Shine by Lauren Myracle

Here's a tiny bit from the Ms. Myracle's website:  When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.
Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.

My Take

This book was amazing!  I had heard good things but even that left me unprepared for how moving this book was.  Both the story and the writing were fabulous.

Cat is courageous, smart and so loving.  Going against everyone she knows, she's determined to discover who committed the hate crime against her best friend Patrick.  She starts out naive but comes to discover there is no good versus evil.  Nothing in life is so black and white.  She went from clinging to the memories of her childhood to hopeful about her future. 

I read this book in just over one days time.  It pulled me in and kept me there.  I'm giving it 5 shiny kisses!!