Friends Unlikely

by Susan Smith Alvis

Five teenagers experience life struggles when they discover one of their own is HIV Positive, while coming to terms with another friend's Methamphetamine addiction. Through it all, they support one... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1934475122
• ISBN13: 9781934475126
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Amira Press
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

FRIENDS UNLIKELY follows the lives of five friends whose friendship is tested by several emotionally charged issues. Abbie, Davina, Carlos, Raj, and Juan have formed a friendship through the years and shared everything, or at least that's what Abbie always thought. During the course of the novel, the reader learns that even when friends think they share everything, they still have secrets too difficult to reveal. The emotional roller-coaster ride begins when Raj is diagnosed with HIV. He confesses to the group that he never dreamed the chance sexual encounter that took his virginity could also cost him his life. The friends find themselves learning as much as possible about HIV/AIDS to help Raj battle the odds against him in an attempt to live a long and healthy life. The stress of Raj's illness puts a strain on certain aspects of the group's friendship. Carlos's suspected drug use is revealed to be much more serious than the casual pot smoking he has admitted to over the years. When it becomes obvious that his addiction to crystal meth requires rehab, the friends' intervention gets him the treatment he needs. However, denial and the destructive power of the drug make recovery for Carlos doubtful. Author Susan Smith Alvis packs multiple teen-related issues into her 136 page book. The friends must deal with HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, drug abuse, and homosexuality as they struggle to hold their relationships together. Although I would have liked to see certain elements of the plot developed in more depth, the underlying message is a strong one, and both experienced and reluctant readers will find satisfaction in FRIENDS UNLIKELY. Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

A Fantastic Story!!

This is the best young adult story I have read in ages! I was captivated by Abbie's story right from the beginning and I could not put the book down. Susan Smith Alvis' story deals with many of the issues that today's teens must face while growing up. I was so engrossed in the characters and their lives that I laughed along with them, and even cried with them at times. I would definitely recommend this book to adult and teen readers alike!

A must read for teens

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/07) Abbie Davis is a 16-year-old young woman growing up in Sevierville, TN. Her father is an alcoholic. Her mother is lost in her codependency to her father. Abbie has four best friends whom she considers her real family. They come from different racial and religious backgrounds, yet they seem to blend well together. Juan is her best friend from third grade. His cousin Carlos, also one of her friends, has developed a severe addiction to meth. He appears to be in love with Davina. Davina is a spoiled daughter of a doctor. Abbie keeps her grounded and real. These childhood friends invite Raj into their circle when he moves to the area. They see themselves as misfits that somehow fit together. When one of them develops a sickness after having his first sexual encounter with a promiscuous girl, they start to worry about him. Coupled with that is Carlos's addiction to meth. At first, everyone thinks he is a pothead, but as his behavior worsens, they realize that he has deeper problems. Both friends need help badly. When Raj is diagnosed as HIV positive, their worlds are rocked. He ends up in the hospital and after an intervention, Carlos ends up in rehab. The second part of the story begins two years later. Raj is declining in health and Carlos seems to have resumed his addictive behavior. The friends all still stand by each other. Secrets are revealed and painful consequences have to be dealt with. As truths emerge, each person has to deal with the effects in their own way. In addition to this, Abbie still has to deal with the pain of being a child of an alcoholic. No matter what, the friends still stand by each other. "Friends Unlikely" is a great story that is a must read for all teenagers. It covers a variety of issues that teens will experience and need to be aware of. These issues include: addiction; consequences of unsafe sex; homosexuality; and the effects of being a child of an alcoholic parent. Susan Smith Alvis handles these topics with sensitivity and understanding. I feel that teens need to read this story, and reflect on the issues covered. I think that it might help them gain a better understanding of themselves and think more carefully about the potential consequences of dangerous behavior.