Fix By Force is a story of loss and addiction, but it also speaks to forgiveness, redemption and new life. The themes are strong throughout the book, and a Christian emphasis can be seen at some points but is not blatant or a focus of the book.
Shane, a senior in high school, has lost his father in a car accident and his mother to a drug addiction. Feeling alone and insecure has lead to issues throughout his life, but many of his problems stem from bullying at school. One boy in particular, named Zack, consistently attacks him (physically, emotionally and verbally). Shane's relationship with his mom is tenuous, and often results in fights. And he is struggling to continue work at the grocery store where he is employed.
After a long fight with his mom he discovers some things that his dad left behind. Unsure what the glass bottles contains he runs from his house with them and takes them to school the next day. When he is ratted out by one of his "friends" Shane gets expelled from school for bringing drugs with him to school.
If being expelled was not enough, his mom is arrested on drug charges and he has to go live with an uncle that he hardly knows. He is also given the ability to attend an "expelled school" where his life drastically begins to change.
An addiction to steroids, a relationship with a girl and the death of a dog lead Shane to the climax of the story, where he must make some decisions about who he wants to be and who (or what) he is going to let control his life.
The story was novel for me, and I enjoyed the first person style the book was written in. I thought the portrayal of the steroid addiction was well written. I also felt like the relationships and the people throughout the story were given emotion and connection to Shane, making them an intricate part of the story. Overall I would give the story a 4 out of 5, and it would be highly recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment