Author Marieke Nijkamp known for THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS, a book about a school shooting, has a newly released novel with a scenario similar to the current pandemic. With some unique twists on real life, Nijkamp will have readers cringing as they compare personal experience with her vision of how a group of teens may have lived and died during these unsettling times.
In the backwoods of Arkansas, in a juvenile detention facility known as Hope Juvenile Dentention Center, a group of 30+ teens are left to fend for themselves. Cut off from outside information, the teens are not aware that a disease much like the plague is raging out of control in the world. The first they become aware is when the warden and counselors leave them behind with the guards. When the guards follow closely on their heels, the teens realize they are on their own.
The teens are at the center for a variety of infractions. From stealing, arson, and even suspected murder, these teens are a tough bunch. Hunter, one of the toughest, decides to leave the center inviting anyone who doesn't want to die to come along. Not quite half the group decides to follow Hunter. The remaining teens stay behind and begin to take inventory of their supplies as they hope to avoid the plague and survive.
When multiple attempts to contact loved ones and even the management of the center fail to bring any outside help, the teens take on the jobs necessary to keep the place running. Eventually, supplies begin to run out requiring several teens to brave a trip to a tiny, local community to seek aid. This results in a situation that could either benefit them or end their attempts at survival.
As one of the first pandemic related YA books I've read, I found it entertaining, breath-taking, and poignant. If you are not too stressed about our current world condition, you might want to give this one a try.
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