The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp

Sutter Keely is a fun-loving eighteen-year-old in his final year of high school in Oklahoma City. His policy is to roll with whatever life sends his way, "embracing the weird" and living in the "spectacular now."

Living in the moment is normally a good thing, a zen kind of thing, right? Not the way Sutter does it. His method includes alcohol, starting as soon as he gets up in the morning. He hides from his emotions, shuns responsibility, and is unwilling to face consequences. Still, he's a very likeable guy; he's truthful and kind and always a clown.

With the best of intentions, Sutter takes on a personal project. After recognizing that a fellow student, Aimee, must gain confidence and break free from the stranglehold of her deadbeat family, Sutter decides to help her out. Both Aimee and Sutter undergo big changes in this funny, heartbreaking and tender coming-of-age story. I was sorry to leave these characters at the end of the book.