If you love angsty, emotional reads with characters who feel incredibly real, this one’s for you. "Collision Course" dives deep into grief, guilt, and healing through the eyes of Lucas, a high schooler suddenly facing life after a tragic accident. The relationship he builds with Sawyer - a new girl with her own secrets - is beautifully written and full of hope, making this a standout for fans of coming-of-age stories and those who appreciate journeys of self-discovery. Prepare for all the feels!

Who May Not Like This Book:

The story can be very heavy and intensely sad, with Lucas’s emotional turmoil and grief unpacked at length - sometimes repeatedly. Some readers found the prose a bit too drawn out, the pacing slow, and Lucas's inner monologue repetitive. If you prefer fast-moving plots, lighter themes, or don’t enjoy dwelling in emotional angst, this might not hit the right notes for you. And if you’re looking for another "Thoughtless," know that it’s a different kind of ride.

A powerful, heart-wrenching YA novel - raw and realistic, though sometimes overwhelmingly heavy. Best for those ready for an emotional journey and a good cry.

About:

Collision Course by S.C. Stephens follows the story of Lucas, a 17-year-old boy who is the lone survivor of a car accident that took the lives of his girlfriend and friends. The book delves into Lucas's struggles with survivor's guilt, grief, and the judgment of his small town community. The plot revolves around Lucas's friendship with Sawyer, a new student who believes in him and helps him navigate the challenges of returning to high school amidst rumors and whispers. The writing style of the book is emotionally charged, with a focus on exploring the characters' inner turmoil and growth over the course of the story.

Characters:

Lucas is portrayed as a deeply troubled yet relatable character, while Sawyer emerges as a supportive figure with her own hidden struggles, contributing to the emotional depth of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs an emotional and introspective first-person narrative style, immersing readers in the main character's feelings, though some find it verbose and occasionally repetitive.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Lucas, a high school senior grappling with survivor's guilt after a tragic car accident that killed his friends. His journey includes navigating rumors and forming a bond with Sawyer, who believes in his innocence.

Setting:

The setting is a small town in Oregon, where high school dynamics play a significant role in the protagonist's experiences and interactions.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow, emphasizing emotional introspection and character development, although some readers find it excessively drawn out.

Three months after that fateful night, when September came round, my external wounds had healed but my insides were still a mess. My mom told me repeatedly that I could enroll in another school; that ...

Notes:

The book deals with heavy subjects, including guilt and survivor's remorse after a tragic car accident.

Lucas, the main character, is only 17 and becomes the sole survivor after a crash that kills his girlfriend and best friends.

The story captures Lucas's return to high school, where he faces gossip and judgment from classmates and teachers.

A new student named Sawyer becomes a key support for Lucas, believing in his innocence and understanding his pain.

The narrative is told in the first person from Lucas's perspective, providing deep insight into his emotional struggles.

Lucas dreams about his deceased friends regularly, seeking comfort and connection in his grief.

The book focuses on themes of mistakes, responsibility, and self-discovery, making it a relatable read for young adults.

Some readers found the emotional depth of the book exhausting, while others appreciated its realistic portrayal of grief and healing.

Notably, the author, S.C. Stephens, is recognized for her ability to create real and relatable characters, although some readers criticized the pacing.

Collision Course features moments of levity, like Lucas's art teacher mistakenly calling him by a different name, providing slight relief from the heavy themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes heavy themes of grief, loss of friends, and survivor guilt which may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance between Lucas and Sawyer is a central theme, highlighting their bond amid tragedy.

From The Publisher:

Lucas had it all—popularity, a devoted girlfriend, a brotherly best friend, and a loving mother who would do anything for him. His life was right on course to be successful and fulfilling…until the crash changed everything.

Late at night, during a sudden downpour, three young lives are lost and Lucas, the lone survivor, is left to face the consequences. Surrounded by swirling gossip as to what really happened that fateful evening, Lucas now finds himself an outcast.

Shunned by former friends, condemned by the people of his small town, and riddled by his own guilt and self-hatred, he struggles to find hope, find peace, and maybe, even find love.

2010

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472 pages

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Collision Course

S.C. Stephens

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