Michelle Dennis Evans: Spiralling out of Control

Temptation, depression, seduction, betrayal … Not what Stephanie was expecting at fifteen years of age. Uprooted from her happy, all-girl high school life with a dream-filled future and thrown into an unfriendly co-ed school, Stephanie spirals into depression. When charismatic high school senior Jason notices her, Stephanie jumps feet first and willingly puts all her faith and trust in him, a boy she barely knows. Every choice she makes and turn she takes leads her toward a dangerous path.

Her best friend is never far away and ready to catch her … but will she push Tabbie too far away when she needs her most? This novel contains adult themes.

Recommended reading audiences 17+

Book Review of Spiralling Out of Control

by Lorilyn Roberts

Spiralling Out of Control is well-written, realistic, and scary. As the mother of a 15-year-old daughter, I would not want my daughter to read this book. While rated by the author for 15 and up, I would go with 17 and up. The content is for mature teens only. Sex, booze, drugs, rape, overdose, pimps, and illegal activity are dominant themes, with hints of Christian spirituality. As a Christian, I also struggled with the fact that there wasn’t the redemption that I hoped for at the end — but I suppose, when teens go so far down this path of destruction, they may not be able to be saved, though I know that you are never out of the reach of Jesus Christ.

If I had a teen whom I felt like I was on the brink of losing, this would be a book I would recommend, Christian or non-Christian. I don’t typically enjoy dark books, but if I were to recommend one, this would be it. I hope in the sequel that the author will work on the redemption for which the spiritual part of me longed. I would strongly recommend that a parent read this book before recommending it to their son or daughter. I believe the content can serve as a good starting point for a troubled teen who needs spiritual, emotional, and mental counseling and direction.

This book also reminded me of the importance of being involved in my daughters’ lives, praying for them, and being there for them. Spiralling Out of Control may serve as a wake-up call – our kids need parents who love and care for them all the time, day and night, whether it’s convenient or not. We need to be available to meet their needs, even when they think they don’t require our assistance.

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