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[Following is a volunteer review of "A Bloody Book" by Chris Bowen.]

When I first found A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen, I thought what was I going to get myself into? Was it going to be really gruesome and violent? As I started reading the book, I found that was not the case at all. It actually turned out to be an outstanding read, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially young adults.

A Bloody Book was about two characters in particular, Mr. Foxx, who is a substitute teacher for a class they call “reading hell” which is equivalent to remedial language arts, and Maxx, a thirteen-year-old boy, who is in this “reading hell” class. This class is made up of the uneducated kids that nobody wants to teach anymore. The ones that have no care for the world around them. The ones they call poor, stupid, and trouble makers. Mr. Foxx takes on an incredible roll to get them to understand they are not stupid and that they can get those A’s just like all the other “smart kids.” The book actually turns out to be an assignment that Mr. Foxx asks the kids to write, and this was Maxx’s completed assignment.

I loved the detail Maxx goes into about his life and his perception from when he was younger. It starts out with all his hopes and dreams for the future while in kindergarten. Then it turns to the struggles he faced with his dad who was a drug and alcohol abuser, and his mom, who up and left Maxx to care for his two-year-old sister by himself. He also makes references of domestic violence in his household as well. His life story was a roller coaster ride for sure.

I have to say, I loved this book! It was a quick and easy read. It made me laugh out loud at times, and cry at other times. I am sure there are tons of children in this world that go through the same everyday struggles as Maxx. Unfortunately, we never know it or pay attention to it. This book was about overcoming fear and anger and realizing the potential Maxx actually has.

I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars because of the overall story that was told. I believe the way the grammar and the paragraphs not being properly written was to give you the idea of reading it from an actual thirteen-year-old. In the end it was not full of blood and gore. This book is not for someone looking for something happy and lighthearted to read.

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A Bloody Book
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This does sound like a great book to have in perhaps a freshman English class - something contemporary that will resonate more with kids than Catcher in the Rye, but also dealing with some of the same themes.

esp1975 wrote: ↑28 Jul 2019, 12:34 This does sound like a great book to have in perhaps a freshman English class - something contemporary that will resonate more with kids than Catcher in the Rye, but also dealing with some of the same themes.

I also did a review of this book and mentioned Catcher in the Rye. I also mentioned that I wished that the language was less profane because it would be a great addition to a high school English class. I guess it is true that great minds think alike. I am glad you both enjoyed the book.

This sounds like such an important story. “Troublemaker” kids get overlooked or given up on too often in schools. Thanks for the review and recommendation! I’ll put this one on my TBR.

The cover of the book doesn't look like what the book's about. The premise is really great. Thanks for your review, Suppafreak98.