What if James Patterson's new book had his name printed in large font on his book cover (oh, wait he already does this) and a ONE sentence summary of the plot on the book jacket? As far as fame is concerned, Laurie Halse Anderson is the James Patterson in the field of young adult literature and here follows the bookflap's summary: "Everybody told me to be a man. Nobody told me how." Ok, technically it's two sentences (just insert the word "but" and it's one). When helping teens find books, they usually ask "So, what's it about?" What if I hadn't read this book? *dripping with sarcasm* Well, I could open it's cover and tell them "Er, it's about this guy who is having trouble uh, growing up and dealing with issues?" Yup, I can envision a raised eyebrow and a tilt of the head followed by the same query filled with attitude "Sooooooo, what's it about?" Though this singular sentence may be enticing to certain moods, the majority of readers will desire more explanations. In Anderson's previous 4 Young Adult novels, I've admired her mad skillz at developing her burdened female protagonists, so I was excited to begin Twisted, despite my mentioned revulsion, to see how she fairs narrating the male gender.

"How did I end up with hardcore stuff like a judge, trial, and probation officer? Look up the laws about property damage." Having spent his summer atoning for spray painting school property, Tyler Miller is starting his last year of HS labeled a "bad boy." It's difficult to believe that this deliquent struggling with AP English could construct such a well developed sentence. The rest of his senior year's schedule includes: surviving the rest of his hellish AP classes; pleasing an over-demanding father; frequently defying a rarely punished school bully; ascertaining his status with his crush, Bethany. Add being the #1 suspect in an internet pornography case to the list and you wonder how much crap Tyler can handle (as well as how many more subplots Anderson will unload) before he cracks. Anderson delivers these circumstances, which at times seem unbelievably interconnected, to ultimately raise awareness about teen suicide. See her website for resources.

I've debated over posting this very short review since I don't discuss my foul disposition towards the portrayal of Tyler. I have to apologize that I allowed my boredom with my second paragraph get the better of me, but at least you have a bit more info than a one sentence summary.