(1/16/2012)
I bought the movie tie in edition at a second hand store so I didn't realize it is more of a young adult genre but I needed something to read on the plane. I'm a little troubled by the depiction of teen pregnancy, that strangers will open their homes and take care of you, ect.
Also some of the details were unbelievable almost ridiculous. Not too many ponds, barns (burnt out or otherwise) or mosquitos in the NM desert that I've ever noticed. You can't skip out on motel bills, they make you pay in advance and show ID, for at least my entire adult life, I'm 50. Pushers and bennies- was this written in the 1950's? You don't "gobble" 8 balls. An 8 ball isn't a pill its several hundred dollars worth of cocaine, yes even in the 1980's.
Reading the other reviews I'm shocked some teachers posted they are using this in school. I'm no prude but this is not what I consider quality literature. Stick with Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.