Audiobook Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Publication Date: 3-27-2007

Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)

Pages: N/A

Format: Audiobook

Source: Library

Challenge: N/A

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Goodreads Summary:

High school senior Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background—average student, average looks, average dysfunctional family. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn’t believe. His new physique attracts the attention of queen bee Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father’s boss’s daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy—and Tyler’s secret crush. And that sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in the school, in his family, and in the world.

In Twisted, the acclaimed Laurie Halse Anderson tackles a very controversial subject: what it means to be a man today. Fans and new readers alike will be captured by Tyler’s pitch perfect, funny voice, the surprising narrative arc, and the thoughtful moral dilemmas that are at the heart of all of the author’s award-winning, widely read work.

Tyler Miller had made some bad choices in the past, but is determined to find himself now that he’s made changes in his life.  An event at a party leaves those in school wondering what Tyler is really like, and leaves Tyler trying to find himself and discover what it means to be a man.  Tyler’s mother is a pet photographer and an alcoholic, his father excessively works and has anger issues and his sister as whiny and often cares only about herself.  Tyler is constantly living in fear of disappointing those around him and causing more harm than necessary.

Tyler experiences situations that no one should have to experience.  He is accused of horrible things that end up pushing him away from people even further than before.  His father blames him for everything that goes wrong in life and Tyler can feel himself sinking further.  He becomes depressed and makes the ultimate choice to stand-up for what he believes in and become a man like he believes he should be.

This book was riveting.  I loved that there was a male protagonist because the typical books seems to have a female main character.  I picked this one up because I enjoyed other books by the same author and because it was on the Banned Books list.  I was a little surprised by that after listening to it.  The narrator was great and portrayed Tyler exactly how I felt he should be portrayed.  I felt like I could connect with him and feel his emotions.  Tyler made me laugh with him at times and want to cry with him too.  I would recommend picking this book up on audio as I did.  It’s a great listen.