[simpleazon-link asin=”1250064430″ locale=”us”]Romancing the Dark in the City of Light: A Novel[/simpleazon-link] by Ann Jacobus

My review: 4 of 5 stars

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light desperately needed a break in the sun and so did I while reading it. Dealing with teen depression, alcoholism, and suicide, this book reaches into some dark places. Summer Barnes, the main character, somehow manages to be likable despite her self-destructive patterns. She fights to stay ahead of her depression, but her issues prove to heavy to carry alone. Thankfully, she finds a true friend in Moony. He offers her love and hope, and Summer finds herself torn between what Moony offers and what the darker, more dangerous Kurt wants to give her. The author approaches these important subjects with cleverness and sensitivity without glossing over the pain and despair. Romancing the Dark in the City of Light is difficult to read without a pit in your stomach and a certain amount of dread. But as it does with Summer and Moony, hope carries the reader forward. I recommend this book to teens and adults who seek insight into the issues of teen depression and alcoholism. The author doesn’t just explore the problem, she offers weapons with which to fight.

Please note: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.