Murrie

As I read on in this book, I began to see some of the kids I taught in school. They were the ones who were fearsomely known. It seemed that no matter how much work their aides of various kinds employed: special education, counsellors, teachers, principals, peer groups, these children remained "incorrigible". Their neighbourhoods agreed. While many youngsters came from similar sad homes, they could be helped, but some, like David, couldn't be. Their futures were grim. This book was heartening because one has the true story from gutter level, as to what really goes on in the worst, this kind of family. Trying, even in this book, to understand how cruel and heartless parents can be, and how incredibly resilient children are, was a hard climb. I found myself saying aloud, "David, don't do it" or "Stay away" or "Stop" as I read. Trouble is, that until discovering a life style like this, we have no idea what and why "bad" kids do what they do. I still don't get it entirely, but the journey with David, gave me much to remember and think about. What I could not accept was that forgiveness fixed this child and man. That David could possibly be kind toward his dreadful mother and father made me think he really wasn't able entirely to step over the damage that they did.