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Under the Bridge by Michael Harmon
Tate's younger brother Indy is probably the best skateboarder in Spokane. He's also really smart though he couldn't care less about school. But when Indy clashes with his father one too many times and drops out of school, it's up to Tate to win his brother back from the seedier elements of Spokane. Can Tate convince Indy to come home, finish his high school degree, and return to skating Under the bridge with their crew?
Michael Harmon's fast-paced and highly charged novel captures the enduring bond between brothers and their struggle for survival on the gritty streets of Spokane.
Michael Harmon's fast-paced and highly charged novel captures the enduring bond between brothers and their struggle for survival on the gritty streets of Spokane.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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November 27, 2012
3.5/5 stars
Tate and Indy Brooks aren't the luckiest kids. They don't live in the suburbs but they don't live in the bad part of town either. They live in the buffer zone between the suburbs and poverty, not quite existing in either. Their father is a bit of a hard ass. He works hard and so should you. That's his mentality and he has trouble understanding any other perspective. Tate and Indy spend their days skating Under the Bridge, the local skate park.
Tate's a bit rough around the edges, always on the edge of a fight. Normally he's fighting for good -- standing up to bullies, getting repayment when someone breaks a friend's board, etc--but still fighting doesn't exactly make in a stand-up rule following sort of guy. But he's still a good guy, despite his tendency to throw punches.
His brother Indy is another story. He's intelligent but a screw-up. Where Tate at least tries to stay in the right, Indy smarts off, smokes pot and does whatever. He means well but does wrong.
The strength of Under The Bridge is Tate, who is a believable main character with a strong voice. I liked Tate and all his imperfections. Tate's self-awareness was endearing. He'd beat people up, then two days later apologize because he realized that even if he was partially right, he went about it the wrong way. He's a main character who wants to do good but doesn't always know how.
Under the Bridges biggest weakness is that it drags. It spends over 50% of the novel before really getting into the nitty gritty of the plot. Some of this helps build the characters and leads into the story, but mostly it's just too long winded and something needed to be cut.
During a typical family fight, their father kicks Indy out for disrespecting him and their mother. It's one of those heat-of-the-moment things. Their father loves them both, but his methods don't work especially where Indy is concerned. Living on the street Indy falls in with a bad crowd. Having already lost one friend to drugs, Tate refuses to lose his brother to that world. The heart of this book is Tate trying any way he can to save Indy. He tries on his own, he tries with help. He fights for his brother even when his brother doesn't deserve it.
I liked that story but think the book should've gotten there much sooner. I cared about Tate so in turn I cared about his quest to save Indy. Even though Indy was frustrating at times, Tate's brotherly love overpowers any misgivings so I had to root for Indy as well.
The ending went a little Disneyfied for me. Also I had trouble suspending my disbelief where law enforcement was concerned in this novel. But overall it's a good story with a lot going for it. I like the gritty urban setting and Tate as a main character, those two elements carried the novel for me.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley
Tate and Indy Brooks aren't the luckiest kids. They don't live in the suburbs but they don't live in the bad part of town either. They live in the buffer zone between the suburbs and poverty, not quite existing in either. Their father is a bit of a hard ass. He works hard and so should you. That's his mentality and he has trouble understanding any other perspective. Tate and Indy spend their days skating Under the Bridge, the local skate park.
Tate's a bit rough around the edges, always on the edge of a fight. Normally he's fighting for good -- standing up to bullies, getting repayment when someone breaks a friend's board, etc--but still fighting doesn't exactly make in a stand-up rule following sort of guy. But he's still a good guy, despite his tendency to throw punches.
His brother Indy is another story. He's intelligent but a screw-up. Where Tate at least tries to stay in the right, Indy smarts off, smokes pot and does whatever. He means well but does wrong.
The strength of Under The Bridge is Tate, who is a believable main character with a strong voice. I liked Tate and all his imperfections. Tate's self-awareness was endearing. He'd beat people up, then two days later apologize because he realized that even if he was partially right, he went about it the wrong way. He's a main character who wants to do good but doesn't always know how.
