Liar [Paperback]

Winifred Morris (Author), Winnifred Morris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1996

Fourteen-year-old Alex struggles to rise above the life events which seem to conspire against him, from a mother who lies, to a probation officer who won't give him a break, to bullies at his new school.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Trapped by the lies his mother tells him, Alex acts out violently, angrily. It doesn't take long before his life disintegrates from the weight of this endless cycle of lies and rebellion. Now, at 15, Alex has the chance--perhaps his last chance--to make a fresh start at his grandparents' farm. Can he contain the rage that boils beneath the surface of his skin? Winifred Morris has written an astounding story about how hard it is to heal the damaged parts of ourselves. Robert Cormier says, "... you'll find yourself cheering him on as the author captures all the desperations and desires of being young and hurting."

From Publishers Weekly

Alex has one last chance to stay out of the reformatory-to move in with his grandparents in a remote Oregon town and keep out of trouble for a year. He has grown up with an alcoholic mother whose chief talent is for lying ("She could say anything, and you'd believe her"), and he is so used to her erratic ways that regular breakfasts, friends and farm chores at his grandparents' are amazing to him. Morris could have stopped here with a happy ending, but she doesn't let Alex escape quite so easily. By accident, Alex starts a forest fire, and he can't bring himself to own up to it. Then a Walkman and a motorcycle disappear, and everyone blames him. This story isn't easy to read, yet its ultimately uplifting message is about not giving up, even if the life you get is not what you would have chosen. Authoritatively depicted, the stark beauty and small-town life of rural Oregon form a strong backdrop to a tale with the ring of truth. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 161 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company; First edition (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802784615
• ISBN-13: 978-0802784612
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,688,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable, realistic view of adolescent struggles, November 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Liar (Paperback)

In a story that matches the adolescent internal struggles presented by Robert Cormier, Winifred Morris shows a true understanding of a youth caught in a life that seems to be headed for nowhere. The main character's internal struggle with his anger, need for love, fear of getting close, and desperate attempts to make a normal life for himself are so realistic that this story is sure to capture the attention of any adolescent.

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing!, May 26, 2011

By 

Lauren - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Liar (Paperback)

I read this book in middle school and wanted to read it again. It hasn't been made into an ebook yet, and i wanted to be able to read it ASAP. When i finally decided to just order it and wait, i was amazed with this seller. I received the book in no time and it was in the condition as said on the page. I highly recommend this seller!

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book. Some people can relate., February 23, 2010

By 

Ahikanana (HI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Liar (Paperback)

Good story written for perhaps someone in early teens, but can be enjoyable by all. One might find him/herself as either the main character or one of the other characters. Highly recommended.