When I saw Barry Lyga's bulletin on MySpace about getting a copy of the ARC for his newest book, I jumped on it. And I jumped right in without reading any of the blurbs. Which I generally tend to do if a book grabs me in its first sentence. So by the time I realized where it was all headed, it was too late to stop or go back or put it down. Because it's a great story. And I give unending kudos to Barry for writing it. And I know there are going to be a lot of people who are going to be up in arms.

Josh Mendel attends South Brook High--a school familiar to anyone who's read Fanboy. Josh's High School life has been made up mostly of avoidance. Five years ago his life changed forever, and everyone knows, and he's sure everyone thinks of it every time they see him.

He walks the halls, he plays ball, but that's pretty much where school ends for him. It's pretty much where life ends for him.

At 12, Josh was ahead of his years. Mature, smart in a way most people couldn't understand--himself included, as it just seemed normal to him. When his gorgeous, and young, History teacher, saves him from a pinch one day when school closes due to an insane snow storm, that's it. The pivot point. But he doesn't know it yet.

Life at home hasn't been fun. He's not allowed to play video games, his parents have been arguing. So when Mrs. Sherman asks for Josh's help for a Grad School project, both he and his parents, or his mother at least, are relieved. Josh will have somewhere to be after school, his mother can work without guilt, his father can rest assured his son isn't spending too much time home alone.

At first, Josh spends his afternoons at school. Then at Mrs. Sherman's apartment. Eventually, he's usually eating dinner there.

He becomes an Xbox wizz. George, Mrs. Sherman's husband, comes home after days testing games, to watch Josh play. Eve, Mrs. Sherman, becomes his friend. She treats him like an adult, instead of a child. He figures it can't get any better.

And then she kisses him.

Here comes the up-in-arms part. This is a book about molestation. About a boy who had a relationship with his 24-year-old teacher. About a boy who, on his 13th birthday, went too far in the closet with his best friend Rachel, and could never bring himself to face her again, thus breaking up the four musketeers. And did I mention he thinks it's all his fault?

Even looking back, it's hard for Josh to figure out when things changed. It's all just one long mesh and merge. School, apartment, teacher, friend, video games, making out. The final progression. Indeed, Josh and Eve had plans for an outing, meant to take place just days after the whole ordeal comes to accidental light.

Josh doesn't want to talk. To his parents, to the cops. He promised never to tell, knows how much trouble Eve could get in. Even confronted with the names of boys Eve came on to in the High School, which prompted her transfer to his Middle School, Josh doesn't want to talk. To betray Eve.

But it all comes out. Legal pads full of his handwriting, detailing it all. Because he remembers everything.

School becomes a nightmare. Especially after Eve's testimony ends up on the internet. No names of course, but he knows they know. George makes a light night appearance in his backyard to pummel him. The 13-year-old.

So I suppose it's no surprise that for the next five years Josh wants as little do with people as possible. Wants only to get the hell out of town. Who wouldn't? I'm sure he'd get out of his own story if he could. Just like some readers may want to get out of his story. But will find themselves pulled in. Because it's that good. And it's that worth it.

After all, making it through, arriving at the other side, that's what it's all about.

This book is unputdownable. It is so well written from start to finish it just grabs you. I found this story to be the most shocking of all the books of this type that I have read. The front cover alone of the little boy holding his soft toy is enough to make you cry.

Joe had a protective loving father who he cherished and adored until one fateful day when a horrific accident claimed his father's life. From that day on Joe's life was never the same! He witnessed his father burning to death and from then on he became mute. His father, his protector was gone and Joe's life became one of abuse, physical, verbal and sexual!!

Joe's story is graphic, violent, abusive and certainly not for the faint hearted! His 'mother' was a monster who physically and verbally abused him all his life and then let others sexually abuse him so she could make money off him. She constantly threatened to kill him if he ever told but she knew her secrets were safe because Joe couldn't talk!

Joe was treated like an animal by his mother and brothers, being made to sit under the table and lick food from the floor which they would chuck to him often spitting on it or stamping it in to the ground!

