Tween Tuesday Review: Prince of Denial

Casey's parents split up. His mother couldn't handle taking care of his father anymore. She and his sister moved to Maine. Casey hasn't been the same since. He comes home straight from school to clean up the kitchen to make things as normal as possible.

He never know the mood his father will be in when he comes home from work- normal or angry.  Casey never knows if he will drink just one or two beers, or a whole six pack. They used to do things together, but now Casey spends most of his time in his room.

His Aunt knows a little of the situation and she wants to stage an intervention. Casey's not sure this is the right course of action, but he knows that things are only getting worse.  Will things ever get better?

My Thoughts: A hard book to read, but at the same time hard to put down. My heart broke for Casey having to deal with his father, while trying to the fact that he's an alcoholic. There were two horrific scenes in the book - both pulling at my heart strings. I liked how Casey eventually found himself able to trust people with this secret. I can't imagine how his mother left him, asking him over and over again to take care his father, how could you leave that up to a tween?  The book does't sugar coat the horrors of dealing with an alcoholic parent; it doesn't tie everything up in a pretty bow - but it is hopeful. It's an important story that needs to be shared and discusses. Be sure to get it when it comes out in October.

Source: ARC from the author
Cover Thoughts: Great
Due: October 7th