As you may know, I was very much looking forward to reading Laurie Halse Anderson’s new novel, Twisted.
It was worth the wait, and it did not disappoint.
I first encountered LHA’s work when I was a student teacher at a Catholic high school. My cooperating teacher had selected Speak as her monthly book club pick, and had extra copies lying around. I picked it up one day and could not put it down. I’ve read several of her other novels and enjoyed them, but none of them have captured me and moved me in the way that Speak did. Until now.
Twisted is unique among Anderson’s work in that its protagonist is male. Tyler is a 17-year-old self-proclaimed nerd who is on probation because of a school prank. During the summer between his junior and senior years, Tyler gets tan and bulky doing landscaping work, winning him the attention of the pretty, popular Bethany. It’s this attraction to Bethany that almost brings Tyler’s world crashing down.
Tyler gets blamed for a crime that takes place during a party, and it’s this experience that ultimately allows him to take control of the chaos that his life has become.
Tyler’s voice is convincing and sympathetic, and the characters are realistic. I was impressed by the way Tyler eventually figures out how to stand up for himself and begin to become an adult.
I think Anderson has another classic on her hands.