Saving Sam

Monday, 16 March 2009

By AMANDA KING - Review

• Howick and Pakuranga TimesSAVING SAM
Author: Susan Brocker
Publisher: HarperCollins New Zealand
RRP: $18.99
Times rating:

Saving Sam is a story of gripping adventure, love and finding a sense of self.Ben and Layla are both considered outcasts and seek refuge in each other’s unconditional love and affection.Ben’s mother is dead and his father in jail, while his older brother Sam has taken up a drug addiction.Susan Brocker, a Tauranga writer, has carved a captivating teenage book exploring the usually taboo subjects of drugs, gangs and violence.It’s the second book for Ms Brocker, traditionally a children’s writer for the American market.However, her move to novels has paid off.Based in West Auckland, the novel follows the lead character of Ben, 13, through his struggles with high-school bullies, being misunderstood and feelings of worthlessness.Taken in reluctantly by his aunt and uncle, Ben and Sam are two characters most New Zealand teenage boys can relate to.Ben and his canine companion transcend from their initial states of feeling scared, insecure and lonely to being confident, strong and understanding of friends and later heroes.

Classified Ads

Book Reviews Headlines

Book Reviews

Saving Sam