Review by INFJreader -- A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
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- Latest Review: A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
Review by INFJreader -- A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Bloody Book" by Chris Bowen.]
4 out of 4 stars
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A Bloody Book by Chris Bowens is a heartbreaking, hilarious, and relatable novel that will leave you in tears. Bowen writes with a gripping conviction that will have the audience laughing and crying through the entire book. I rated this book 4 out of 4 stars because it's a noteworthy message that communicates the importance of education in society for those in challenging circumstances. Behind the author's sardonic language, kids with troubled minds, and comical descriptions of characters-- there lies profound meaning in its themes.
A Bloody Book talks about a dejected 13 year-old living in dangerous conditions-- and a teacher who transforms his life from the inside out. The protagonist Maxx is a struggling teenager trying to battle his way through a dysfunctional family and a broken high-school system. His indifferent attitude curtails his potential for intellect. Later in the story, we learn that Maxx's father was an abusive alcoholic, his mom left for a divorce, and Maxx is the primary caretaker of his 2 year-old sister, Rosie. Maxx's apathy is the only way that he can cover up his pain. Circumstances are hardly better at school; Maxx is in a remedial class, known as the 'Reading Hell' for troublemakers and mentally-disabled kids. He isn't challenged or have any learning disorders, but his lack of motivation about school makes him careless about life in general. Teachers in the 'remedial reading' class are lackluster and irresponsible; they have essentially given up on these 'stupid kids' and come and go every year. However, one teacher, Mr. Foxx, is the ultimate savior-- he guides the students back to their love of learning and is able to spark a sense of hope in their lives.
The book is 'bloody' mostly in a metaphorical sense; it discloses that most of our scars are not seen with the outer eye, but rather felt with the heart. The emotional wounds and tireless fighting that Maxx showcased resembles that of a true warrior. As a young fictional hero, Maxx arises as an unlikely role-model for kids in school. His grit, resilience, and strength demonstrates that he's still got the fight in him even when times get hard. However, the actual 'bloodiness' in the title can also be attributed to Maxx being a victim of verbal-physical abuse from his father and derision from bullies and teachers. The author's background as a distinguished high-school teacher from the Los Angeles county area is clearly evident in his work. This is revealed through Bowen's excellent portrayals of the mockery, depression, and laughter of the teenage experience from the observations of an experienced teacher. Another element worthy of appraisal was the book's humor and Bowen's relatable approach to his narration. The author's use of slang and sarcastic diction in the way Maxx talks reminds me a lot of J.D. Salinger's iconic character Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye. It makes for an extremely fun read.
One element that can be improved upon in the book was that there were several critical cliff-hangers that left the reader wondering what happened. The ending was especially disappointing because we don't get to know the overall outcome of a heart-wrenching adolescence; I wonder how does life turn out for Maxx and Rosie? Did the confession and essay that Maxx wrote eventually reach Mr. Fox? Perhaps Bowen was trying to imitate the reality of Maxx's situation, where many of his questions in life also go unanswered.
Although the novel is mostly targeted at adolescences, I personally think that this book applies to an universal audience. Its recurring theme of childhood struggle, growth, and hardship provides for a common experience and is a surefire way to capture the hearts of all stakeholders in children's education. Overall, A Bloody Book was such a pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some hearty wisdom, a good laugh and to better understand children living in difficult environments.
******
A Bloody Book
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4 out of 4 stars
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A Bloody Book by Chris Bowens is a heartbreaking, hilarious, and relatable novel that will leave you in tears. Bowen writes with a gripping conviction that will have the audience laughing and crying through the entire book. I rated this book 4 out of 4 stars because it's a noteworthy message that communicates the importance of education in society for those in challenging circumstances. Behind the author's sardonic language, kids with troubled minds, and comical descriptions of characters-- there lies profound meaning in its themes.
A Bloody Book talks about a dejected 13 year-old living in dangerous conditions-- and a teacher who transforms his life from the inside out. The protagonist Maxx is a struggling teenager trying to battle his way through a dysfunctional family and a broken high-school system. His indifferent attitude curtails his potential for intellect. Later in the story, we learn that Maxx's father was an abusive alcoholic, his mom left for a divorce, and Maxx is the primary caretaker of his 2 year-old sister, Rosie. Maxx's apathy is the only way that he can cover up his pain. Circumstances are hardly better at school; Maxx is in a remedial class, known as the 'Reading Hell' for troublemakers and mentally-disabled kids. He isn't challenged or have any learning disorders, but his lack of motivation about school makes him careless about life in general. Teachers in the 'remedial reading' class are lackluster and irresponsible; they have essentially given up on these 'stupid kids' and come and go every year. However, one teacher, Mr. Foxx, is the ultimate savior-- he guides the students back to their love of learning and is able to spark a sense of hope in their lives.
The book is 'bloody' mostly in a metaphorical sense; it discloses that most of our scars are not seen with the outer eye, but rather felt with the heart. The emotional wounds and tireless fighting that Maxx showcased resembles that of a true warrior. As a young fictional hero, Maxx arises as an unlikely role-model for kids in school. His grit, resilience, and strength demonstrates that he's still got the fight in him even when times get hard. However, the actual 'bloodiness' in the title can also be attributed to Maxx being a victim of verbal-physical abuse from his father and derision from bullies and teachers. The author's background as a distinguished high-school teacher from the Los Angeles county area is clearly evident in his work. This is revealed through Bowen's excellent portrayals of the mockery, depression, and laughter of the teenage experience from the observations of an experienced teacher. Another element worthy of appraisal was the book's humor and Bowen's relatable approach to his narration. The author's use of slang and sarcastic diction in the way Maxx talks reminds me a lot of J.D. Salinger's iconic character Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye. It makes for an extremely fun read.
One element that can be improved upon in the book was that there were several critical cliff-hangers that left the reader wondering what happened. The ending was especially disappointing because we don't get to know the overall outcome of a heart-wrenching adolescence; I wonder how does life turn out for Maxx and Rosie? Did the confession and essay that Maxx wrote eventually reach Mr. Fox? Perhaps Bowen was trying to imitate the reality of Maxx's situation, where many of his questions in life also go unanswered.
Although the novel is mostly targeted at adolescences, I personally think that this book applies to an universal audience. Its recurring theme of childhood struggle, growth, and hardship provides for a common experience and is a surefire way to capture the hearts of all stakeholders in children's education. Overall, A Bloody Book was such a pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for some hearty wisdom, a good laugh and to better understand children living in difficult environments.
******
A Bloody Book
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like INFJreader's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: A Bloody Book by Chris Bowen
