Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Julie M. Prince

Clay Gardener is nothing better than a speck of dirt. He is worthless. He knows thats what everyone thinks of him, because thats what he thinks of himself. When hes working at the hospital though, he becomes useful doing all the things no one else wants to do. He mops floors, cleans up blood, transports patients, and anything else, as ordered. He is thorough and efficient where others are clumsy and lazy.

Clay wants nothing more than to be a doctor. Its more likely that his best friend, Joey, will be the one to become a doctor, though. Joeys headed to Duke in the fall, and hes got parents who care about him and a future thats bright. Clay knows hes lucky to be Joeys friend.

When Joey becomes unexpectedly and uncharacteristically violent, Clay is forced to protect himself, and now Joeys lying in a hospital bed fighting for his life. It was bad enough Clay had no future, now everyone despises him for ruining Joeys.

This book is character-driven, and Harazin steers well. My heart ached for Clay. I kept waiting, hoping, and praying for the moment that this kid would snap out of it and realize he was more than a waste of space. His unique voice was strong and consistent throughout the book, and by the fast-paced ending, I found myself enthralled. Id love to see more work by this author!