Period.8 by Chris Crutcher

Author: Chris Crutcher
Publication: March 26, 2013
By: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins

In this full-length novel from Chris Crutcher, his first since the best-selling Deadline, the ultimate bully and the ultimate good guy tangle during Period 8.

Paul "the Bomb" Baum tells the truth. No matter what. It was something he learned at Sunday School. But telling the truth can cause problems, and not minor ones. And as Paulie discovers, finding the truth can be even more problematic. Period 8 is supposed to be that one period in high school where the truth can shine, a safe haven. Only what Paulie and Hannah (his ex-girlfriend, unfortunately) and his other classmates don't know is that the ultimate bully, the ultimate liar, is in their midst.

Terrifying, thought-provoking, and original, this novel combines all the qualities of a great thriller with the controversy, ethics, and raw emotion of a classic Crutcher story.

Thank you Edelweiss and Harper Collins for this ARC.  The cover, it's tag line, "They told him it was safe. They lied."  and the synopsis grabbed my attention and I couldn't wait to read this.  Period.8 was my first Chris Crutcher novel and I had no idea what to expect, but I was hoping for a story that would keep me on the edge of my seat and maybe even freak the jelly belly's out of me. 

However, what I got was a book that struggled to hold my interest. I really wanted to love this book but the conversational style of writing threw me for a loop and actually confused me at times. I had to reread several parts to clarify I knew who was speaking and when.  I also found myself wondering what the characters were doing while they talked? 

I just didn't connect well with any of these characters and as far as the mystery goes, I personally felt like too many clues were given away too early in the story which was a letdown.

I do think fans of Chris Crutcher will thoroughly enjoy this story and I would still encourage readers, like me, who haven't read any of his prior works to still give this one a shot!

Also posted at YABC.

For a 5-Star review, check out Books with Bite.