They Said, ''You'll Never Amount to Anything'' Words Can Make or Break

In 1979, the motto at the small-town high school was ''sex, drugs, and rock and roll.''

Bonnie Beck is a 16-year-old girl who reflects on the horrific conditions of her childhood when forced to face her past. Because of her disciplined upbringing, she possesses an incredibly strong will coupled with vision and drive to succeed under any circumstance.

Bonnie's mother was 16 and pregnant. Bonnie's father was 18 and was ordered to marry her by his father because it was the ''right'' thing to do. Bonnie and her brothers pay a heavy price because of this union.

Bonnie's best friend, Carrie, is a ''Daddy's Girl'' and all that that implies.

Jake has gone from an All-American athlete to a rebellious motorcycle rider after the sudden death of his father and when his mother remarries shortly thereafter.

Bonnie's mother, Marilyn, flips when she sees her daughter with Jake. For Marilyn, it is like stepping back in time.

Terri Lynn's They Said, ''You'll Never Amount to Anything'' Words Can Make or Break is a powerful, coming-of-age story filled with insecurities and prejudices and addresses the consequences of choices that many teens and adults face today.