Before Carrie met Mr. Big, she was a small-town girl in high school who was ready to begin her life. But first she has to navigate her way through her senior year, bad boyfriends, ugly break-ups, and a best friend's betrayal. This coming of age novel shows how Carrie evolves into a strong, independent and insightful writer. We learn about her family background and early friendships and relationships that had a lasting influence on her life. Although teens that follow "Sex in the City" will love this book, it is a good stand alone novel as well. Drinking and sex are part of the party scenes in the 80's setting, but they are not overly graphic; however, I would save this book for students in high school.