I havent quite finished the book yet but am compelled to write a review now as it is an excellent though heartbreaking story! My heart goes out to Joe and all he has gone through. Congratulations Joe on writing your story and making a success of your life after all you have been put through by people who should have cared for you. You are a survivor and I wish you all the best.

Synopsis

Joe knew his mother was cruel and violent, but he trusted his beloved father to protect him from her. When a freak accident saw his father burn to death in front of him, Joe was left at the mercy of his mother. Without the love of his friend and brother, he wouldn't have survived. With them, he went on to spend his life fighting child abuse. Joe was just five years old and the horrific scene literally struck him dumb. He didn't speak for four and a half years, which meant he was unable to ask anyone for help as his life turned into a living hell. His schizophrenic mother and two of his older brothers spent the following years beating him, raping him and locking him in the cellar at the family home. Fed on scraps that he was forced to lick from the floor, he was sometimes left naked in the dark for three days without human contact. Unable to read or write, all Joe could do to communicate his suffering was draw pictures. The violence and sexual abuse grew in severity as more people, including his stepfather, were invited to use him in any way they chose.The only thing that saved Joe was the kindness of his elder brother and his only school friend, both of whom showed him that love was possible even in the darkest of situations.

At fourteen he finally found the courage to run away, hiding in a hut by a railway line, fed on scraps by some local children who found him. Joe's is the ultimate insider's story, casting light into the darkest of hidden worlds, and a truly inspirational account of how one small boy found the strength to overcome almost impossible odds and become a remarkable man. Now that he has found his voice again, Joe speaks out against child abuse and helps support and protect other children whose lives have been blighted by it.

http://www.crysilenttears.co.uk

When Dulcie's Father accidentally kills himself, it's a bit of a shock. When her mother decides to move them off to California, it's more than Dulcie is prepared to take. When she finds out her mother intends to get rid of her father's truck, she officially draws the line: she takes it and drives herself back to Connecticut.

Upon arrival, she meets not her grandfather, as expected, but a girl she's never seen before standing in the flowers. Roxanne, who now works for Dulcie's grandfather, knows exactly who Dulcie is, and that her grandfather has been expecting her.

The welcome isn't as warm as she had hoped. Turns out taking off and going cross-country as a teen worries your elders. But Frank does agree to let her stay. She even gets her old job back, though as punishment she will receive no pay for the summer. She also has to call her mother. This stipulation is easier to get around: she knows when her mother is going to be at work, and always makes sure to call when she won't be there.

Back at work as a janitor, Dulcie makes fast friends with Roxanne, whom Frank has somewhat adopted, as it seems she's not necessarily well taken care of at home. The night Dulcie drops by with her to get fresh clothes on their way to dinner with Dulcie's suprise-visiting mother, Dulcie finds out just how bad Roxanne's home life is. This harsh glimpse at events causes a flurry of actions on multiple fronts, which almost lead to disaster.

In the end, Dulcie, who's always known who she is, gains a greater understanding of relationships, friendships, love, and home. Roxanne, who's never had it great, adopts Dulcie's family. While perhaps no one's ended up quite where they expected, they all know they've found their place.

An excellent book, worth reading again (and again).

Benji sees the world in shades of angel and demon, which makes it, more often than not, a rather scary place. While his father may be less trouble than his mother, less abusive, less of a demon-magnet, in order to live with him Benji had to leave his personal angel, Lacie, behind.

Being in a new school suits him, though, as it's easier to disappear when no one knew you were there to begin with. Being labeled a freak is fine with him. As long as no one takes any notice. As long as no one tries to get close. As long as he can hide inside Dogboy.

But when Benji takes a liking to Rianna Moore, things get a little more complex. She isn't like them, but she travles with the in crowd. They don't really see her, but they certainly know she's there. Which makes Benji a bit less of a shadow. And his feelings make him a bit less dead. And wanting to be near her makes it all a bit less safe.

Eventually, the demons start to show themselves. It turns out they're everywhere, and when you've got your own too...well, they travel with you. No matter how much you might want to leave them behind.

But just because they can follow you, and get inside you, and affect you, doesn't make them you. And this is what Benji has to discover. This is the only real path out.

