Twisted

Book Review

Anderson, Laurie Halse, Penguin Group, 2008, ISBN 9780142411

Twisted is simply awesome.  Tyler Miller a teenager from a family with economic stability attends a local public high school.  Tyler has a reputation of being seen but not seen as important among his peers. Tyler's reputation changes after he commits the act of creating graffiti on school property and is arrested, and sentenced to a rough community service project that not only builds his character but his statue as well.   Now Tyler has a new look, a new reputation and a new admirer that had never given him the much wanted attention before.  Tyler participates in a uncertain situation when he returns the attention to his admirer Bethany who is also the daughter of her fathers boss and the sister of one of biggest bullies in Tyler's world.  Tyler is a teen that is face with life head on holding nothing back and taking him to thoughts of wanting to escape by death.  Anderson did an impeccable job of bring this novel to life.  Tyler's character makes the reader feel all of his experiences, Anderson allows Tyler to express his thoughts with improper grammar and swearing.  Anderson revealed real life issues that teens may experience peer pressure, bullying, getting trouble, sex, drinking, family trouble, identity, honesty, emotions, death, running away, and maturing.  Tyler's turn point was well presented  when stated " I'm not the problem here " Anderson's introduces another side of Tyler with this statement that keeps the  reader wanting to read more.  This book is good for young adults as well as mature high school students.

Discussion questions
1.  What  led Tyler to his insecurities before he was arrested? And what could he have done to prevent this?

2. What part did Tyler's family play in his identiy ?

3. What undercover issues may have hunted Bethany and her brother ?

4. What are altenative actions could Tyler have taken after his summer work experiences?

5. What do you think about the behavior Bethany displayed at the party and what could Tyler have done about it?

Kirkus Starred Reviews- "Poignant and gripping"
KLIATT - " A Laurie Halse Anderson novel comes with certain standard features:lively prose, witty descriptions, short chapters, tense action, and complex characters"

 Margaret A Edwards Award 2009