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Title: Smack
Author: Melvin Burgess
type of book: YA Fiction
call number: YA/FIC
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This book is strong in character, story, language and setting.
Main Characters:
- Gemma
- Tar (David)
- Richard (a 20ish Tory who helps set
up squats for the runaways)
- Rob and Lily (heroin junkies, who get Gemma and Tar
addicted)
Gemma and Tar are two British runaways, due to difficulties at home. They are
helped and hindered by various interesting characters. They are on the street
for four years, during which they become a couple. Tar deals drugs, Gemma prostitutes herself. Both become addicted to heroin, and Gemma gets pregnant by Tar.
I would recommend this book!
Why?
This book never moralizes, but truthfully portrays street life and young
teens that have no one but each other to rely on. This book would appeal to
many teens from varying backgrounds and age groups. Values are implied and
material seems to come from the author's real life experiences or
acquaintances. The biggest strength of the book is that it reads fast and the
many first-person point of views always make for a fresh perspective on the same
scene or event. The only weakness is that the novel is often grim and
depressing.
Related links:
The Homepage of Melvin Burgess
Employee Initials: KS
Review Date: February 2003
Read other reviews by this staff member.
