This is not a true story though the blurb claims it is. There are plenty of true accounts of the degradations of substance abuse out there. Teaching kids about drugs by passing on over-the-top lies as truth failed miserably in the 1980’s and 1990’s DARE program. Have we learned nothing? Why advertise this badly conceived fake diary and not even note that it is pure fiction? For every kid that this scares away from trying drugs, there will be several others who will sniff out the BS and start thinking that if adults must lie and manipulate them into avoiding drugs, maybe drugs really aren’t so bad after all. There are enough good and honest reasons to avoid abusing substances, and plenty of real first hand accounts—why lie about the topic?

This was a favorite book in my teen years, that definiteky warned me iff of drugs, and it still holds up as a great story. It was fun revisiting the late 60s and early 70s fashions, mood and slang. As far as whether this is a realistic depiction of drug use or the normal progress of addiction, I am pretty sure it is not, although there are plenty of drug addicts who live the way Alice ended up. This is certainly not a stiry for the faint of heart. Excelkent narration perfectly captures a teen girl's voice and emotional states. Excellent narration

When I was a teenager, I really enjoyed this book. But, in order to enjoy it as an adult, you really have to be able to look past the blatantly obvious sham that it is. It was written by Beatrice Sparks, a 54 year old Mormon Youth Pastor, not from a 15 year old girl's diary. It is a cautionary tale, filled with reefer- madness type drama where first time pot smokers are lured into seedy situations to "get their fix." It's definitely trashy fiction, but fun for a laugh, or nostalgia.

sort of messed up and too fast paced. also unrealistic

Wow, just wow!

My all time favorite book. real and emotional.

I’ve always heard about how good this was. I knew going into it she wasn’t alive anymore but still made me upset at the end. I truthfully wish there was more to it.

I'm so surprised that the bullies were so excepted.

Good listen...had me disappointed in a few areas about the character, but realizing it's fiction saved me

I feel as if every teen should read this!

I struggled with the storyline. This wasn't the book for me.

Good story.