Tricks by Ellen Hopkins Paperback

From different parts of the country, five teenagers, three girls and two guys, some rich and some poor, some from great families and some with no one at all, are all living their lives as best they can, yet searching for freedom, safety, community, family, and love. What they don't expect, however, is the profound impact of those powerful little words, "I love you," when said for all the wrong reasons.

Initially, the five moving stories remain separate, but they eventually interweave to tell a larger, more powerful story – a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. It's a story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

This brilliant achievement from New York Times best-selling author Ellen Hopkins, who has been called "the bestselling living poet in the country" by mediabistro.com, is a book that simultaneously turns you on and repels you, much like so much of life itself.

The narratives, though distinct, converge to explore the universal themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships. As the characters navigate the uncharted waters of adolescence, they confront their own insecurities, societal expectations, and the often-conflicting desires for independence and belonging.

Through the intertwined stories, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges preconceptions and encourages empathy. The author's masterful storytelling and poetic language weave a tapestry of experiences that both captivate and unsettle, mirroring the turbulent nature of the teenage years.

Tricks is a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the human condition, to give voice to the marginalized, and to inspire reflection on the choices we make and the paths we choose. It is a work that defies easy categorization, blending elements of contemporary fiction, coming-of-age narratives, and social commentary to create a truly unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

In the end, the stories leave an indelible mark on the reader, inviting deeper engagement with the complexities of love, identity, and the pursuit of self-acceptance – a universal journey that transcends the boundaries of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

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