The Truth About Alice

Reviewed by: Lisa Roberts - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

Four characters in a small Texas town share their point of view relating to the events leading up to a star football player's death and the aftermath. Some of these events in this contemporary, realistic fiction novel include, and are rumored to be influenced by, Alice. The narration is shared by main characters in the story, each telling their story in alternating chapters. Only the two characters that are impacted the most are not participating in the ongoing narration. Brandon cannot speak for himself from the grave and Alice does not speak up until the last chapter of the book.

This book will appeal to both boys and girls at the high school level. Many controversial issues are handled in a very realistic manner. Sex, drinking, and bullying are the prominent issues. These issues are addressed by the narrators and perspective and character motivation are explored. The characters in this novel look honestly and deeply at what is happening around them and at how they are responding. I would highly recommend this novel because of it's honesty and the self reflection that the characters share with the reader.

Overall Book Score: excellent