Furious Thing

October 1, 2019
Alexandra has always been told that her anger is her biggest problem when really, it might be her greatest gift. Fifteen-year-old Alexandra is furious all the time. Everyone notices when she's mad at her mother's fiance, John, who makes everyone in her family miserable. But most of all, she's mad at herself and her inability to be the daughter she thinks her mother needs. As the wedding approaches and Alexandra's relationship with John rapidly deteriorates, she finds herself facing some hard truths about her past, including her role in her beloved grandfather's death. As Alexandra begins to see through the haze of John's abuse, she starts to realize that despite what he says, she is not the problem: John is. This unflinchingly honest tale of emotional abuse is masterfully paced and deeply felt. Alexandra's evolution from self-hatred to self-realization, as well as her mother's struggle to protect herself and her children, is as authentic as it is heartbreaking. Other than the spattering of third-person fairy tales, which unfortunately jolt readers out of the story, the tone strikes just the right balance of urgency, desperation, and hope. Readers will root for Alexandra and her anger--and, in the process, examine the potentially transformative role of fury in their own lives. Main characters seem to be white, and there is some indication of diversity through names. A heartbreakingly honest, refreshingly victorious, feminist take on surviving emotional abuse. (Fiction. 16-adult)

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November 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-Lexi is a Furious Thing. A monster. A teenage girl who doesn't know how to control her anger and constantly upsets everyone around her. Like a fire that spreads, her anger causes bad things to happen and cannot be contained. Her soon-to-be stepfather tries to control her outbursts, making contracts and trying to get doctors to diagnose her, but Lexi knows that she doesn't need that-she just needs something to change. No matter how good she tries to be, her anger always finds a way back to the surface and threatens to destroy everything she is trying to protect-especially her relationship with her mother and sister. Adolescent readers will relate to feeling misunderstood by the adults in their lives. Lexi's rage goes deeper than just teenage angst and there are themes of abuse and trauma that are also present in the story. Readers will sympathize with Lexi and feel her outrage as she navigates the truth behind her feelings. VERDICT This book will be popular with teens who want to see true teenage emotions reflected in a novel, and will be popular in middle school and high school collections.-Erica Coonelly, Monroe Township Middle School, NJ

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 23, 2019
In this thought-provoking novel, British YA author Downham (Before I Die) frankly conveys the effects of emotional abuse through her intimate portrait of a furious teen. Fifteen-year-old Lexi’s hot temper and volatile outbursts are ruining her mother’s idealized “proper family.” Lexis is convinced that her soon-to-be-stepfather, John, doesn’t care as much for her as he does for his six-year-old daughter, Iris, or his older son, Kass, Lexi’s childhood friend with whom she’s has fallen in love. With the wedding approaching, Lexi vows to calm down and be nicer to John, but when her efforts backfire, her fury grows, especially when John’s cruelty extends to her mother and Iris. Despite her wild behavior, Lexi emerges as an empathic heroine whose evolution from self-deprecating teen to a self-confident young woman is adroitly crafted alongside the fine line between strict parenting and abuse. Many teens, particularly those who recognize Lexi’s circumstances, will draw strength and courage from her arduous emotional journey. Ages 12–up.