Bleed

September 4, 2006
Echoing motifs found in Perkins's Criss Cross and Konigsburg's A View from Saturday, this slice-of-life novel (dedicated to "all who bleed") shows connections between teens who are struggling with personal conflicts. August 12 (the date when the story takes place) proves to be an eventful day for all 10 characters profiled here. High-school student Nicole loses her virginity to the boyfriend of her best friend, Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly, who is in California visiting her father, prepares to go to a diner where she will meet Robby, the ex-convict with whom she has been exchanging letters for five and a half years. When the date turns out badly, Robby comes dangerously close to committing a second crime when a waitress from the diner crosses his path at the wrong time. The story continues, revealing a new case of neurotic, dangerous or compulsive behavior in nearly every chapter as Stolarz (Blue Is for Nightmares) introduces each subsequent character. Following a circular trail of betrayals and acts of revenge, readers who yearn for some positive developments will have to wait until the last few chapters, when a few sporadic signs of love and friendship do spring forth. Although the book ends on a somewhat positive note, the message, which remains rather murky, is greatly overshadowed by characters' foibles and obsessions. Ages 12-up.

September 1, 2006
Gr 10 Up -Stolarz has written a funny, yet poignant book of interconnecting short stories in which the lives of 10 teenagers are seamlessly woven together. The stories take place over the course of one day, and as the characters - lives cross paths, it becomes evident that any decisions made can and will influence the others -sometimes unintentionally. The collection runs the gamut of teen problems: Nicole sleeps with her best friend -s boyfriend; Mearl longs for family roots; Joy, a waitress, is taunted by school bullies and wants to retaliate; Sadie is overweight and her sister is jealous of the popular Kelly. Derik thinks that he can have any girl he wants, and Sean, Kelly -s boyfriend, just wants to do the right thing. The author demonstrates the ability to identify with today -s teen experience, and she portrays the accompanying behavior and language realistically. While perhaps not a first purchase, the book does have broad young adult appeal." -Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 23, 2006
Echoing motifs found in Perkins's Criss Cross and Konigsburg's A View from Saturday, this slice-of-life novel (dedicated to "all who bleed") shows connections between teens who are struggling with personal conflicts. August 12 (the date when the story takes place) proves to be an eventful day for all 10 characters profiled here. High-school student Nicole loses her virginity to the boyfriend of her best friend, Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly, who is in California visiting her father, prepares to go to a diner where she will meet Robby, the ex-convict with whom she has been exchanging letters for five and a half years. When the date turns out badly, Robby comes dangerously close to committing a second crime when a waitress from the diner crosses his path at the wrong time. The story continues, revealing a new case of neurotic, dangerous or compulsive behavior in nearly every chapter as Stolarz (Blue Is for Nightmares) introduces each subsequent character. Following a circular trail of betrayals and acts of revenge, readers who yearn for some positive developments will have to wait until the last few chapters, when a few sporadic signs of love and friendship do spring forth. Although the book ends on a somewhat positive note, the message, which remains rather murky, is greatly overshadowed by characters' foibles and obsessions. Ages 12-up.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2007
Each of these ten short stories focuses on one troubled young adult searching for solace. A complicated, compelling, and sometimes disturbing network of relationships connects the characters, whose increasing depth allows for each one to reach a moment of truth (usually involving blood) during the single day featured.

(Copyright 2007 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)