Notes

Smashed tackles gritty teenage issues such as alcohol, physical and sexual abuse, and anger. But author Mandy Hager delivers it with a sense of humour and great sensitivity. It is a thoughtful, pacy read -- one that is hard to put down. Smashed tells the story of three teenage friends, and how their friendship, loyalties and values are thrown into confusion when the main character's younger sister is raped by one of his best friends. His reaction sets in motion a ripple effect , which culminates in a violent act of revenge upon the rapist. Has our hero done this? As he finds himself deep in trouble and confused about the truth, he is forced to the vital question: are we really just puppets controlled by our genes, or do we have the free will to rewrite our own destiny? It's a cautionary tale of growing up -- of the huge and complex challenges today's young people face in their lives. Told with humour and compassion it is also, ultimately, a story of courage, love and redemption. DARE plan to use this novel in some of their education programmes.