Totally Free: Volume 2

This is a very well written book that tells what can really happen in high school. The book does get a bit hetic at times, but that is what high school is really like. Everytime you think you have it all right something goes wrong. I enjoyed that this book shows that. LOaurel truly wants to do the right thing and gets caught in the middle of every ones problems. I think this is a series that every girl should read. It shows you that even though can get crazy God is always there to even it all out.

Oh my gosh, Totally Free was so encouraging. Stephanie Perry Moore talked about forgiving and trusting God. She also talked about gambling and drugs, which are sins. You have to forgive those who hurt you. In Totally Free, Laurel learns how to forgive her friends for their actions. Trust in God in whatever you do. Reviewed by: Lauren OOSA's teen reviewer

Well into her senior year of high school, Laurel Shadrach thought she finally had her life in order. Her new boyfriend, strong Christian Foster McDowell, was everything her ex, pretentious jock Branson Price, was not. However, in TOTALLY FREE, the second book in Stephanie Perry Moore's series, Laurel finds the actions of those around her quickly diverting her from the straight path she had hoped to be on. As the book opens, Laurel is enjoying a Christmas phone call from Foster when she hears commotion downstairs. She is shocked to see her younger brother, Lance, lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Laurel quickly realizes that alcohol was the culprit. Lance had decided to sample everything from their grandfather's bar, and fell down on a broken glass. Laurel rushes him to the emergency room and hesitantly agrees to tell their parents a version of the story that will keep her brother out of trouble. However, as the book continues, Lance proceeds further down his destructive path of drinking. When Laurel realizes that he has also been spending thousands of dollars (which he does not even have) gambling on sporting events, she begins to recognize that she is actually harming her brother by continually covering for him. To make matters worse, Laurel's eclectic circle of friends continues to give her headaches and test her faith. Although she has forgiven best friend Brittany for her romance with Branson, their relationship continues to be strained. However, Laurel finds that she must be a constant source of support when Brittany receives devastating news. Then there's her confusing relationship with Branson. Although she finds a spiritual companion in Foster, there is still a lingering attraction to her ex-boyfriend that she must contend with. As she comforts him while he waits for the results of a life-altering test, Foster becomes increasingly jealous. However, a tragic accident brings everything to light --- Lance's drinking problem and Laurel's true feelings. With these events giving her a new perspective on life, Laurel finally realizes who she is truly meant to be with. Fans of Moore's fiction will greet TOTALLY FREE with much enthusiasm. From the first page to the last, it is chock full of the excitement that is a staple of her novels. By the same token, the book can seem at times a bit over the top. From car accidents to drinking binges, from AIDS scares to a school shooting, it perhaps packs in a bit too much drama, leaving the reader unable to focus on a single bigger issue. That said, TOTALLY FREE does a great job of addressing issues that other YA novels don't, such as a young teen's addiction to alcohol and gambling. All in all, it is an enjoyable read, with a surprise ending that will leave readers eager to get their hands on the next installment of the series. --- Reviewed by Jennifer Crosby

This book was good, but it was a bit hectic, as one of the previous reviewers mentioned. Alcoholism was the only problem that I felt like was addressed in any depth, but being at a point in my life where many of my friends are starting to drink it was good to see how Christians can help those that face this struggle. It was also a good reminder that drinking is a temptation like any other temptation, gambling, guys, lying, etc, and that we do all need each other and God to help us be free from those temptations. This book was definitely meant for a younger crowd, maybe junior high or early high school, but still had a message that spoke to me as a college student.

"Totally Free" is the second installment in the Laurel Shadrach series. The book covers the bulk of the remainder of her senior year of high school. Laurel is now dating Foster, a Christian guy. But Branson, her ex, will not leave her alone, especially since he regrets leaving her only to find out that he might have AIDS because his girlfriend has it. Laurel has a hard time trying to keep away from Branson and Foster catches the two of them in some rather compromising situations. Then there is Laurel's best friend Brittany, who is now a Christian and of whom is struggling with her faith. Plus Laurel's brothers seem to be at war, especially when one discovers alcohol and becomes an alcoholic--and then takes up gamblimg on the side. Laurel and her world have been torn apart again--especially after a tragic accident unfolds that leaves Laurel wondering if she still likes Branson. This book is a slightly weaker installment than the first one, but is still a worthy read. I also recommend this author's "Payton Skky" series.