I wasn't sure really how to rate this book. On one hand, it is pretty interesting- a violence that becomes uncontrollable so used for only good. And I think it characterized the teen culture we see on movies pretty well- a lot of kids doing things that they probably should wait until marriage to do. But on the other hand, well, that's also why I kind of felt like it was not a 4 star- it was almost too much like a tv show.
Alex has rage. She is known as the sister of the girl who was murdered. PK is the preacher's kid who comes from a great homelife of supportive and understanding parents (finally- we see some religious parents who are not bonkers, but good parents), and we meet Jack who despite having the two holes in all his clothes because he shops at Salvation Army seems to have everything from brains to brawn to a self-realization of whether or not he is acting like a jerk.
The trio begin to be friends, bringing Alex out of her "shell". There are strong issues in the book from drugged drinks, murder, to being in a small town and having everyone know everyone's business. And the rage that Alex feels and expresses is, well, just is in your face. This was a junior Library Guild choice, but it was definitely not a fluffy book. But not really as makes-you-think book like the Hate You Give or anything like that.
I'm not sure how to describe the book without making it sound like it's full of bloodshed and promiscuity. Because it's not. But it is. Let's just say, I would make this a New Adult book rather than a young adult book.