The Most Dangerous Place on Earth is a debut novel by Lindsey Lee Johnson that is amazing. Johnson captures what life is like in high school (the most dangerous place on earth truly) perfectly.
Johnson grew up in Marin County herself, and although this is not autobiographical, the setting is a place that she knows personally.
The focus of this novel is several characters: Molly Nicholls, a young teacher who wants to be a part of her students' lives; Callista, who in junior high wasn't sure how to deal with the advances of the school outcast and who continues to feel some guilt for his suicide; Abigail who has a relationship with a married teacher, and David who can't quite meet his parent's high expectations and takes desperate measures to ensure acceptance to a prestigious university. These stories come together, as the characters' lives and friendships overlap.
Johnson's writing is engaging and smart and her ability to weave together the various storylines is something I greatly enjoyed. I am anxious to read her next novel, which I have heard is already in progress.
2 comments:
I am hearing such good things about this book. I decided to use one of my Audible credits for it, so I've got it waiting in the wings to listen to soon. Good to know that it worked so very well for you. Can't wait!
Yes!! I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was complex in the telling and felt so real and a bit raw. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I felt too that she went well beyond stereotypes which took it to another level.
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