Under the Bridges biggest weakness is that it drags. It spends over 50% of the novel before really getting into the nitty gritty of the plot. Some of this helps build the characters and leads into the story, but mostly it's just too long winded and something needed to be cut.
During a typical family fight, their father kicks Indy out for disrespecting him and their mother. It's one of those heat-of-the-moment things. Their father loves them both, but his methods don't work especially where Indy is concerned. Living on the street Indy falls in with a bad crowd. Having already lost one friend to drugs, Tate refuses to lose his brother to that world. The heart of this book is Tate trying any way he can to save Indy. He tries on his own, he tries with help. He fights for his brother even when his brother doesn't deserve it.
I liked that story but think the book should've gotten there much sooner. I cared about Tate so in turn I cared about his quest to save Indy. Even though Indy was frustrating at times, Tate's brotherly love overpowers any misgivings so I had to root for Indy as well.
The ending went a little Disneyfied for me. Also I had trouble suspending my disbelief where law enforcement was concerned in this novel. But overall it's a good story with a lot going for it. I like the gritty urban setting and Tate as a main character, those two elements carried the novel for me.
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley
February 28, 2013
This review can also be found here
This book was extremely gritty and shows what can happen when the streets overtake someone you care about. It also shows the lengths that one teenager will go to just to rescue his brother. This is not a happy book, though it does have a happy ending. The journey throughout is dark and dreary and not full of much hope. That's the funny thing about teenagers, they try no matter what, especially when it's one of their own that's in trouble.
This is a story about love, but it's also a story about hate. What happens when one teen is pushed too far over the edge could very well be what happens to anyone. The streets claim you and when there is nobody left fighting for you there is no way out. Luckily for Indy his brother never gave up on him, no matter how angry he became and Tate would stop at nothing to save his brother and bring him home.
This is one of those books that will stay with me a long time. It's hard to forget about the struggles these characters went through, not because they're extreme or disturbing, though they certainly are, but because they're real. Any number of the events that take place in this novel can happen to anybody, and they do.
The whole skateboarding aspect adds a happier, more entertaining edge to this otherwise gritty novel. I don't skate and I don't pretend to know anything about it but the author made it like you knew everything these teenagers were doing. Besides the tricks there is no extreme skater lingo in this book and for that I was glad because it probably would have taken away from the other part of this story.
I liked Tate and Indy. They were two kids who may not have had the best lives but proved that you can fix your mistakes and still have a future no matter where you come from. Just because they come from the wrong side of town and grew up surrounded by drug dealers does not mean that their lives are set to follow that path. After all of the mistakes, Indy finds the strength to turn his life around.
I really would not reccomend this for younger audiences, the topics include drugs and violence and would be better suited for more mature Young Adult fans.
This book was extremely gritty and shows what can happen when the streets overtake someone you care about. It also shows the lengths that one teenager will go to just to rescue his brother. This is not a happy book, though it does have a happy ending. The journey throughout is dark and dreary and not full of much hope. That's the funny thing about teenagers, they try no matter what, especially when it's one of their own that's in trouble.
This is a story about love, but it's also a story about hate. What happens when one teen is pushed too far over the edge could very well be what happens to anyone. The streets claim you and when there is nobody left fighting for you there is no way out. Luckily for Indy his brother never gave up on him, no matter how angry he became and Tate would stop at nothing to save his brother and bring him home.
This is one of those books that will stay with me a long time. It's hard to forget about the struggles these characters went through, not because they're extreme or disturbing, though they certainly are, but because they're real. Any number of the events that take place in this novel can happen to anybody, and they do.
The whole skateboarding aspect adds a happier, more entertaining edge to this otherwise gritty novel. I don't skate and I don't pretend to know anything about it but the author made it like you knew everything these teenagers were doing. Besides the tricks there is no extreme skater lingo in this book and for that I was glad because it probably would have taken away from the other part of this story.
I liked Tate and Indy. They were two kids who may not have had the best lives but proved that you can fix your mistakes and still have a future no matter where you come from. Just because they come from the wrong side of town and grew up surrounded by drug dealers does not mean that their lives are set to follow that path. After all of the mistakes, Indy finds the strength to turn his life around.
I really would not reccomend this for younger audiences, the topics include drugs and violence and would be better suited for more mature Young Adult fans.
