From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. The devil in Danielle Webster's life is her abusive father, who batters her violently whenever she fails to meet his high standards of success. Finally driven to attempt suicide, Dani winds up in Riverwood, a clinic for troubled youth. There she bonds with her roommate, Scratch, a self-mutilator, and Kevin, whose Fundamentalist parents' refusal to accept his homosexuality has also driven him to attempt suicide. Ultimately these new friends--and a caring therapist--help Dani confront the truth about her younger sister, Kelly, and the "Game" they had played at home. Though it veers close to melodrama, Canadian author Toten's second novel is smoothly written and compulsively readable. Particularly well realized are Dani's troubled relationship with her mother, whom she calls the Ghost, and the emerging details of her friendship with Scratch and Kevin.
Michael CartCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Review
"Highly engaging."
--
CM Magazine"Intelligent writing that talks directly to teens."
-- Canadian Bookseller
"Toten writes with umor, grit and real insight. . . . The Game is a story of heartache and the healing power of friendship. It is written in strong, straightforward prose and, despite its subject matter, is unfailingly hopeful."
-- Governor General's Award Committee
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.