I chose to read this book as a break between a more difficult read. I was pretty sure it would be very fluid, and also easy to read. This is Ellen Hopkin's newest release and I have to say I was, again, not disappointed in the content.
This is about a boy named Matthew Turner, who through life had never gained that sense of faith. Faith in god, or faith in people, or even faith in love. His brother's suicide was a product of bullying and Matthew wants to blame everyone and can forgive no one, including himself.
This story covers everything from homosexuality to bullying to faith that there is a God who is taking care of us. At first I was pretty frustrated in Matthew for his lack of faith and his ideals of there not even possibly being a God. As our Author says in her Author's note in the book, "I kept coming back to the thought that being a teen should be about asking big questions rather than cutting yourself off from them. Not 'there can't possibly be.' but rather, 'what if there is?' Or even, 'what if it's completely different than anyone assumes?'" To me that says a lot about the Author, her thought process and ideas. That is the reason I love Ellen Hopkins. She does have the ability to make us feel, make us think, and make us understand. She wrote this a way for readers to see Matthew grow, to see him feel, think and understand. She wrote about Christianity and what it has become, and what it should not be, a courtroom full of judges.
Bullies in society today need to read a book like this, or really any book about bullies so they can see how their words effect those they push around, taunt and hurt. If only they were to switch shoes with the people they degrade every day. I don't care how young or old these bullies are, they have definitely not been taught the value of life, understanding or love of a fellow human being. And those parents should also be held accountable for the heartache their children cause others. Others will say 'Well they made a choice to take their own life.' Yes but you, the bully, drove them there.
The characters are always the best part of Hopkin's stories. I like to see them grow and learn and become who they are meant to become. I think her characters are always so beautifully created. They are flawed and have so many issues. I have to say my favorite character in this story is Alexa. I love her love of life, her straightforwardness, her honesty, and her ability to see through the drivel and nonsense. She is probably in my list of top five favorite characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves Her books. I think everyone should experience at least one book by this author. I really don't think anyone would be disappointed. I am rating this one a 4.5 stars.
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