September 4, 2016
A boy named Tate was a normal teenage skater in high school with his brother Indy.Indy was a trouble maker and a smart person but he barely went or payed attention to school. Then Indy got himself in trouble and Tate had to figure out a way to help Indy get out. You would want to read it if you are interested into a high school fiction.Tate was mostly surprised by the way Indy acted.There was strong relationship between Indy and his father and Tate. My favorite was between Tate and Indy.It was slow in the begging but as you got into the book there started to be more action. The most important conflict was Indy getting in trouble. I would recommend this book to teenagers because some of the content in this book might relate to them or they might be interested in to the book. I think the book was very interesting because I usually hear about the things in this book an dnever experience them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 25, 2014Another book about fighting for what you love and living your dreams. About getting caught up in sticky situations but finding a way out. About living, breathing, being.
September 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this. So so perfect.
September 16, 2022
For summer reading I read Under the Bridge by Michael Harmon. This book was published in 2012. Under the bridge follows two brothers named Tate and Indy who live in the greater Spokane area. This book's common theme has to do with the downfall and worst things that can happen to a teenager. Meaning; drug use, selling drugs, bad family situations, and poor mental health. Indy and Tate are two kids who love and are really good at skating until family situations become tense and life gives them a big wake up call. We can see that one of the brothers is in a really bad situation and it comes down to brotherly love to help get them out of a bad situation relating to drug use and borderline hostage situations.
I really liked this book because it follows the brothers and through all the troubles they go through. I really liked how the book always had the anticipation factor that any good drama book should have. It really shows what a bad situation looks like not only in a person, but how that can affect the person's family and immediate friends. We could see that the brother’s mom was constantly worried and that the dad started drinking more. Overall I really liked this book and was truly invested in it, which is rare for a summer reading book. However, the gripping plot really had me invested in the storyline and worried for the characters. Which is why I gave this book a 5 star rating and would recommend it to any of my friends or family.
I really liked this book because it follows the brothers and through all the troubles they go through. I really liked how the book always had the anticipation factor that any good drama book should have. It really shows what a bad situation looks like not only in a person, but how that can affect the person's family and immediate friends. We could see that the brother’s mom was constantly worried and that the dad started drinking more. Overall I really liked this book and was truly invested in it, which is rare for a summer reading book. However, the gripping plot really had me invested in the storyline and worried for the characters. Which is why I gave this book a 5 star rating and would recommend it to any of my friends or family.
October 26, 2022
Michael Harmon's Under The Bridge offers plenty more than skateboarding. It's a story about broken families, friendships, teen angst, and drugs. It's told from the perspective of a likable hothead named Tate Brooks, who attempts to look out for his younger brother, Indy, after a family fight goes too far.
Tate always wants to do the right thing but tends to lean on physical rage as a solution to almost every problem, a temper picked up from his father. When his younger brother chooses the wrong path, slipping deeper into the local drug scene and tossed out of the house, Tate tries to patch up the damage in a family still reeling from the loss of one son.
While the skatepark primarily serves as a refuge from high school and the dingier, dangerous areas of Spokane, it plays a supporting role and offers the brothers one of several paths to redemption. The story is fast-paced and somewhat gritty, tempered only because the kids keep it grounded with sensibility and smarts.
The quick read was intensely enjoyable, especially in the build to the climax. I would have rated it five stars if the story had wrapped up so nicely. It's almost too perfect, spoiling the rest of the book's unpredictability. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys teen/young adult protagonist novels now and again.
Tate always wants to do the right thing but tends to lean on physical rage as a solution to almost every problem, a temper picked up from his father. When his younger brother chooses the wrong path, slipping deeper into the local drug scene and tossed out of the house, Tate tries to patch up the damage in a family still reeling from the loss of one son.
While the skatepark primarily serves as a refuge from high school and the dingier, dangerous areas of Spokane, it plays a supporting role and offers the brothers one of several paths to redemption. The story is fast-paced and somewhat gritty, tempered only because the kids keep it grounded with sensibility and smarts.
