I don't really know how to phrase how bad The Vast Fields of Ordinary was. Dade, the main character, was completely unlikable. He drowns in self-pity, wants recognition from people who don't like him, hangs out with the worst people and then complains when they ignore him or don't treat him well. When Fessica approaches him he treats her terribly, instead of simply telling her the truth about who he is or who he likes and is then surprised when she pushes him away. Cue more self-pitying from Dade. Then there's Alex, high school drop out and drug dealer. He's presented as some uber-hot and super sweet and awesome guy. Did I mention he's a drug dealer? Which brings me to the biggest issue I had with The Vast Fields of Ordinary: the drug use. It's presented as something completely cool and no one is bothered by it. Dade's mother tells him she doesn't mind as long as it's only from time to time. Everything is drinking and smoking like crazy and not once is it even subtly hinted that drugs are bad. This is completely unacceptable to me. Had I know this I wouldn't have picked up the book. I had high expectations for The Vast Fields of Ordinary but it completely let me down. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.