Review: Dysfunctional  inspiration
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 3, 2013
"The Struggle of Me" was written by several authors under the Umbrella "Write to Read Project" and it is hard to believe that the segments of the story should have been written by several different authors - so skilled is the editing that it reads just like one story by one author.17 year old Derrick and his 15 year old sister Arriane come from a dysfunctional family, the details of which we find out more about in the course of the story. Told from changing perspectives we get insight into the thoughts of several characters and we witness how the sibling's recent move to live with their older brother Lucas alters their life. Derrick struggles to settle in the new school, while it seems that Arriane is happier here, that is until a nasty incident with her addicted brother Lucas.As to be expected from this premise there is a fair share of teenage angst in this book and despair. One of the achievements is the heartfelt and slightly sad portrayal of the kids' desire for home and belongingBut, there is also a love interest for Derrick and unexpected support to make this an inspirational and lovely read with a beautiful message of hope that leaves you feel positive and feeling good.Through the tool of changing narratives and perspectives we can witness different perceptions of the same situation, adding more insight and making this a rewarding reading experience, the sort of book every child from a difficult family background should have read and re-read to not feel alone and hopeless in their situation.In my eyes this is a great achievement and I hope that many young adults will find access to this story to aid their personal development and healing.Highly recommended.