The quick read was intensely enjoyable, especially in the build to the climax. I would have rated it five stars if the story had wrapped up so nicely. It's almost too perfect, spoiling the rest of the book's unpredictability. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys teen/young adult protagonist novels now and again.
April 19, 2021
This book was an outstanding story about a troubled teenager and how his brother never gave up on him. I really enjoyed this book as it was never dull and I was always glued to the pages to see what would happen to the two brothers, Indy and Tate. Throughout the story the Indy kept getting into more and more trouble, while Tate was sacrificing everything to help his little brother. Indy gets kicked out of his house by their dad and starts hanging out with the wrong crowd. When Indy is an accessory to a murder in Spokane, (Their Town)Tate knows he has to bail his brother out big time. What will happen to the troubled Indy? This is one of my favorite books after reading it, I recommend it to any teenager who is looking for a thrilling and exciting story.
February 12, 2018
I didn't really like the book that much it was kind of boring and not that interesting in the beginning but it ended up being an okay book towards the end.
February 13, 2018
This book was amazingly written. The author kept me engaged the whole time and wondering what would happen next.
April 17, 2018
Very good book. recommended to any Ya reader.
July 17, 2019
Another satisfying read from one of my favourite authors. This story hits home in a number of ways: I know of someone as stubborn as this...
February 27, 2023
My modified English class enjoyed this book. We wanted an edgy skater drama and it delivered.
December 3, 2019
*Each of us deals with our teen years differently, but I am sure that we all either know (or were) the teen that made some bad choices. This is a book about a teen much like these kids. It is narrated by his older brother and one of the story lines is about our protagonist, Tate, trying to find his own path, but the main story line in Under the Bridge is about his brother, Indy.
As a teacher, this one tore at my heart strings because it is definitely a story of a good boy gone bad. Many times throughout the book, I saw how an adult could help this boy, but nothing ever changed. Because of this, too, I immediately think of many readers who would bond automatically with Indy because of this. Michael Harmon's characters are very realistic and I think connections would be made quickly and even if the reader did not see themselves in Indy, they may in Tate or they probably know someone like the two of them. As soon as I finished, I knew exactly what reader needed to read this book and I asked his mother if it was okay if he did- she graciously agreed, thanking me for finding a book that hopefully her son will connect to and learn from. It is books like this one that shows me how important it is to have some gritty novels out there.
What I did learn from this book- "There are different ways to do the right thing." And I'll never forget it.
Read Together: Grades 10 to 12
Read Alone: Grades 9 and up
Read With: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Slam by Nick Hornby, Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli
Snatch of Text: "At three-thirty in the morning, I'd been reading for over 7 hours, rapt with attention as I scrolled through my brother's words and stories until I was brain-dead with fatigue. I hadn't even gotten to his novels. The last short story I'd read, his most recent, went deep, and I knew it was about him.
He'd made it fictional, but I could see right through his words and straight to how he felt about the world and school and us and himself. It wasn't sad or depressing or funny or disturbing, but all of them put together. Forty-one pages of my brothers feelings about life." (p. 93)
"Night skating is one of the coolest things to do in the world. With everything still and quiet but for your wheels rolling on the pavement, it's like skating in a dream. The glow cast from streetlights and the emptiness of the city either freak you out or make you feel like the pavement and rails and sets were made just for you." (p. 191)
Mentor Text for: Voice, Characterization, Suspense
Writing Prompts: When was there a time that you made a wrong choice and someone else had to help you realize the mistake you made. What was the mistake and who helped you?; At what point do you think that Indy chose to go down the path he did? What do you think he could have done differently?
Topics Covered: Skateboarding, Death, Drugs, Suicide, Choices, Anger, Story Writing (Narrative), School Counselors, Values, Parents, Goals
As a teacher, this one tore at my heart strings because it is definitely a story of a good boy gone bad. Many times throughout the book, I saw how an adult could help this boy, but nothing ever changed. Because of this, too, I immediately think of many readers who would bond automatically with Indy because of this. Michael Harmon's characters are very realistic and I think connections would be made quickly and even if the reader did not see themselves in Indy, they may in Tate or they probably know someone like the two of them. As soon as I finished, I knew exactly what reader needed to read this book and I asked his mother if it was okay if he did- she graciously agreed, thanking me for finding a book that hopefully her son will connect to and learn from. It is books like this one that shows me how important it is to have some gritty novels out there.
