Faithful

When Shelby and her best friend, Helene, are in a car accident, Shelby is the lucky one. Or so everyone tells her, since Helene is now in a coma. Shelby's guilt becomes all-encompassing, and she spends years in a dark place, wanting to self-harm and unable to leave her parents' basement. It's a very slow process, but eventually, Shelby heals enough to try a new life in New York City with a boy from high school. Caught in a state of arrested development because of her guilt and low self-esteem, Shelby ultimately learns to forgive herself and love again. Teens will love Shelby—her angst will feel real and honest, while her journey to absolve herself is understandable and sincere. Hoffman writes coming-of-age novels well, and her inclusion of a little bit of magic (or miracle, if you're a believer) fits the urban setting and Shelby's neuroses perfectly. While a tale of redemption, this slim title also tackles family relationships, first jobs, first loves, first apartments, and breakups. Readers who push through the sad opening chapters will cheer for Shelby as she rescues abused dogs and finds herself.