Shelly's Book Blog

Laurie Halse Anderson's latest novel, Twisted, is not a book for children. She actually included a warning to that effect, which I thought was a little strange. However, this novel seems to address just about every serious issue there is, so perhaps the warning will serve to protect her and her publisher from the wrath of angry parents.

I'm exaggerating, of course, when I say "every serious issue," but there is some really heavy teen angst to wade through here. The main character, Tyler, is a high school senior who was recently arrested for spray painting at his school. Before the arrest he was pretty much a nobody, but afterward he seems to have been transformed into a "bad boy" -- someone just a little bit dangerous, and therefore attractive or threatening, depending on your point of view.

Tyler has to visit his probation officer periodically and has to do community service. He has many other problems, though, including a dysfuctional family life. Before she is through, Anderson manages to weave into her story alcoholism, abusive father-son relationships, bullying, depression, and suicide. This is a serious and sad book, but it is also extremely compelling -- the "I have to finish this book and then life can go on" variety. I recommend it highly, but I agree with the author in that it is not for kids.