What I did learn from this book- "There are different ways to do the right thing." And I'll never forget it.
Read Together: Grades 10 to 12
Read Alone: Grades 9 and up
Read With: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Slam by Nick Hornby, Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli
Snatch of Text: "At three-thirty in the morning, I'd been reading for over 7 hours, rapt with attention as I scrolled through my brother's words and stories until I was brain-dead with fatigue. I hadn't even gotten to his novels. The last short story I'd read, his most recent, went deep, and I knew it was about him.
He'd made it fictional, but I could see right through his words and straight to how he felt about the world and school and us and himself. It wasn't sad or depressing or funny or disturbing, but all of them put together. Forty-one pages of my brothers feelings about life." (p. 93)
"Night skating is one of the coolest things to do in the world. With everything still and quiet but for your wheels rolling on the pavement, it's like skating in a dream. The glow cast from streetlights and the emptiness of the city either freak you out or make you feel like the pavement and rails and sets were made just for you." (p. 191)
Mentor Text for: Voice, Characterization, Suspense
Writing Prompts: When was there a time that you made a wrong choice and someone else had to help you realize the mistake you made. What was the mistake and who helped you?; At what point do you think that Indy chose to go down the path he did? What do you think he could have done differently?
Topics Covered: Skateboarding, Death, Drugs, Suicide, Choices, Anger, Story Writing (Narrative), School Counselors, Values, Parents, Goals
November 6, 2015
My book was really interesting because it was talking about people that were not loved by their parents my parents love me and i love them but it was interesting reading and imagining something like that. Those people lived under a bridge that's why it was called like that because they always were there they said they were better there than home. They all had a good amount of pert in the book they were people that were not afraid of nobody but had responsibilities. I really liked the plot of the story they were cool kids one of them super liked soccer he had everything to be a soccer player every single one of them had something that could be there future but like they didn't had the money and stuff because they didn't work so they were broke.
They were smart well some because other school wasn't there thing there dad of sid and pipe were the ones that were a little more careful with them. So they got more freedom and they were the major of the time at the bridge. In the middle of the book Pipe was trying to find a job because he wanted to be winning money so he started finding one he went everywhere and like was the only one will he and sid and wizzie that didn't had problems with the police and he went find one the other guys were super excited for him that he will change his life.
The part i loved of the story was the beginning and the last of the book because the beginning had these parts that like left me like in shock. The middle of the book wasn't that good it was just a boring i just liked one part that made me so happy was when Pipe found a job and he was the one who did drugs and everything he quit doing drugs and came smart at school had money and helped out his parents and didn't go to the bridge anymore the others were mad at him but he knew he did the smart thing that made me think wow so actually your friends are a big impact in your life so yea. I thought the middle was bored just because there wasn't that many good things in it. It was just boring. The last part go nice and cool because everybody started finding jobs and not going to the bridge.
When they saw Pipe really dressed nice and healthy and with money they all started doing the same stuff just not wizzie. He didn't want to go because he hide a secret. So he was the only one who didn't everybody changed. he died 2 months later everybody was sad and went to the funeral everybody changed and made under the bridge an awesome place to visit and they always reunited just to hangout and remember past moments. I liked that part too because it felt so good they changed their lives just because one friend did everybody did.
This book i read was so good it was my favorite well i haven't read a whole book before until these one but it was worth it because it was good and had a lot of parts i loved and almost made me sad. I loved the book and hope i could find another like these.
They were smart well some because other school wasn't there thing there dad of sid and pipe were the ones that were a little more careful with them. So they got more freedom and they were the major of the time at the bridge. In the middle of the book Pipe was trying to find a job because he wanted to be winning money so he started finding one he went everywhere and like was the only one will he and sid and wizzie that didn't had problems with the police and he went find one the other guys were super excited for him that he will change his life.
