Bad Boy

by Michael Gliksman

Loosely based on a true story, this is an inspiring and unflinching account of a brave boy's struggle to recover from abuse. Josh is sexually abused in an institution where he goes after his grandmother falsely accuses his father of abusing him. Told from the boy's perspective as a sixteen year old looking back, this is a very personal story of triumph over the odds & also a confronting look at some of society's systems & institutions.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2004

Reviews

[Stephfafahh · Rating 3 out of 5]

“They say that it only takes a minute to know that someone is special, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and a lifetime to forget”.

This was seriously one of the most confronting and heartbreaking things that I’ve ever read. I feel like some things were never answered of addressed - how was the inebriated grandmother’s word worth more than Josh’s and his father’s? The fact that this story mirrors other people’s real experiences and history is absolutely awful.

[Petra X · Rating 3 out of 5]

This slight book with big print is ideal for a journey of a few hours. To repeat a cliche, it asks more questions than it answers. It is simply not believable that Social Services would order a father out of the house on the say-so of an alcoholic grandmother who said he abused the child in the shower. And if that is so, how come one psychologist can get away with constant child abuse, another taking children out alone for treats... The book is supposed to be a fictionalised memoir but it simply doesn't ring true. And therein lies the truth of it. If it had been real fiction, all these loose ends would have been knotted and bowed nicely, and none were.

I wouldn't really recommend this book, its ok, but if its stories of child abuse and therapists you are interested in, this is a one-off canape not an entree to the subject.

[Pauline Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving. This book needs to be available in schools as a must read book.

[Amanda Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Another reader said that some of the story didn't ring true. My own experience with the department etc is that it was very true. This book put into words deep sad awful emotions. It is a hard book to read but to me it felt hopeful in the end.

[connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This made me feel sad and question why there are cruel people in this world.
I was however kinda caught off guard with how intense this book would be, considering I bought it in an op shop second hand, not expecting much.
Thanks

[Mariah Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of all time