The books we read as adolescents can have a huge influence on our lives. We talk about the ones that matter to us and the evolution of the young adult novel over the years with Essence senior editor Patrik Henry Bass and S.E. Hinton, legendary author of such young adult classics as "The Outsiders," "Tex," and "Rumble Fish."

And we're asking you, What was the first book that changed your life? What book do you remember most from your youth? Let us know.

Head injuries among pro football players are much discussed. But a forum in Texas is looking at how much they affect younger sports players. The House Judiciary Committee is in the state today to host a forum on head injuries in high school and college football.

All this week we've been speaking to different groups affected by the debate over health care reform. Today we turn to young people. What we've been hearing – from those generally healthy enough to risk choosing whether or not to have coverage – is that they see it as a gamble. We've compiled a mix of voices from young people wondering if they really need health insurance... or can afford it.