37. Book of Fred by Abby Bardi

Book of Fred by Abby Bardi
ISBN: 100743411943
Washington Square Press, New York, 2002
320 pages

Teaser: Mary is 15 years old and sent to a foster home after her parents are charged with second-degree murder in the neglectful death of their son when they do not believe in the medical treatment and he dies.

Summary: Mary has had little schooling in a homelike setting and knows little of the outside world or the evils that it holds. She is placed in a home with a single mother, who is a well schooled and world knowing librarian. The mother seems to be the only person who is willing to acknowledge Mary’s cult like faith and beliefs, although not approving of them. She has a daughter, Heather, who introduces Mary to the likes of television, modern high school, boys, cults and the fast lane. There is also a son, Roy, who scams in every way he can to buy heroin, impress girls and live in the fast lane. Heather turns from a TV junkie with days filled sit coms and reality shows to actually sitting down at the table to eat and talking. The household becomes organized and caring for each other. Roy is teetering on the edge about to fall off. School antics bring a near death experience that is an eye opener to most of the students and faculty of the school. Mary eventually returns home to her family with new insights to introduce to her family, in hopes that they will be accepting of the outside world, as they were of her.

Evaluation: I like the book very much. With historical and modern day events classing with the simplistic lives of cult like societies, it shows that acceptance of the unknown is good if you take it slow and try to understand and not jump to conclusions. I felt that I could be the mother with understanding of both worlds.

Challenge issues and age recommendation: Cult life, drugs, relationship issues, TV impressionism, sex and language. I would recommend this book for readers 12 and up.