The Gatekeepers by Jen Lancaster

Gatekeepers is inspired by true events that took place in Jen Lancaster's hometown. Suicide is a major theme in this novel and it focus's on teenagers and the teenage life in particular the pressure to reach perfection, to succeed , to be #1 at all costs.

Academics and extra curricular activities are the way of life at North Shore High School. One must excel, get into the right college, get the best of the best job and do better then their already successful parents. 98% of North Shore kids to to college but they aim to make it 100%.

This book is 450 pages but it seems like fewer than 200 because you can't stop reading it! You have to KNOW what happens next. The story is told from multiple perspectives and is full of interesting characters, some might even remind you of those you went to High School with.

Simone is our main character and she has just arrived from London. She is the new girl at school and has no interest in being #1 at everything, she's unlike her North Shore peers and doesn't stress about academics. She's laid back, fun and enjoying her teen years.

She's taken back when a student commits suicide shortly after she starts attending school, the school's history of suicide's start to unfold and more students sadly take their lives.  It's tragic and dark but there is some sunshine in this as other characters bloom and find their peace.