Truth & Dare: Love, Life and Falling on Your Face (Mammoth Books) [Kindle Edition]

This collection of works has been very well thought out and put together thoughtfully. Liz Miles' (editor) introduction and contribution to the anthology are dissimilar to anything I've really read before. Her introduction reads like someone speaking aloud and made me sure that I would enjoy most if not all of this anthology I was to read. Her short story conveyed through a social networking site, Twitter, is unlike anything I have ever seen published before. It made me empathize with the characters that much more as they appeared in a social type context that I may read or take part in myself whilst using social networking sites.

The anthology contains the works of Matthue Roth, Sarah Rees Brennan, Michael Lowenthal, Jennifer R. Hubbard, Sherry Shahan, Saundra Mitchell, Heidi R. Kling, Courtney Gillette, Gary Soto, Jennifer Knight, Shelley Stoehr, Jill Wolfson, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Liz Miles, Ellen Wittlinger, Luisa Plaja, Cecil Castellucci, Emma Donoghue, Sara Wilkinson and A.M Holmes. All of the authors listed above have written amazing, intense stories that drew me in and didn't want to end. My favourite stories within this anthology include Jennifer Knights "Abstinence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder" a simple story about a girl who loves a boy who she believes is too good for her. Her deep embarrassment is amusing to read about but is also incredibly relatable to the real life of a teenager. Luisa Plaja's "Cool Cats and Melted Kisses" is another one of my favourites in this anthology. The explanation of supposed abandonment that the protagonist is feeling is exceptionally insightful and a poignant tale of first loves and family.

Stories written for teenagers are usually written for girls about girls. The number of stories in this anthology with a male leading role is a refreshing change to the teen fiction genre. Emma Donaghue's "Team Men" shows the turbulent life teenage boys may lead. Growing up and having opposing views to their parents, this is a moving tale of a boys life. This collection is exceptionally well thought out both by the editor and the individual contributors. I will be looking out for more publications from everyone who has written stories within this anthology.

This anthology covers many different areas within the teen fiction genre, sometimes dealing with subjects that may be hard for teenagers to talk about. It is also an innovative anthology which I hope may inspire many more moving and diverse teenage fiction collections and books. I believe that this is a must-read for older teens of both genders.

'Girl Jesus on the InBound Subway' is an intriguing and captivating read in a particularly effective diary style entry into the explicit thoughts and feelings of teenagers today.
'The young Stalkers Handbook' Hilarious, I felt like i have a genuine relationship with the characters! And often found comparisons with them to myself and my friends. A charming read and a light and entertaining look on a typical teenage obsession.
'Lost in Translution' Simply beautiful a explicit take on teenage love. I cannot praise its depth and statement enough, its a real reality check.
'Confessions of Chocolate Brains' I only wish this story was longer as we cannot explore the characters fully and their relationships as fully as in the other stories. In this respect it lacked a certain substance to the story, i became bored with its one tailed approach.
'Iris & Jim' Touching, Haunting and possibly my favourite of the stories for these reasons. I was moved by the story and captivated by the characters and their lives. You cant help but feel emotional reading this story. This story will stand the test of time as one of the most memorable and touching of all the stories.
'The last Will and Testament of Evan Todd' My first impressions were positive of the unique style but however this was worn by the effort it took to read and pay attention to the somewhat needless additional detail.
'Headgear girl' Charming. However, the story took too long to unveil and therefore lost my interest.
'Never have i ever' I enjoyed this story, i felt i had built a genuine relationship with the characters and only wished the story was longer.
'Abstinece makes the heart grow fonder' Is simply every teenagers dream and reality combined, of which seams impossible is achieved in this story. A lovely read.
'Somebodys Daughter' Haunting and emotional, this story stays with you long after you turn the last page. Such interesting individual personalities and stories.
'Scrambeled eggs' Confusing, for someone who isn't familiar with twitter but to any 'typicol ' teenager this would be a very controversial and hard hitting read.
'Rules for Love and Death' Thought provoking and hard hitting, a brilliant story from two characters who i can definitely reflect in my friends.
'Yours truly' Arguably one of my favourite stories for the same reason i like 'Iris & Jim'. This story, is so powerful. Its difficult not to be emotionally effected by this unique and striking read.