Thursday, April 23, 2015

Scowler

Kraus, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte.

Ry lives in an abusive home.  His father, Marvin sews Ry’s mom to her bed.  An 11 year old Ry and his sister, Sarah try to flee the house.  Because of his disobedience, Ry’s dad chases him throughout the countryside.  Through all of this, Ry finds comfort with 3 toys that he has in his pocket. Ry finds safety and his father is taking to prison.  Nine years later, his dad escapes from prison and heads back to the farm for vengeance.  At this time, Ry turns back to his toys: Jesus Christ, Mr. Furrington, and Scowler. After a meteor strike, Ry uses Scowler to help him kill his father leaving him traumatized.  This moment leaves Ry on the edge of sanity or maybe leaves him a more confident man. 


This dark realistic psychological thriller is recommended for grades 11th and up.  I found this brand of violence to be disturbing and something that you cannot forget.  It is a teenage mental and physical survival story that is hard edged with domestic violence that is brutal and graphic.  It has different levels of scariness that could be very similar to the works of Stephen King.  

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