Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Bookworm9

As kids, Eric Calhoune and Sarah Byrnes become friends by default: both are smart outsiders who are constantly the butt of jones-- Eric because he's overweight, Sarah Byrnes because of the horrible scars on her face, the result of a childhood accident. Although Eric gains acceptance on the swim team once he starts high school, his loyalty to Sarah Byrnes always remains strong. When she suddenly stops talking and is admitted to a pediatric psych ward, he knows he has to help her. When Sarah Byrnes tells Eric her chilling secrets, the two join forces with Eric's swim coach to try to do the seemingly impossible-- find safety and stability for Sarah Byrnes.

As usual, Chris Crutcher creates smart, likeable characters and a chilling, action-packed plot. Eric's dilemma of how to help his friend without putting them both in danger is a tense, thought-provoking situation. The ending, however, is completely unrealistic and comes rather suddenly. Although the happy ending is deserved, things are tied up much too neatly, and is thus dissatisfying. Still, until the last two chapters, the book is a great and worthwhile read.