great handpicked alternatives
-
Authentic, tragic portrayal of teen drug use - a classic.age 15+ -
Heartfelt look at drinking's impact on families.age 14+
-
Teens in rehab deal with addiction, other mature problems.age 15+
-
Gritty book about substance abuse is OK for mature teens.age 15+
-
Stylish, depraved, speedy action. Not for kids.age 18+
-
Teen drunk's tragic story best for mature readers.age 15+
For kids who love controversial books
Browse more books
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines
good book
every teen should read
Hits the real issues facing teens
