This Song Will Save Your Life

One character attempts suicide, which is described graphically. Many characters are mean. One scene depicts a man taking advantage of a drunk young woman who's incapable of giving or denying consent, but he's discovered and chastised by another character before he can go too far.

Sexual situations are discussed and include graphic terms for sexual acts. Descriptions of making out. Underage characters involved in naked make-out sessions that go right to the brink of sex.

Some strong language, including "bitch," "blow job," "goddamn," and "s--tstorm." A character directs hateful language at herself. A male character calls a girl a "lesbo" to her face.

A few of the teen characters drink while they're out clubbing. One is depicted as possibly having a drinking problem and drinks to the point of passing out. One character smokes. One adult character had a drinking and drug problem but has successfully been clean for years.

Parents need to know that This Song Will Save Your Life is a coming-of-age novel that deals with the heartbreak of being a lonely, ostracized, and bullied teen girl. Protagonist Elise Dembowski takes refuge in music and long late-night walks, both of which lead her to a new, exciting, secret life, transforming her view of herself and her relationship to the people in her life. The novel depicts underage drinking, smoking, sneaking out at night, lying to parents, bullying, and some violence. One character attempts suicide, which is described graphically. A man takes advantage of a drunk young woman but is discovered and chastised by another character before he can go too far. There's some strong language ("bitch," "blow job," "goddamn it," and "s--tstorm"), and sex is sometimes discussed in graphic terms. There are descriptions of making out. Underage characters have naked make-out sessions that go right to the brink of sex.