The part i loved of the story was the beginning and the last of the book because the beginning had these parts that like left me like in shock. The middle of the book wasn't that good it was just a boring i just liked one part that made me so happy was when Pipe found a job and he was the one who did drugs and everything he quit doing drugs and came smart at school had money and helped out his parents and didn't go to the bridge anymore the others were mad at him but he knew he did the smart thing that made me think wow so actually your friends are a big impact in your life so yea. I thought the middle was bored just because there wasn't that many good things in it. It was just boring. The last part go nice and cool because everybody started finding jobs and not going to the bridge.
When they saw Pipe really dressed nice and healthy and with money they all started doing the same stuff just not wizzie. He didn't want to go because he hide a secret. So he was the only one who didn't everybody changed. he died 2 months later everybody was sad and went to the funeral everybody changed and made under the bridge an awesome place to visit and they always reunited just to hangout and remember past moments. I liked that part too because it felt so good they changed their lives just because one friend did everybody did.
This book i read was so good it was my favorite well i haven't read a whole book before until these one but it was worth it because it was good and had a lot of parts i loved and almost made me sad. I loved the book and hope i could find another like these.
November 20, 2013
Skateboarding, the highly-drawn "sport" that is a well essential to the urban life. Some might say it is to pass the time, others say it is their life. Living the urban life is completely separate from the ghetto. But when one begins to dissolve into the ghetto, little does he know that he will also put his own life on the line. This is where this story comes in.
Tate Brooks and his younger brother, Indy, are just the average skateboarders you would usually find within the gritty streets of Spokane. Meanwhile, Indy has his own issues. He's smart, just that he doesn't put any effort into his work at school. The reaction from his father is catastrophic, like usual. And now, Indy retaliates against his dad's new punishment, which results in getting suspended from school.
So now Indy gets kicked out of the house; he doesn't care. Since he doesn't have anywhere else to live, he decides to turn into a guy named Will, a dark minded drug dealer that has everyone thinking he's "crazy". Indy begins to merge into the life of a drug dealer and Tate can't find a way to get him back.
Tate doesn't want to have reenactment of what happened to his former crew mate, Cutter, who committed suicide after realizing that an addiction to crack, family issues, and living the life of a drug dealer had ruined his whole life. Tate will not let that happen to Indy.
Surprise, Tate finds him. And turns out, Will is crazy after all. Before Tate could find Indy, there was an investigation for the murder of a guy named Lucius, which some of the killing shown on tape. After being unable to identify the killer in the video at first, Tate is told that Will has made Indy an accessory to murder. Also, if he finds out that Indy leaves the dealing business, Will would then gun him down. Although Indy still cannot leave, Tate discovers that he has written amazing, persuasive novels in his laptop and the principal at school says that these can help Indy get into a good college. This should help get Indy back.
Meanwhile, Tate's crew mate, Sid, and the rookie, Stick, persuades him to attend the invitational at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena to give him the chance to become a pro. Eventually, with some support from his family and the one girl whom he likes, Tate thinks that he's ready.
Like I said in the beginning, "Under The Bridge" explains what life in the city and streets of Spokane can be like. Also, it shows how life in the dark parts or boroughs can be dangerous and what would happen should you take the wrong path.
Siblings always look out for each other. They're part of family. When someone is missing out on something, it just doesn't feel right. For Tate and his family, he'll have to risk anything in order to save Tate.
Tate Brooks and his younger brother, Indy, are just the average skateboarders you would usually find within the gritty streets of Spokane. Meanwhile, Indy has his own issues. He's smart, just that he doesn't put any effort into his work at school. The reaction from his father is catastrophic, like usual. And now, Indy retaliates against his dad's new punishment, which results in getting suspended from school.
So now Indy gets kicked out of the house; he doesn't care. Since he doesn't have anywhere else to live, he decides to turn into a guy named Will, a dark minded drug dealer that has everyone thinking he's "crazy". Indy begins to merge into the life of a drug dealer and Tate can't find a way to get him back.
Tate doesn't want to have reenactment of what happened to his former crew mate, Cutter, who committed suicide after realizing that an addiction to crack, family issues, and living the life of a drug dealer had ruined his whole life. Tate will not let that happen to Indy.
