Shine

Shine is a contemporary novel by Lauren Myracle, dealing with hate crimes against the LGBT community in a small town.

Teaser
"When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.

Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author."

Content and Trigger Warnings
Shine deals closely with a gruesome hate crime against a gay boy; the depiction of the crime is fairly graphic. The novel also discusses the use of illegal drugs (meth).

Awards and Honors
Shine was the 2012 recipient of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award.