Matt’s gay brother Luke committed suicide* because he couldn’t take the bullying* any more. Matt blames everyone for his brother’s death: his friends, his parents, and the middle school teachers and counselors who did nothing to stop the trouble Luke experienced daily.

    The protagonist’s temper is always balanced on a knife’s edge, and it takes very little to push him into a rage*.

    Matt’s only peace comes when he is with his girlfriend, Hayden.

    However, she seems to be pulling away to spend more time with God and her youth group, many members of whom were Luke’s worst bullies. Matt has no faith in an imaginary god and no forgiveness for those who used their theology* to justify their abuse* of his brother. His hatred is eating him up inside, but he can’t let it go or he’ll have to face the real reason for his anger.

    Ellen Hopkins’ latest novel is timely and poignant*. Matt is a wonderfully rich character that readers will alternately* sympathize* with and dislike. Teens will understand his pain and admire his intellect, even while shaking their heads over his actions.

    Matt’s uncle, war veteran* Jessie Turner, who operates a gun range, has a veteran customer who suffers from PTSD*. This customer, Gus, plays a key role in the novel.

    Everybody tells Matt to let go, to put the death of his beloved little brother behind him, to pick up the threads of his life. But it’s easier said than done for the troubled teen.

    Hopkins’ realistic, truthful approach to bullying, religion, and homosexuality makes this a powerful story for readers of all ages.

    (SD-Agencies)