The Puzzled: A Teen’s Story of Rising Above Trauma, Bullying, Sexual Abuse, and Complex PTSD

Bullies & Allies

by James F. Johnson

With a Single Trusted Ally at My Side, I Can Stand Strong Against a World of Bullies Fourteen-year-old Kyle returns home to Washington State more secretive than ever. In Duluth, he’s met Tuck, a beloved friend and mentor whose identity can’t be revealed, but who promises to help him survive his crazy family. Through spy-like phone calls and letters, Tuck teaches Kyle how to stand up to school bullies. But family bullies are more complicated, and Kyle will never feel safe disclosing the secret years of dark abuse at the hand of his dad’s trusted friend, Dr. Krieg. With Tuck’s help, Kyle becomes a popular high school teen, but also a lonely one. As a bully-free future blossoms, inner shadows from his PTSD puzzle turn Kyle against himself. Anxiety, depression, sexual confusion, and distrust haunt like ghosts, needlessly making him into a nervous, bi-polar wreck, and forcing Tuck to mentor him even harder. PTSD is a complication Kyle can’t master alone, but together with Tuck, they seem to be succeeding—until senior year. Just when life is at its best, Kyle’s past explodes. This time, Tuck can’t help. Childhood has ended early. Kyle must become a man quickly. Is he ready? The time has come to control his PTSD and to make the most painful and adult decision of a lifetime. Lie down and die? Stand and fight? Or turn and run?

576 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2018

Reviews

[Toni Kief · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book by James Johnson, and as soon as I noticed The Puzzled I had to read it. The depth and complexity of Kyle's life is moving. The horrible crimes against this young man are so realistic. Thank goodness for a true friend in Tuck. A very touching and intense story. You shouldn't miss it.