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Overview
Michael Grove was sixteen years old when he was convicted for the murder of Lisa Conroy, the girlfriend he loved very much. The circumstances surrounding her final hours attract considerable media attention, especially because Michael and Lisa had sex just prior to her death. A public outcry against light penalties for young offenders ensures Michael is tried as an adult; he receives a harsh and severe penalty. Six months into his imprisonment, the true murderer confesses. Michael is released but quickly finds that the stigma of imprisonment and the (wrongful) rap for murder is not an easy thing to escape out on the streets.
Synopsis
Michael Grove was sixteen years old when he was convicted for the murder of Lisa Conroy, the girlfriend he loved very much. The circumstances surrounding her final hours attract considerable media attention, especially because Michael and Lisa had sex just prior to her death. A public outcry against light penalties for young offenders ensures Michael is tried as an adult; he receives a harsh and severe penalty. Six months into his imprisonment, the true murderer confesses. Michael is released but quickly finds that the stigma of imprisonment and the (wrongful) rap for murder is not an easy thing to escape out on the streets.
Alan Review
This is the story of Michael Grove, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend, Lisa, and his release from prison after his ex-girlfriend, Miranda, confesses to the crime. Michael struggles with depression, loneliness, and fear as he re-enters the "real" world. With the help of his family, friends, and his kooky grandmother, Phyllis, he learns to look past the stares and ignorance of others. He is haunted by the memories of his drugaddicted past, sexual misadventures with his ex-girlfriend Miranda, and the wonderful memories of Lisa. Michael learns to turn his life around and resorts to reading, running, and school work to tame his memory-drugged mind. However, an interesting twist occurs at the end of the novel when letters from Miranda, the murderer of his true love, appear at his door. Letters begging for help and compassion suddenly trigger a whole new route in Michael's life. Reviewer: Tyler Quinvilan
Editorials
Tyler Quinvilan
This is the story of Michael Grove, who was convicted of killing his girlfriend, Lisa, and his release from prison after his ex-girlfriend, Miranda, confesses to the crime. Michael struggles with depression, loneliness, and fear as he re-enters the "real" world. With the help of his family, friends, and his kooky grandmother, Phyllis, he learns to look past the stares and ignorance of others. He is haunted by the memories of his drugaddicted past, sexual misadventures with his ex-girlfriend Miranda, and the wonderful memories of Lisa. Michael learns to turn his life around and resorts to reading, running, and school work to tame his memory-drugged mind. However, an interesting twist occurs at the end of the novel when letters from Miranda, the murderer of his true love, appear at his door. Letters begging for help and compassion suddenly trigger a whole new route in Michael's life. Reviewer: Tyler QuinvilanSchool Library Journal
Gr 9 Up
Even though he was wrongly convicted, when he was 16, of murdering his girlfriend, Lisa, and subsequently freed, Michael Grove struggles with his feelings of guilt. He shares his experiences post-imprisonment: hanging out with his unconventional grandmother, bravely returning to the high school where everyone still sees him as the perpetrator, befriending Lisa's best friend, and adjusting to his new life. Through flashbacks, readers learn that Michael drifted off the straight and narrow and had a relationship with wild, drug-addicted Miranda, to whom he lost his virginity and who ultimately confesses to the crime. Then there's Lisa, the well-intentioned social activist with whom he fell in love, and through whom he tried to become a better person. While the book takes on a heavy topic, its simple, spare language makes it readable. Problematic, however, is the weak legal premise: that a case for murder could be made because the defendant had smoked marijuana and had sex with his girlfriend on the day of the killing. If teens can get past that, this is still a compelling read with a well-rounded cast of characters.-Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL
Kirkus Reviews
After serving six months in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, 16-year-old Michael is released when his ex-girlfriend Miranda confesses to the crime. Michael soon learns that while his criminal record may have been cleared, public opinion is harder to change. Even as he developes a new relationship with Miranda, Michael explores his own healing path with the assistance of both his grandmother and I Ching proverbs. The otherwise melodramatic ending is mitigated by the varied and genuine reactions to Michael's ultimate decision to live with Miranda. Without descending into stock problem-solving or rote moralizing, Michael's mentors provide commentary regarding acceptance and change. Depression and despair arise naturally in Michael's narrative voice; these emotions, while authentic, occasionally overwhelm the story. Reminiscent of David Klass's Dark Angel (2005), this work explores the justice system from the point of view of the accused. Examining redemption and re-assimilation, Choyce's sober style rewards readers who overcome the flaws. (Fiction. YA)