Synopsis of the Novel
Unhappy and rebellious, Brandi attracts trouble in and out of school. Fighting and drug abuse lead to suspension. Robbery and assault land her in a juvenile detention center, where she meets Muriel, a tough corrections officer who sees in Brandi patterns of her own adolescence and forms a relationship with her. Brandi's former teacher narrates, becoming an advocate on her behalf.
Dean, a casual friend, drug user and supplier, as well as a battered son, causes mayhem when he interrupts a school gathering wielding a gun. Brandi is shot and nearly dies. Her slow recovery strengthens the relationship between Brandi and Muriel. As a result of his actions, Dean enters the court system, experiences incarceration and unexpected support from Brandi. Dean's father, Guy, surfaces as a looming threat to both youths.
Brandi and Dean develop a strong bond, loving and physical, but held to strict moral standards by Dean, as a result of his family experience. The relationship changes both their lives, initially for the better, ultimately for the worse. In a startling confrontation, Guy reveals a secret, sending Dean on a dangerous spree.
Brandi suffers a painful setback, questioning all her new-found desires and ambitions. Her adoption by Muriel lessens her distress, as does her acquaintance and ensuring friendship with Melissa, a young woman whose own past reflects her tough upbringing
Brandi survives the trials of her teen years, morally strong but psychologically and physically damaged. Her strength of character helps her reach an understanding of herself and of the world around her. Brandi is a "typical teen" in many ways in that no teen-ager is either typical or ordinary. How or if she negotiates the pitfalls of young adulthood, while influenced by the people and the events around her, ultimately rests on what Brandi determines is important and the way she handles situations that confront her.
While morality is a major focus, the novel explores the essentially existential nature of life.
Dean, a casual friend, drug user and supplier, as well as a battered son, causes mayhem when he interrupts a school gathering wielding a gun. Brandi is shot and nearly dies. Her slow recovery strengthens the relationship between Brandi and Muriel. As a result of his actions, Dean enters the court system, experiences incarceration and unexpected support from Brandi. Dean's father, Guy, surfaces as a looming threat to both youths.
Brandi and Dean develop a strong bond, loving and physical, but held to strict moral standards by Dean, as a result of his family experience. The relationship changes both their lives, initially for the better, ultimately for the worse. In a startling confrontation, Guy reveals a secret, sending Dean on a dangerous spree.
Brandi suffers a painful setback, questioning all her new-found desires and ambitions. Her adoption by Muriel lessens her distress, as does her acquaintance and ensuring friendship with Melissa, a young woman whose own past reflects her tough upbringing
Brandi survives the trials of her teen years, morally strong but psychologically and physically damaged. Her strength of character helps her reach an understanding of herself and of the world around her. Brandi is a "typical teen" in many ways in that no teen-ager is either typical or ordinary. How or if she negotiates the pitfalls of young adulthood, while influenced by the people and the events around her, ultimately rests on what Brandi determines is important and the way she handles situations that confront her.
While morality is a major focus, the novel explores the essentially existential nature of life.