- Flash Burnout
This title was the winner of the William c. Morris Debut Novel Award. So, it’s a winner. AND it is an exceptional book about discovery. Here’s the skinny:
Main Character: Blake, the 17 year old, the senior, the ‘I’ve got a hot girlfriend’ (truly, he likes her), photographer, little brother to Garrett (no two siblings are alike, Parents), emerging deceminator of human nature
Main Character: Shannon, the Girl of Blake’s dreams, good person, normal person, is a main character because she is like a centerpoint to Blake’s life
Main Character: Marissa, the Other Girl, the photography class companion, the one with the druggie mother, the one who lives with her grandma, the one who is not perfect and actually a little mysterious
Bunch of other Characters: Friends, Family (‘intact’), Marissa’ mom, grandma and brother, ‘Kat’-the Tattoo (who is she?), even the dog Formerly Known as Prince…
It is the kind of book you can hear and see the characters. Several themes going on here: sex with my girlfriend or not; what IS Marissa’s problem because I am genuinely worried; Garrett, the older brother, whose advice is stinging; friends who are always there for you; parents who have their own lives but know when to step in and help; can you help someone who does not want to be helped? (Marissa, her mom); navigational personhood…what do I do now? The is not HEAVY in the sense of overblown drama or dialogue but the author goes about telling the story of Blake and Marissa and the constellation of family, friends, and others who help to create personal decisions on Blake’s part. It’s an older read (9th+) but not because of any graphic scenes or situations. Just….you have to be at that point where you understand your decisions need thought. Well, go look up some reviews. Recommended.
