Bad Decisions Playlist, written by Michael Rubens, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Austin simply cannot get it together no matter how hard he tries. His judgment is as hazy as the smoke from the weed he regularly inhales. He literally will do anything if a girl is watching. This includes serenading a bunch of cheerleaders on an antique mandolin while standing in a canoe. It ends with the mandolin smashed over his head by the angry hockey player boyfriend of one of the cheerleaders. Austin dreams of being a musician but his stage fright sabotages every single one of his live performances. His dad died when he was little. This left his eighteen-year-old mom to raise him on her own. One day, Austin opens the front door to find famous rock musician Shane Tyler standing on his porch. The lies Austin's mom told about his dad's death unravel when Shane reveals he is Austin's dad. Austin soon learns he may have inherited more than his dad's musical talent. Unfortunately, Shane's judgment skills aren't any better than Austin's are. Shane takes Austin on a series of increasingly amped up adventures that frequently end in disaster. Shane forgot to mention he is a raging alcoholic who is also addicted to heroin. Austin is caught in the middle of Shane’s antics and his mom’s rising anger. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Austin is a loveable goofball whose poor choices make for a fun read. Despite the lighthearted subject matter, there are deeper life lessons embedded within this novel. Austin ultimately learns to accept himself for who he is, flaws and all. The novel is publisher recommended for middle school and high school students. Honestly, because of the frank references to underage drinking, drug use and sex the novel is better suited for high school aged https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com readers. Austin behaves badly. He screws up, a lot. He is also a survivor and a kind-hearted guy. Readers will laugh at Austin’s antics and maybe get some reassurance that their life isn’t so screwed up after all. This book deserves shelf space in a high school or public library’s young adult collection.