Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Synopsis taken from Barnes and Noble

High school senior Tyler Miller used to be the guy who faded into the background—average student, average looks, average dysfunctional family. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it—he stands out like you wouldn't believe. His new physique attracts the attention of queen bee Bethany Milbury, who just happens to be his father's boss's daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy...and his secret crush. This sets off a string of events that have Tyler questioning his place in the school, in his family, and in the world.

Was it Worth My Time?

First, let me start by saying that I am not a big fan of "dark" books (by dark I mean the books that make me glad that I grew up in such a sheltered town with not much to worry about but if I had a new outfit to wear for school pictures).  Twisted was book that I wanted to finish if only to hope that it had a happy ending. That does not mean that I didn't want to quit many times over.   This book made me stressed (not something that I really like to be as I read) throughout most of the book.

Anderson fantastically protrays a life of a teenage boy, Tyler Miller, who is battling his new pesona as a "bad" boy, his father's emotionally abusive behavior, and his thoughts of suicide.  It tackles hard topics that many teenagers face to some extent. Like her novel Speak, this is a book that makes the reader feel the emotions of the characters - depressed, sad, angry.  If you are into that kind of stuff (I am not), you'll love the book.