Review: This is an honest, believable telling of family influences, genetic propensities , adolescent development and choices...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 10, 2014
The writing reflects reading a personal, autobiographical journal. It's like the reader is sitting with the author over his shoulder as he writes. Primarily, I'm impressed with  Spratt's ability to accurately portray incidents that are realistic. The alcoholic single parent, the challenge of being a school outsider, building self confidence with finding friends, understandable misunderstandings, facing one's demons and emotional realignment come to mind .  The issues presented in this novel were stark and sensitive with fallible human beings. I didn't find objections to the description of the youthful party scenes, the potential for substance abuse/ drug dependence and coming to terms with one's predispositions.The idea here was not just an" identity crisis" but developmental growth.Admittedly, this is not a gripping tale . However, it does keep your attention as it progresses giving us a beginning and ending hospital scene. The in- between is an interesting story that feels very real.  I would give this book more than an ok.  I don't think you will find this a disappointing work. Oh, yea, just an afterthought- the setting in Ireland was a nice cultural exploration.