Hothouse: A Novel by Chris Lynch
If you do it right, it can be a life. The hothouse, the guys, the glory. But just like that, it can all go up in smoke. In the beginning it was strange, ya know, because of all that we had lost. But there was something about it that felt so good and so right, too: I'm so proud of you, Russ. We'll always be here for you, man. Heroes don't pay for nothin' in this town. It was nonstop. The mayor shook my hand. Ladies sent food. I've never eaten so much baked ham in my life. And now? Now the phone won't stop ringing from the crazies ready to blame me. My mom has to cry herself to sleep. They take a firefighter, a man, and they pump him up so big. . . . But once they start taking it away from you, they don't stop until they leave nothing on the bones. First they needed heroes, then they needed blood. Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Gr 9 Up-High school senior Russell and his childhood friend, DJ, cope with the tragic deaths of their firefighter fathers in this contemporary, realistic exploration of the relationships between fathers and sons. Often poignant but never maudlin, Russell's conversational first-person narration takes readers through the teens' tumultuous highs and lows. Initially, Russell and DJ are lauded by the people of their town who hail the fallen firefighters as heroes, but they face a vicious public backlash when it is revealed that their dads were flawed. The tenuous friendship between the two boys, who had drifted apart and are brought together again by their shared loss, is skillfully depicted as they grieve in individual ways. DJ is full of anger, while Russell's pride and love for his father mingle with shame and guilt as he strives to understand who his dad really was. Their relationship comes to life through flashbacks illustrating their bond and deftly hinting at the toll a high-pressure career can take. The struggles in this book are largely internal, with action taking a backseat to Russell's coming-of-age process. As in real life, there is no easy resolution when it comes to grief and healing, but readers are left with a sense of hope for Russell's growth. With a smattering of swear words and underage drinking, this title may be most appropriate for a high school audience.Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. From Booklist Hundreds of YA books deal with the loss of a parent, but few situate that grief within a community as expertly as Lynch's latest. When we meet 17-year-old Russ, his dad is already dead. A member of the beloved local firehouse known as the Hothouse, he was one of two firefighters killed during an attempted rescue. The town opens its heart to the men's two sons: their money is no good anywhere, beers are handed to them at parties, and the word hero is applied not just to their fathers but to them as well. But did the town rush to lionize its fallen? As the truth of the fatal incident begins to eke out, Russ finds himself staring down a very different possibility. Lynch fully commits to the first-person voice, giving into Russ' second-by-second conflicts and contradictions. The author also has a strong grasp of the garrulous slaps and punches that make up many male relationships--Russ' friendships are so real they hurt. The story hurts, too, but that's how it should be. Grades 8-10. --Daniel Kraus Review In Hothouse, Lynch has once again masterfully introduced the reader into the very depths of the young male psyche. Hothouse is a satisfying read, beginning to end. - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review) An understated yet moving story about heroism, community opinion, the evanescence of reputation, and father-son love. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) Russ' friendships are so real they hurt. The story hurts, too, but that's how it should be. - ALA Booklist A concise exploration of manhood, heroism and the psychology of a small northern town in the aftermath of a fire that kills two firefighters. An affecting and insightful drama. - Kirkus Reviews Lynch's writing has a lyrical, almost musical quality. But underneath this, buoying the story all along, is a fighting spirit, a humor, hopefulness and passion for life. - BookPage Lynch expertly explores the gap between public perception and reality. - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Chris Lynch has brought to the page a novel about the depth of loss, the journey to recovery, and all that lies in between. And in his skilled hand, this becomes a story about all of us. - Three-time Newbery Honor author Jacqueline Woodson I cannot recommend this book enough. A winner by all measures. Outstanding! - Graham Salisbury, award-winning author of UNDER THE BLOOD RED SUN About the Author Chris Lynch is a National Book Award finalist and the author of many highly acclaimed books for young adults, including The Big Game of Everything, Who the Man, and the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Freewill; Iceman, Shadow boxer, Gold Dust, and Slot Machine, all ALA Best Books for Young Adults; and Extreme Elvin. He also mentors aspiring writers and teaches in the creative writing program at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Publication Details
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Binding: Hardcover
Published by: HarperTeen: , 2010
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ISBN: 9780061673795 | 006167379X
208 pages.
Book Condition: Good
Ex-library. Cover worn
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