Genre: Dark Modern Realistic Fiction (rape, bullying, substance abuse)
Subjects: Young Adult fiction - high school, family life, social issues, alcohol, drugs, date rape
Audience: 16 & up
Keir is a good guy. He has a good father so he must be a good guy. He's a good friend, brother, and he's trustworthy and loyal so he's a good guy. He can't be a monster and he could not have raped his childhood friend Gigi because he's a good guy. As Keir begins to tell his side of the story, the reader becomes aware that he has a major character flaw - he truly thinks he's a good guy and nothing is his fault. He is is not as innocent as he would have you believe. He drinks, uses drugs, vandalizes public property, and does not have a realistic view of his family problems. The reader comes to the conclusion that Keir is the monster that Gigi says he is, although perhaps not intentionally and he is capable of redeeming himself. Gigi however is forever scarred. Lynch brings to the light the activities in which "popular students" are often engaged and encourages the reader to think about if being popular excuses bad behavior and substance abuse.
Awards:
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth (Older Readers Category), 2005
National Book Awards Finalist for Young Peoples Literature, 2005
School Library Journal's Best Books, 2005
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2006
Teaching Resources:
No comments:
Post a Comment