Can I just say, this is a pretty awesome author. I probably would have put it on 5 stars, but since I read Serpent King and absolutely loved it, this one had a very high bar. It was still great, though, so make sure the four star doesn't deter you.
First of all, I was skeptical- I, like many of you, probably would think that if someone chooses to text back a response while driving, he/she would be the party responsible. But not here. Instead, the boy who texted TO the driver was held responsible because he knew that the driver was driving. And the driver and his two friends died, thereby splitting up the four best friends forever. And the book delves into people's reactions to the sole survivor, and his own incomparable grief and guilt.
Now, on to the shelf this book is placed on- I got to hear/meet the author. I have to tell you, it makes the world of difference. Yes, legal culpability is real. Jeff Zentner is a lawyer. Bam. Also, he is one of the nicest, most honest and gracious authors I've met in a long time. It makes the book all the more interesting.
And for fans of Easter eggs out there- it has some good ones! Read his books in publication order so you can recognize them.