Fan Mail for The Pack by Nikki O'Neill
(Deborah O'Dowd's YA pen name)
Dear Nikki,
I am going to start out honest and just flat out say that I am not a reader. I don't like it. And I never have. I read this book because I was required to read 5 hours a week for English class. It wasn't long however until I realized how amazing this book truly was. Something about this book just interested me from the beginning and before I knew it I was reading about 2 hours of it every evening. The way the author goes far beyond the surface into detail is what really hooked me, from what the characters were wearing, to the weather outside. Also, unlike most books, there was never "That one spot" in the book that you completely lost interest at. This book just kept me coming back for more. I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel "Rag Doll" and possibly a third sail if one is ever published. In conclusion, The Pack is a great book for anyone 13+ years of age due to sexual content, drug use, and profanity. But in my opinion, that just made it better!
Carlos
The Pack Back Cover Summary
Fifteen year old Erin Angelica Delessandri is a typical high school cheerleader except for one thing: in addition to the normal pressures of being a teenager, she is a child living in an alcoholic family.
At home, she's the target of her father's alcoholic rage and is always on edge, never knowing when the yelling will start. Her father's harsh treatment also leads Erin to harbor the vague notion that she's "irresponsilble" and "worthless." At school Erin gets caught up in the party scene with a crew called "The Pack." She becomes romantically involved with an older Pack member named Dwane. After Dwane is accused of a gang-related murder Erin's brother, Joey, who is also a member of the Pack forbids Erin from seeing Dwane. But the evidence suggests that it's Joey, not Dwane who pulled the trigger.
While the drama unfolds at school, Erin's family disintegrates before her eyes. Her mom, upset at the prospect of a failed marriage becomes depressed and withdrawn. And Erin's little sisters share a secret, a killer secret that must be exposed and dealt with before someone dies.
Review by Phillip James: The 'Outsiders' of the 21st Century,
January 13, 2007
I wish my high school years were half as exciting as this book. As a parent, high school teacher and coach, I hope they still aren't.
The dynamics between the characters were fascinating. The jealousies and loyalties are all too real. The main character, Erin, could be one of the many girls sitting in my class. Unfortunately, many of my real students face the same struggles, especially in choosing boys.
While I was hoping for Erin to make the right choice to stay away from that Dwane Begay...I think the real villains in this story are the PARENTS.
Speaking of parents, mine could rarely get me to read anything. I compared this book to 'The Outsiders' because I could not put it down. I ended up reading the entire series from SE Hinton. This book was the same in that regard. My wife finally made me put it down around 2AM. You might want to read it yourself to view the content as it contains mature material. It states that it was written at an age level of 9-12 years old...however if you allow your 9-12 year old to read it, you might be just as bad as the parents in the book. I would recommend it for high school and possibly middle school students. They will love it!
For more information visit www.thepackbook.com
The Issue Wonk recommends:
The Pack, by Nikki O'Neill (iUniverse, 2006)
This first novel by an English teacher really hits a nerve. It’s written for teens, but adults and parents will find great insight into a teenager’s world. Teenagers will learn that their lives aren’t all that different from their classmates. But everyone will find it’s darned good entertainment. It’s starts out fast and stays that way, moving you through the life of a teenage girl as she struggles with the reality of alcoholic parents, who continually demean her, and drugs, booze, sex, and the teenage party scene. Parents won’t be able to mistake the underlying message that teenage children need and deserve respect and that communication is the key. Teenagers won’t miss the message that they must learn to value themselves and their futures if they are to survive the most tumultuous years of their lives. Great reading. Click here to purchase a copy.
The Wonk
Sample The Issue Wonk, A weekly emailed newsletter. I recommend it --Nikki
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