Outta Here

by Lea Beddia

Outta Here is the story of a lively and imaginative small-town teen living with a mom whose pain medication has led to addiction, leaving little money for basics -- like food. Elise’s best friend and her sympathetic teachers offer what help they can, but there’s only so much they can do. Elise’s situation suddenly turns dangerous when her mother invites a fellow addict into their lives. Elise has to find a way to get out – to get to college, pay for her education, and deal with her mother’s lifestyle. Lea Beddia has written an authentic, hard-hitting novel which captures a reality faced by many teens whose families experience the epidemic of opioid addiction. Elise's story highlights life choices a teen can face, and the overwhelming feelings that can come if those choices have to be made with little support from family or community. 

Genres: Young Adult

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Maureen Marovitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Élise is in her last year of high school, dreaming of leaving her small town to move to the big city of Montreal to start college with her best friend. But her fragile dream is at risk: money is tight, made worse by her mother's growing dependence on painkillers. Things get worse when her mother invites a threatening drug dealer to move into their home. Élise tries to hide the dangerous situation from her friend and teachers, but as things grow more dire, Élise is faced with tough choices if she hopes to realize her dreams. This is a tense, fast read about a smart, talented teenager faced with the heartbreaking adult situation of opioid addiction. The reality will sadly hit close to home for a growing number of young adult readers - but this engaging book offers hope and a way out. Strongly recommended.

[Mo the Lawyer✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Young Adult Fiction (recommended for ages 14-18). **SPOILER ALERT** Please be advised of the trigger warning for child neglect/abuse, animal cruelty and substance abuse/withdrawal. There is some profanity here and there which is completely understandable given the heavy subject matter.

I generally don’t read a lot of YA books, but do sometimes read ones that address challenging and often controversial subject matter. It is interesting to see how the author delivers highly sensitive and potentially triggering messages to a younger audience. Because I have my own tween and teen, I like to preview books that could be impactful reads for them.

A young teenage girl has dreams of attending college, but she is torn between chasing her dreams and taking care of her mother who has become addicted to opioids after a serious car accident. This book is not very lengthy but is a fast-paced, eye-opening emotional roller coaster ride for compassionate or empathetic readers, particularly at the end of the book.

I commend the author for tackling the very relevant issue of children living with opioid addicts.

[Grets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good. I read it today in one sitting because it’s short and face paced. I was hooked with the teenage casual writing and the heartbreaking story being told. I cried multiple times, and I felt so sad about Ferry. Fuck you Rich. Elise is so strong, and I’m so glad she had people in her life to support her, like Lily and lily’s mom. My heart aches for people in situations like this because they are real and happening. I can’t imagine how difficult and terrifying it would be. Overall, I really loved this book, so sad, so raw, so quick. You don’t need a lot to tell an important story.

[Haley Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Élise is in her 11th year of school and struggling to get by every day. Everyone knows her mom was in a car accident last year. What they don't know is that she has become addicted to pain killers. Follow Élise through this story on navigating her school, friendships and struggles at home.

This story is extremely powerful. Not every kid dealing with these issues are as lucky as Élise is. It's a very fast paced story that will grip at your heart and have you rooting for her.

[Rebecca Plaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick moving plot of girl in dangerous point in life- wanting to make plans for post-high school but mom, dependent on pain meds, wants her to stay around. Mom spirals to addiction and Elise's life is in danger.

[ash🐞 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that goes into some heavy topics such addiction and neglect. Not sure why there are only 7 other ratings. I really enjoyed reading this and it deserves more popularity.

[Jennifer Ribby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, fast read that people should read. It might trigger people, but this book is very realistic and the events in the book happen to people daily.

[Gianna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beutiful