My favorite YA books are written in the first person and feature heroes who are full of anger and rage that is mostly turned in on themselves. They act out alarmingly in defiance and misplaced fury, only to berate themselves and beat themselves up. Why? Why did I just do that? What is wrong with me? Getting Nowhere is a perfect example of this type of book.
Mark is determined to dislike his new stepmother even though she has shown him nothing but patience and kindness. His father and brother are mystified by his behavior, and even Mark himself contemplates why he behaves as he does. Mark also experiences some bullying at school. He is capable of showing love, and does so to a nighboring couple who are in the throes of illness. But he just can'r seem to show the same love and compassion to his own family, or even to himself. Why?
I enjoyed this book tremendously, and found Mark believable and "savable". There is not necessarily a "happy ending" but there is hope for one. I recommend this book especially for youths wo are struggling in school, social situations or family matters.
***1/2 Three and a half stars!
Mark is determined to dislike his new stepmother even though she has shown him nothing but patience and kindness. His father and brother are mystified by his behavior, and even Mark himself contemplates why he behaves as he does. Mark also experiences some bullying at school. He is capable of showing love, and does so to a nighboring couple who are in the throes of illness. But he just can'r seem to show the same love and compassion to his own family, or even to himself. Why?
I enjoyed this book tremendously, and found Mark believable and "savable". There is not necessarily a "happy ending" but there is hope for one. I recommend this book especially for youths wo are struggling in school, social situations or family matters.
***1/2 Three and a half stars!