Of all of James' books, I liked this one the best. Most likely because every time he writes one, they just keep getting better. And while they all come with a bit of a harsh face, there is always a light shining through.

________

This is my review from MySpace and my Library website, which earned a comment from Brian, and is basically what started us talking. With Perfect World, James finally solidified his name in the minds of those who decide who's who in YA literature. In fact, our Library copy of the book walked off as soon as we put it out. At this point, it's mysteriously reappeared.

Benji's story really resonated with me. This is the a sort-of flip-side to Perfect World. Highly recommended.

My Story is a collection of the 3 books that make up the true story of Dave Pelzer's struggle to free himself from his abusive mother. At a young age Dave was told he was a bad boy, and was isolated from his family, given the name "it" and often subjected to horrendous acts of abuse by his mother. As he grows up he starts to realise that life shouldn't be the way it is, and saviour comes in the form of teachers at his school. Who start to document the bruises and scars on his body, finally getting the police involved resulting in david being fostered. Life is still hard but he manages to survive the abuse and ridicule, and having a family himself. A family that love him.

When i first read this book, i remember crying often. To read about such levels of abuse that a family member can bestow on a child was heartbreaking. But as the book went on i started to realise that he was going to survive this nightmare, and that maybe things would be how they were sposed to be. Someone would love this child and life would get better. To read this book and now that children are going through similiar things is hard, and i think reading this book makes you promise yourself that you will never allow anything so brutal to happen to someone you know. A heartbreaking story by a child who had the will to survive and live.

An intertwining tale of two magical and troubled lives, Ruby is a gripping mix of fantasy and reality.

Ruby has always been different. Not just because she hides things.

She sees things. She hears things. She knows things. Her father has always ignored it. But she knows it's real.

She moves across the country, to LA, to take a job as a nanny. She wants to be able to leave herself behind. An ex-boyfriend shows up at her employer's door. Some things are easier said than done.

She leave LA and travels to England. Here the magic is stronger than ever. In the midst of what feels like only lies, she finds a family, her dream, and even herself. What started as a good cover story turns into a reality, freeing her from life-long demons.

_____

Francesca Lia Block is my all-time favorite author. After discovering her when a friend recommended I read Violet & Claire, I went out and bought all the rest of her books. I'm always excited when I see she's written a new one. Ruby almost passed me by, but our Teen Librarian brought it to my attention.

I really enjoyed Ruby's story. It's slightly more reality than fantasy, as compared with Block's other works, but it still had that same mystical feel. Any book-lover should love Block. Her style is compelling and one-of-a-kind. Aside from her erotic works, which I haven't read, I highly recommend everything she's written.

Charlie doesn't know life outside of his basement. Sure, he goes out at night to drink from the faucet, and sneak food from the kitchen. And he always makes sure that he keeps the door open as he goes to the bathroom outside so it doesn't close and lock him out. But he deserves it all. Because he's a bad kid. That's what his father says. And his father is always right. Even his mother knows that. She always does what his father says, too. But it's all okay, because soon, it will all be over. His punishment will be over, and everything will be like it used to be. Charlie will be living upstairs with his family. No basment, and no spider to get him. All he has to do is wait, and his punishment will be over.

But one night, everything goes wrong. The door closes while he goes outside to go to the bathroom. And he's locked out. His father wouldn't be happy if he finds out. Charlie had been bad again. He left the faucet running in the kitchen, and he peed all over the porch. And now he's outside. The outside is bad. There's danger out there. Charlie tries to get back inside, but ends up falling asleep by the side of the road. Soon, someone finds him, and he's sent to a hospital. Everything is strange here. And that spider seems to be everywhere. It scares Charlie. She growls at him "lhmm-ma-ihmmmmm!" Why won't she just go away?

Now, Charlie has to learn about how life works on the outside. The doctors are telling him that his father can't hurt him anymore and that there'll be no more basements. No more basements? But Charlie doesn't mind the basement. Because there he has a chance to make everything right. All of this stuff is nice, the clothes, the food, the bed. But it's all bad. He's not supposed to have any of that stuff. That's what his father told him. Why can't he just go back home? Then everything will be better. Because his mother and father love him. They'll be happy he's back. He just knows it.