Surprise, Tate finds him. And turns out, Will is crazy after all. Before Tate could find Indy, there was an investigation for the murder of a guy named Lucius, which some of the killing shown on tape. After being unable to identify the killer in the video at first, Tate is told that Will has made Indy an accessory to murder. Also, if he finds out that Indy leaves the dealing business, Will would then gun him down. Although Indy still cannot leave, Tate discovers that he has written amazing, persuasive novels in his laptop and the principal at school says that these can help Indy get into a good college. This should help get Indy back.
Meanwhile, Tate's crew mate, Sid, and the rookie, Stick, persuades him to attend the invitational at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena to give him the chance to become a pro. Eventually, with some support from his family and the one girl whom he likes, Tate thinks that he's ready.
Like I said in the beginning, "Under The Bridge" explains what life in the city and streets of Spokane can be like. Also, it shows how life in the dark parts or boroughs can be dangerous and what would happen should you take the wrong path.
Siblings always look out for each other. They're part of family. When someone is missing out on something, it just doesn't feel right. For Tate and his family, he'll have to risk anything in order to save Tate.
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September 25, 2016I wasn't engaged by the characters and the writing style didn't work for me. This was a DNF for me.
February 7, 2017
I loved Michael Harmon's book Last Exit to Normal (this book was so underrated, I don't understand how it is not a NYT Bestseller, everyone should read it) so I didn't hesitate when I saw this book. I'm glad to say it didn't let me down.
I appreciate how Harmon's writing is always overflowing with emotions so raw and gritty. There is an unusual mix of angst, despair, hurt, love and acceptance via Tate's first-person narrative. Somehow Harmon manages to inject a glimmer of hope by projecting how Tate never really gave up on Indy and made multiple attempts to save his brother from the abyss of darkness.
Tate's father was always the man of the family, imposing his own set of rules on his kids. Tate as the more sensible kid accepts and concurs, but Indy feels suffocated and tries to break away or rebel in his own way, which makes dad even angrier. This highlights the tussle in parent-child relationship and the fact that adults always make children listen to them without accepting what their kids have to say. As a result, kids like Indy rebel in every way they can until they lose it. Most of the times, it is not that parents don't love their kids, just that they love their kids the wrong way.
This book is an emotional roller coaster that brings you down to Bikini Bottom before finally going up. So be mentally prepared.
*This book contains swear words, drug dealings/usage and suicide.
I appreciate how Harmon's writing is always overflowing with emotions so raw and gritty. There is an unusual mix of angst, despair, hurt, love and acceptance via Tate's first-person narrative. Somehow Harmon manages to inject a glimmer of hope by projecting how Tate never really gave up on Indy and made multiple attempts to save his brother from the abyss of darkness.
Tate's father was always the man of the family, imposing his own set of rules on his kids. Tate as the more sensible kid accepts and concurs, but Indy feels suffocated and tries to break away or rebel in his own way, which makes dad even angrier. This highlights the tussle in parent-child relationship and the fact that adults always make children listen to them without accepting what their kids have to say. As a result, kids like Indy rebel in every way they can until they lose it. Most of the times, it is not that parents don't love their kids, just that they love their kids the wrong way.
This book is an emotional roller coaster that brings you down to Bikini Bottom before finally going up. So be mentally prepared.
*This book contains swear words, drug dealings/usage and suicide.
January 14, 2014
Tate and his brother, Indy, hang out under the bridge in Spokane to skate. They are both good enough to be sponsored and turn pro, but Indy has issues. He’s ditching school and gotten himself mixed up with the local drug dealers. Can Tate rescue him?
This is a great story about teens and the choices they make. It’s also a great look at how friends and family can both abandon and rescue each other. Tate is a strong, smart character. I really like how he steps up to help his brother. Indy is also a great character – a good look at how a couple of bad choices can spiral out of control. I even liked their father – he’s trying but ineffective and clueless about how to help his sons – I think it’s a realistic look at how some parents behave.
The suspense builds steadily, culminating in a tense climax that ends with a satisfying flourish. A great story for teen boys!
This is a great story about teens and the choices they make. It’s also a great look at how friends and family can both abandon and rescue each other. Tate is a strong, smart character. I really like how he steps up to help his brother. Indy is also a great character – a good look at how a couple of bad choices can spiral out of control. I even liked their father – he’s trying but ineffective and clueless about how to help his sons – I think it’s a realistic look at how some parents behave.
