Review Detail

When Brent Runyon was just fourteen, he purposefully set himself on fire to try and commit suicide. But, as with his previous suicide attempts, he doesnt quite kill himself. Instead, hes left with a body almost entirely touched by fire (85% coverage). This is a true story, and one that will stay with you.

Its a scary story because weve all, at one time or another, felt some of the things Brent felt: hopeless, stupid, useless. His emotional honesty will give you pause and it should. Read this book to learn not only about Brent and his story, but your own.
The book starts on the day Brent sets himself on fire and continues through the year that follows as the doctors slowly put his body back together and Brent works on the other pieces sometimes being forced to, other times prodded by his loving family or psychologists. The details are excruciating at times and the reader suffers along with Brent.

Sometimes its the other way around the reader rails at Brent when his mental healing progress slows or goes backwards. Its a long, hard journey for him and it is only right that the reader fight along with him.

Recommended for readers aged 12 and up, especially boys on the edge. Teachers, how about keeping a copy of this in your classrooms? If it inspires just one teen to share his feelings, itll be a great thing. As other reviewers have mentioned, this book is riveting, authentic, and haunting.