Fishtailing

Amazon's Review:
Teen violence, bullying and the burning quest to fit in are presented in the poems of four unforgettable high school students: Natalie, Kyle, Tricia, Miguel. Their stories unfold in this explosive new book told in free verse. A story of teen angst like no other, it is based on fictional characters but is rooted in the realities of the teen experience.

When Natalie moves to a new high school she befriends three unwitting victims into her spider-web of manipulations, lies and deceit. Through the poetry and assignments of an English class we glimpse the world of the four teens. Natalie, whose alcoholic parents, years of neglect and ultimate rape by her father's friend has shaped her into a cruel and manipulative teen; Tricia, dealing with her blended family, is drawn into Natalies' forbidden world of partying and rebellion; Kyle, a would-be musician is in love with Tricia and Miguel who lusts for Natalie while hiding the secrets of his family.

The story weaves us through their poetry, their lives and culminates at a party where the four lives fishtail out of control. English class will never be the same.

Miss J's Review
If you are looking for a book to "rip out your soul," this is the book four you. When I bought the book, I didn't know how depressing the book was going to be, but I should have known because there is a razor blade right on the cover. I usually don't read poetry books that tell a story, but this book paints a haunting picture of peer pressure and life in high school. What was particularly chilling for me was the perpsectives of the teachers and guidance councellors KNOWING that something was wrong with their students, yet they didn't have any power to ultimately make a change. At first, I felt like the changing perspectives were a little confusing, but once you figure out who all of the four characters are, the book is enthralling. You won't be able to put it down, and you will definitely want to knock this one out in a night.

Disclaimer:  sexual sitations, violence, language, suicide

Stats:  200 pages