Detention Land: Lip Service
Susan Orion
Published: Nov. 6, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
When students can’t find success in a regular classroom or high school, they are sent to detention. This is where 15 year old Roger finds himself: a dark closet with a single light bulb hanging from a wire. He sits in a dilapidated brown chair talking to the intercom. The woman’s voice from the intercom is all that he hears. As part of his detention, Roger must “communicate” with the voice. Together they “try” to figure Roger out and solve his problems. The voice has access to Roger and Roger’s personal journal. Roger knows absolutely nothing about the woman behind the box. Together they make the journey into Roger’s disturbed, genius mind.
As a teacher, I was immediately drawn into this book. As a reader, I had to stay. It was one I did not want to put down. I was impressed with Susan Orion’s gift of recreating the mind of a disturbed boy genius. Bravo, Susan! The journal entries were written so well they were outright creepy. Following Roger’s thought process throughout the book was an adventure. His twisted mind and perplexing actions kept me on my toes. Orion also did a great job of incorporating Roger’s mom and dad. Their actions further complicate Roger and make him more believable. The complexity of all the characters pose the question environment vs. genetics? By the end of the book, I thought I understood Roger but did I really?
This book would be a great read in a high school psychology class (does include some language). It could be read as a whole or single chapters. The cover is inviting and begs to be used in a prediction activity. It would be a perfect starting point for deep discussion. It will appeal to both young men and women.
Below is a link to the trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxffUsHklOg
No comments:
Post a Comment