On My Honor is a powerful, emotionally charged book. The issues of guilt, lying, dealing with death, peer pressure and having to live with one's choices are all painted with a subtle stroke, clearly and realistically, without direct statements. The theme of a young boy drowning and his friend having to live with the death and his own part in it, is heart wrenching and the book well written enough that the reader feels every tug on the heart strings.
The 'blips' of language and the teen who did not report the drowning for fear his girlfriend would get in trouble for calling in sick at work, were sour spots. But the real spoiler was the utter lack of hope, since no one, according to the book, knows what happens after death.
Nonetheless, On My Honor has its place, and there are some teens and young adults who would benefit from reading it. It packs a thought-provoking punch for any who have felt the influence of peer pressure, hopefully causing them to consider the possible consequences of succumbing to its negative pulls. I would proceed cautiously, though, considering my child's maturity level and sensitivity and would certainly discuss the contrast between Joel's father's wishful thinking and the certain hope we have in Christ.