Things Get Hectic: Teens Write about the Violence That Surrounds Them

by Supernumerary Fellow Philip Kay (Editor)

Violence is commonplace in many teens' lives, be it bullying, gangs, dating, or family relationships. Hear the experiences of victims, perpetrators and witnesses through more than 50 real world stories.

252 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tanzim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very touching. It had heart felt stories that sometimes can relate to. For example, Mohammed Bazzi, one of the many others in this book, tells the story of what he faces daily. He is Muslim and he gets confronted with hate crimes. I can relate to this but I have only had this happen to me once or twice. Because of the neighborhood I live in, I don't often come across these situations. But Bazzi explains and describes all the events. This gives me a very clear visual on what's going on.

One problem in this book is that some entries are "too" detailed. They go on and on about their feelings and take a lot of time to read. Sometimes they have nice and short stories where it's quick. I understand the characters, I hear about the event, and I learn about the aftermath. But not all entries are like that. In the book many entries leave me off with a good ending. Some are boring because I've already read like 3 stories just like them. Overall the book had hooks that made me want to read them, and most of them ended on a high note for me. Though I see a couple of ways this book can be made better, I had a pleasant time reading it.

[Anna Collver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda boring. I had to read it for a school book report. I think it just describes typical American youth experiences in violence. It is a shame, but it is also facts of life. People who are not exposed or who choose not to see how much violence is in our daily lives are kidding themselves.

[Jonathan711 barrezueta · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a really upsetting book because it tells you so many stories about people who have gone through so many tough times. i would recommend this book to this book because it has so any tough words and it could be challenging.

[RENE^_^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book i really like is about lots of stories and they are some really sad stories about what happens in real life and things people go through. This is one of my favorite books i really like it.