This book challenges all your feelings. Part of me felt terrible for Kid, the main character. How can we condemn him to this horrible life for ten years? Whose fault is it he lives like this? This book was an emotional conundrum for me. There are parts of the book that are so revolting I wanted to stop reading but the situations in the book are all to real.

I spoke of my confusion to my social work daughter and police officer son and they had no sympathy for the main character. They didn't understand my mixed feelings about the book. They saw him as a blight on society that will never change. The feelings I felt are a tribute to the authors writing, he challenged my belief system long enough to force me ask some hard questions.

I was very confused by the Professor and the role he played in the book but in the end it all fit together.

I honestly would think twice about recommending this book to anyone, it turns your stomach, it rips your heart.