Breaking Point

If you've ever wondered how kids willing to shoot up their schools got that way, Flinn's engrossing shocker of peer abuse and the desperation to fit in tries to explain it. Paul, the new guy in school, has a messed-up home life and only one friend, another outcast like himself. When popular Charlie seems willing to let Paul into the "in" group in exchange for a few favors, Paul's slide into the dark side accelerates rapidly. Jason Harris gives Paul a heartbreaking reality that will make you want to help him. But you're already too late. The slick gloss Harris gives Charlie doesn't hide the fact that even popular kids have problems, but it's Paul who will take the fall. If you were troubled by the tragedy at Columbine, don't miss this audiobook. M.C. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

May 20, 2002
Heavy-handed writing undermines Flinn's (Breathing Underwater) stated goal for her second novel, namely, to "stimulate discussion" among teens about why kids commit violent acts. When geeky ex-homeschooler Paul Richmond enrolls as a sophomore at an exclusive Miami private school, he is immediately targeted for harassment. Living in a shabby apartment with his needy, newly divorced mother (her job in the school office lowers Paul's tuition), Paul would feel miserable even if the jocks weren't calling him "faggot" and trashing his locker. Then popular Charlie Good suddenly befriends him—outside of school, that is—and Paul seems willing to do anything to stay in favor. First Paul vandalizes mailboxes, then he hacks into the school computer system to change Charlie's transcript. Charlie's hold on Paul intensifies until he persuades Paul to plant a bomb in the school. Characterizations are stock, and no one, particularly not the all-powerful Charlie, seems convincing. The boys' reasons for wanting to blow up the school remain murky, and many of Flinn's devices, like the school sermons that parallel the plot, are contrived. For a more developed treatment of similar themes, readers may appreciate Gail Giles's Shattering Glass, reviewed Feb. 11. Ages 13-up.