Torn by Amber Lehman
The first year of High School is tough enough with all the changes and challenges of education, but the new social environment can be confusing even for the most popular of kids. Krista was dealing with extra. Coming to a new school, in a new state, a dad out of the picture, a mom out of the country, living with her older brothers and then she ends up in Public School for the first time in her life. Having come straight from Catholic schooling, boys as friends was a new concept and being attracted to them was just plain scary, but being dared to kiss her new best friend Carrie, just left her confused about her own newly awakening feelings and desires. With no mother around to talk to, she confided in her gay friend, Brandon. Hoping that with his help she would be able to figure out her feelings and if her attractions for both boys and girls was real, but the help that she asks Brandon for could either give her the information she needs or make things even worse.
This book has so many elements and levels to it, it is difficult to decide which to focus on. As a love (teen love) story, it shows the teen angst, emotions and feelings that some high school students might really feel. It made me remember my own high school days (it was a different time). I wonder now if some of those “popular” kids had similar struggles with their own relationships and/or sexuality, like that portrayed here. As a parent, I can hope that the kids today (my kids included) will not have such struggles. That they can find the acceptance, protection and answers that they need, and that I can help to keep them from some of these types of experiences. It reminds me (as a parent) to have those conversations about drugs and violence (including rape and coercion), while being there as the ‘adult supervision’ that all kids that age still need - whether they like it, or think so.
There was a lot of characters in this book. I understand some of the decisions Krista made, and why, but I “felt” more for Brandon. His bad boy persona covered so much, and after all, he was just another screwed up teenager. I did enjoy the different take on the ever present high school social drama. Probably to serious, candid and explicit for a young adult (13 - 17 years old) reader, but a good coming of age story about young adults. (
)
This book has so many elements and levels to it, it is difficult to decide which to focus on. As a love (teen love) story, it shows the teen angst, emotions and feelings that some high school students might really feel. It made me remember my own high school days (it was a different time). I wonder now if some of those “popular” kids had similar struggles with their own relationships and/or sexuality, like that portrayed here. As a parent, I can hope that the kids today (my kids included) will not have such struggles. That they can find the acceptance, protection and answers that they need, and that I can help to keep them from some of these types of experiences. It reminds me (as a parent) to have those conversations about drugs and violence (including rape and coercion), while being there as the ‘adult supervision’ that all kids that age still need - whether they like it, or think so.
There was a lot of characters in this book. I understand some of the decisions Krista made, and why, but I “felt” more for Brandon. His bad boy persona covered so much, and after all, he was just another screwed up teenager. I did enjoy the different take on the ever present high school social drama. Probably to serious, candid and explicit for a young adult (13 - 17 years old) reader, but a good coming of age story about young adults. (
)
Nov 12, 2009 
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