The Academy at Swift River specializes in one of the toughest tasks a school can undertake: helping teenagers in crisis regain their bearings. Duri...
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reviews
May 03, 2010
Lynn
rated it: 
Some people like mysteries. Others like the rush they get from horror novels, the kind for which Stephen King is famous. Me? I can't remember the last time I picked up a novel from either of these genres. Why? Because I get my kicks from worrying myself sick about the nightmarish hell certain to unfold as my sons hit adolescence.
I expected to love this book.
I did love this book for many reasons, most of which I expected. The two reasons I liked it most, however, I More...
I expected to love this book.
I did love this book for many reasons, most of which I expected. The two reasons I liked it most, however, I More...
May 03, 2010
Susannah
rated it: 
I enjoyed the book a great deal because I liked following the lives of a bunch of messed-up teenagers. I didn't really feel like I learned a lot that I can apply, however. I would definitely recommend it for someone who was worrying about his/her own teenager, though.
Jul 09, 2010
Rachel
rated it: 
I don't read nonfiction, but this was really thought-provoking. It's slightly dated now, but it's interesting insight into the troubled teens between my generation and the ones now. I still believe in residential (boot-camp) style programs for teens after reading this. Maybe more-so in some ways.
Feb 22, 2009
Ellyn
rated it:
A fascinating examination of a therapeutic boarding school in western Massachusetts called the Academy at Swift River. The author spends four years getting to know the "troubled teens" who come to the school and the families who pay vast amounts to send them there. The book focuses primarily on four teens who are part of peer group 23, a small group of students who go through the 14 month program together. The author does a good job portraying the pressures and struggles faced by te
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Feb 07, 2011
Julie
rated it:
This is another well-written book by David Marcus that has pulled me in by the strength of his narrative and the real-life characters he is describing. Excellent read with insights into different parenting styles and the choices kids make while they are growing up and grappling with their circumstances.
May 07, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
As a counselor, this book was interesting on so many levels, and I am generally not a fan of non-fiction. The kids profiled were so real and difficult but you really understood them. I found myself really wanting to get to the end and find out how they ended up doing in the real world.
May 07, 2010
Kate
rated it:
read this along w/ shouting at the sky...they are both part of the same umbrella program (Aspen Education). i have actually read this book more than once, which is unusual for me, and which should indicate how much i like it.
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May 07, 2010
Alan
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A great look into the world of at risk teens and those that try to save them.
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