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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE this book!, September 7, 2010
This review is from: Head Case (Hardcover)
I bought this book when it came out, and it remains one of my favorite contemporary YA novels. Frank Marder makes one terrible mistake--driving while drunk--and must live with the consequences: Two people dead, and Frank paralyzed from the neck down. In fact, he considers himself only "a head." The story rings with authenticity, probably because of the author's experience working as a physical therapist with patients such as Frank. And Frank is portrayed as a real, living-breathing teenage boy. The story is gritty and powerful but also leavened with humor and infused with hope. Highly recommended for teenagers and their parents. School groups should not be put off by the realistic portrayal of teen drinking (a minimal part of the story) and, in fact, should use this book as an engaging and effective tool for discussion.
Full disclosure: The author is a close friend of mine, but as a journalist and former member of the National Book Critics Circle, I would never review a book favorably if I didn't really like it. YA books are my passion, and there are plenty of great ones to promote. This is one of them.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A stark cautionary tale, November 9, 2007
This review is from: Head Case (Hardcover)
I have to say that it's quite different to read a book when you personally know the author. First, as I was reading, I heard the words in the author's voice. Second, I knew of some of the events that must have inspired certain scenes in the book, and wondered how other scenes were conceived.
"Head Case," is about the harsh reality of a teenage boy, Frank, who very unfortunately drives drunk with his girlfriend, and gets into an accident with dire consequences. Not only does he have to spend the rest of his life as a quadriplegic, but must also live with the guilt of killing two people. While the book takes place over a relatively short period of time, the reader understands that Frank, completely dependent on those around him, will have to live with his mistake forever, as will his parents. The incredible hardships are difficult and painful to imagine, but even someone in Frank's nightmarish predicament can make a positive contribution to society. So, ultimately, the book is about redemption, together with serving as a cautionary tale.
It will be personally exciting for me to see Sarah Aronson's future work which, perhaps, might deal with less bleak subjects. "Head Case" is a very promising start.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too, September 5, 2007
This review is from: Head Case (Hardcover)
Frank Marder lost control.
First of his car, then of his body. Now he's stuck -- trapped inside a body that's failed him. He can't move his legs. He can't move his arms. As a "head," it seems all Frank can do is think.
Unfortunately, thinking is the last thing a guy who killed two people wants to do.
HEAD CASE follows the post-rehab life of a quadriplegic in his first weeks home after a devastating drunk driving accident resulting in the death of his girlfriend and of a man he'd never met. Frank not only has to deal with the fact that he'll never walk or feed himself again, but that the whole town hates him and thinks he should be in jail.
Little do they know, he already is.
A scary, thought-provoking glimpse at life without control.
Reviewed by: Julie M. Prince
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