The Boy From the Basement is riveting. I got hooked straight from the beginning, and was crying by the third chapter. It's definatley a page-turner, reading and waiting for Charlie to make it through everything. He seems like the sweetest kid in the world, and you automatically become attatched to him. This is definately in my top 5 favorite books. It's very moving and I can finally say that I've read a whole book in one day.

I've been an avid Block fan since a friend had me read Violet & Claire in 2001, after which I went out and bought all the books on the shelf at Barnes & Noble. Hanged Man has always been one of my favorites. It's always struck me as odd, as it's one of the touchier subjects, centering around molestation and repressed memories, but I suppose I felt I could identify, and her writing is just incredible.

As per usual with FLB books, her style is unique. Reality meats fantasy, poetry meets prose.

Laurel's father has died, and she and her mother spend their days floating around one another, like ships anchored just out of reach, or at sea always passing but never meeting. The AIDS scare has begun, and Laurel worries for her friends and their wild lifestyles. Though constantly urged otherwise, she doesn't eat. A man has been going around the valley breaking into women's rooms, and Laurel can't sleep, though her room is in a tower.

Phantasmic Jack haunts her dreams, appears at random at parties, on the streets. It's he who eventually helps her to break free of her internal bars, to let go of everything held inside. Only after this point can she and her mother then confront what's been between them for so long.

Laurel's emotional journey will likely resonate with many, even if they can't relate to her specific circumstances. The language alone makes it worth the read. I have a handful of favorite authors, but I've still yet to find anyone who can out-style Francesca Lia Block.

I first read this book years ago, made a CD ought of the second side of Charlie's tape, and sent it off to all my friends, most of whom had also read and loved the book. It came up in a Library Conference not long afterward, and left me wanting to maim a room full of Young Adult librarians, who viewed the story as nothing more than everything but the kitchen sink. I found this appalling, as they all worked with teens, and here was a book that spoke to so many of them, on top of which it had quickly earned itself a spot amongst my favorites! But regardless of what my parental unit thinks, I do have some tact, and since I figured I was either going to scream or say nothing, I said nothing, much to the amusement of my co-worker, who attended the same discussion and knew I was seething.

I'll admit Charlie is not your stereotypical High School kid. But that's kind of the point. And the bigger point might be, maybe none of them are quite the stereotypical kid you think they are. But Charlie, yes, he's more different than most. Quiet, overly contemplative, and socially unaware, he pretty much keeps to himself until he happens upon Sam and Patrick. After meeting them, he begins to see how nice it can be to have friends, and makes more of an effort to "participate" as his English teacher has advised him to do.

But for the most part, he's still Charlie, and he spends most of his time in a book or in his head. He tries to get outside of himself, but as most people don't understand him, his efforts generally don't take him very far. Indeed, things have to go horribly awry before Charlie realizes that for all his efforts, he's still not being true to himself, or to those he cares about. And this realization leads to an even larger, and more troubling conclusion about his formative years, which he'd rather not have made, but the knowing will at least eventually free him to move forward and truly live his life.

Hal and his family go to their beach house every summer. This year, they're going again, but this time everything is different. Charley, Hal's older sister was put into a coma there last year. Hal found her motionless on the shore. And now she's in a hospital bed, alive but dead.

Everyone just assumes that she was surfing, fell, and hit her head on a rock. But now Hal has a feeling that there's more to it. Charley calls to him, tells him to remember. It's almost like she's become a part of him. Now it's up to him to find out what happened. Why was she so distant last year? Who was she always with? Was it really an accident or did someone do this to her? How will he find out?

Waves is an amazing book. It's filled with suspense, mystery, and a sea full of emotions. While in some mystery books the ending becomes predictable, this one always keeps you guessing. Although, while reading it I wouldn't categorize it as a mystery. It's a teen drama. With love, fear, everything. And it's incredible and mind boggling. I'd recomend it to any teenager. Especially those who don't mind a little wierdness in their books.