The suspense builds steadily, culminating in a tense climax that ends with a satisfying flourish. A great story for teen boys!
December 23, 2014
I really liked this book. Tate and his younger brother Indy are skateboarders. They are both struggling teens, struggling to know themselves, to find their way. They live in the city, not the suburbs, but not the inner city poverty areas either. They exist in the border territory, a working class family with working class values. Mom and Dad love their children, but Dad isn't the best at showing it. He is volatile but not physically abusive, with the exception of one argument that goes too far. When Indy is thrown out of the house for drug use, skipping school and disrespect, he falls deeper into the drug world. Tate is determined to save him. I think Harmon did a great job of capturing the family dynamics; they rang very true. The characters were realistic, flawed but loving. I agree the end was a little too neat, but hey! that's how I wanted it to end! No complaints here :)
July 20, 2013
A group of skateboarders in Spokane, Washington spend their free time in a skateboard park located under a freeway overpass. They have sworn an oath to stay drug-free after the overdose death of one of their good friends. The informal leader of the group is Tate and he is protective of his younger brother Indy. His brother is a bit of a rebel and ends getting kicked out by their dad for missing school and being disrespectful. When his brother starts dealing and using drugs Tate fights to save his brother from a psychopathic drug dealer. This is a gritty, realistic picture of dysfunctional families, the misuse of violence, and ultimately what holds a family together.
October 11, 2020
Michael Harmon's books are targeted for the mid-level teen, judging from his writing. I'm nearly an adult, and despite the simple language, I really enjoy is books. He has interesting plots and I like his characters. This is mu second favorite Harmon book, because Tate and Indy and co. are some of the best characters Harmon has come up with. I really liked each guy for their characteristics. The story was good too. I found myself caring for the guys and reading way past my preferred sleep time.
The pace is quick and you dont have to worry about losing interest in the plot. A quick and fun read.
The pace is quick and you dont have to worry about losing interest in the plot. A quick and fun read.
November 9, 2012
This is a gritty novel. Tate's younger brother Indy gets involved with drug dealers and Tate feels he has to help him out by beating people up. There's cussing and suicide and violence and disrespecting adults. It's also a novel worth reading. It has a lot of really good messages, but not in a preachy sort of way. It does deal with some sensitive issues, so if you're a parent, keep in mind how worldly your teen is. If you're a teenager, I'm sure this just makes you want to read it more. It moves along really quickly. I read it in less than a day.
December 10, 2012
Tate's younger brother Indy is a talented skater slacker. After pissing his dad off one time too many, Indy is kicked out and turns to the dark side. Tate braves drug dealers, late night party scenes, and his dad's intolerance to save his brother. While I liked other books of this type somewhat better - Stick by Andrew Smith, & What Happened by Peter Johnson - this one with its' inclusion of skater slang & culture is a good one to keep in mind.
February 20, 2015
I personally give this book a four out of five stars. This book is a thrilling story about friendships, skateboarding, broken families, drug abuse, and teenage issues. These topics kept me interested. Harmon offers a real approach to teenaged life and a special bond between brothers. Tate’s character is also amazing. This story is about love and hate, and although the story isn’t always happy, it has a happy ending. This is a story about hope.
September 10, 2016
*** Content Analysis only ***
First Glance:
Two brothers with a dysfunctional home life get in over their heads with drugs and drug dealers.Double Take:
32 F-words
100 additional profanities (stronger than 'hell' & 'damn')
Underage drinking/drug use
April 9, 2013
First, I like the author. Next, I like the raw edges given to Tate and his brother Indie. Finally, I would recommend this book to those who want a real life depiction of what happens "down there, in THOSE places."
December 27, 2013
A riveting book about brothers, skateboarding, family dynamics, and how far one boy will go to save his older brother's life from heading down the dangerous path of drug use. The bonus is that it's set in my home state of Washington.
January 8, 2013
Another satisfying read from one of my favourite authors. This story hits home in a number of ways: I know of someone as stubborn as this...
February 2, 2013
I cried many times mostly because I could relate to the drugs and suicide references.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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