Crosses

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

First-time novelist Stoehr draws a hard-hitting, graphically realistic portrait of troubled adolescents who indulge in alcohol, drugs, sex, shoplifting and ``cutting'' themselves, deliberately, an activity that somehow assuages inner turmoil. Fifteen-year-old Nancy's first-person narrative, more a journal than a story, spans the years 1985 to 1988. This intrinsically intelligent teenager embodies the punk look and attitude. Meeting Katie, a like-minded schoolmate who becomes her closest friend, draws Nancy even deeper into a risk-taking ideology that occasionally results in ineffectual punishment at school and at home--where the environment is hardly idyllic. Expletives abound in this provocative work, and one hopes that the contents won't inspire like behavior among foolishly curious readers. Yet this morbidly compelling chronicle of promising lives gone astray commands attention throughout. Ages 14-up. (Nov.)

School Library Journal

Gr 9-12-- Self-abuser Nancy deals with alcoholic, abusive parents by hurting herself and drinking. At school she meets Katie and they become best friends; both are freshmen, both are punkers, and both are scarred from cutting. Cutting--with fingernails, glass, or any sharp instrument--is their escape from the sordid reality and lack of control of their lives. When you hurt physically, you can't feel emotional pain. They use the system--teachers, counselors, classmates. Drinking at school, they get caught. But well-intentioned adults believe their lies, and the girls begin again. Nancy has Mike, her straight boyfriend; he cautions her about her actions, but she doesn't listen. She knows sex with Mike keeps him happy, and he will never tell her parents. Events, however, do finally conspire against Nancy, and she attempts suicide. Strong street language, sex, and violence mark this portrayal of a troubled young teen. Written as a first-person narrative, the compelling story draws readers into Nancy's mind: they will feel the intensity of her pain, both physical and emotional. Characterizations of parents, caring but misguided school personnel, punk rockers, and other teens are strong, realistic, and consistent. Stereotypes have been avoided, and the language, conversations, and relationships are contemporary and genuine. Consequences for actions are logical; didacticism is avoided, yet the unstated message of the horrors of drugs and alcohol is there. Reminiscent of Go Ask Alice (S. & S., 1971), the powerful portrayal of Nancy and Katie will be read again and again by today's teens. --Gail Richmond, Point Loma High School, San Diego