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West Brothers #5
Roland West, Outcast
He's searching for the truth, but is he ready to proclaim it?
Shy Roland West, who fears speaking up, attends high school with gossips and troublemakers. After panicking in speech class and becoming the subject of gossip, his best friend, Peter Brant, pushes him to uncover the vandals of an outcast's house before they strike again. With the Catholic youth group, he helps repair the damage to the outcast’s house and questions fellow students, but he draws more negative attention to himself. In his search, Roland finds himself ridiculed and challenged about his beliefs, becoming more of a target. As he draws closer to uncovering the perpetrator, his friend Caitlyn is threatened. Once Roland discovers the sinister reason behind the vandalism, he must overcome his fear of speaking out to confront and expose the perpetrators.
Shy Roland West, who fears speaking up, attends high school with gossips and troublemakers. After panicking in speech class and becoming the subject of gossip, his best friend, Peter Brant, pushes him to uncover the vandals of an outcast's house before they strike again. With the Catholic youth group, he helps repair the damage to the outcast’s house and questions fellow students, but he draws more negative attention to himself. In his search, Roland finds himself ridiculed and challenged about his beliefs, becoming more of a target. As he draws closer to uncovering the perpetrator, his friend Caitlyn is threatened. Once Roland discovers the sinister reason behind the vandalism, he must overcome his fear of speaking out to confront and expose the perpetrators.
- GenresYoung Adult
292 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2018
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Linden
40 books110 followersRaised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. She began writing in grade school and her passion for writing has never waned. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the Chasing Liberty trilogy, a dystopian story about a future that is sadly becoming a reality.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 5, 2018
Roland West, Outcast is both entertaining and timely! Theresa Linden is at her best in capturing Roland’s shy reluctance and Peter’s awkward infatuation.
A well-written book for Catholic teens that addresses the social pressure to kowtow to shifting notions of right and wrong (particularly in regard to same-sex attraction) is long overdue.
If you’re ever been silent when you should’ve spoken up, if your beliefs have ever been mischaracterized or misunderstood, if you want to get along without compromising your conscience, then Roland West, Outcast is for you.
A well-written book for Catholic teens that addresses the social pressure to kowtow to shifting notions of right and wrong (particularly in regard to same-sex attraction) is long overdue.
If you’re ever been silent when you should’ve spoken up, if your beliefs have ever been mischaracterized or misunderstood, if you want to get along without compromising your conscience, then Roland West, Outcast is for you.
October 24, 2018
Wow! Theresa Linden is one my favorite authors and her West Brothers series of books is absolutely incredible. There are several things that I love about this series. I love how the author adds unique Catholic themes to the books. I love how she is unafraid to tackle difficult topics. And I love how she changes up the point of view. These stories have unfolded through many different viewpoints – Roland, Jarret, Keefe, Caitlyn, Peter, and even demons and angels!
Roland West, Outcast is told from Roland and Peter’s perspectives. It is actually set during the same time period as Linden’s novel, Standing Strong. This made for an extremely enjoyable read, to see the same scenes but from a different viewpoint. I’m always fascinated by this – how the story can change completely depending on who is telling the tale.
This book also provides some incredible insight into saints and martyrs. I love the line from one of the characters that a particular martyr “…had a lot of courage. All the way to the stake. I admire that. Makes me think there must be something to what she believed.” So true. There are many things we can learn from these incredible faithful servants.
But, my favorite part of this particular book is the subject matter. This is one of the most powerful and impactful books for teens regarding morals that I’ve ever read. Roland West, Outcast is about how to accept and love people who are living in a way that goes against your beliefs. In our society, certain lifestyles that are in contrast to biblical teaching have become widely accepted. This book tackles this topic in a beautiful, faithful way.
There are so many incredible truths in this novel that everyone should hear and be reminded of – especially teens.
Roland West, Outcast is told from Roland and Peter’s perspectives. It is actually set during the same time period as Linden’s novel, Standing Strong. This made for an extremely enjoyable read, to see the same scenes but from a different viewpoint. I’m always fascinated by this – how the story can change completely depending on who is telling the tale.
This book also provides some incredible insight into saints and martyrs. I love the line from one of the characters that a particular martyr “…had a lot of courage. All the way to the stake. I admire that. Makes me think there must be something to what she believed.” So true. There are many things we can learn from these incredible faithful servants.
But, my favorite part of this particular book is the subject matter. This is one of the most powerful and impactful books for teens regarding morals that I’ve ever read. Roland West, Outcast is about how to accept and love people who are living in a way that goes against your beliefs. In our society, certain lifestyles that are in contrast to biblical teaching have become widely accepted. This book tackles this topic in a beautiful, faithful way.
There are so many incredible truths in this novel that everyone should hear and be reminded of – especially teens.
November 18, 2018
Wow, what an incredible read! (Note:Full review will post closer to publication date.)
...
Theresa Linden is one of my favourite contemporary authors. If not my favourite. I have compared her writings to Madeleine L’Engle and Lois Lowry, and firmly stand by that comparison. And it is good clean fiction. Young Adult novels that have the strength and appeal that I believe any adult would enjoy reading them. They have strong Christian themes and usually have Catholic main characters. This is the fifth book in the West Brothers Trilogy and one of Linden’s best!
Roland West is the youngest of three brothers. Since they started attending a public high school he has had more than his share of difficulties, with his older brothers and with others. But when a fellow student’s house is vandalized and his closest friend, Peter, asks for help figuring it out, then Roland is on the case. This book runs parallel to many events in the book Standing Strong. But we see different aspects of those events. Roland is stuck in a hard place. He is reserved, but is pushed to join a new group trying to counter intolerance. But soon he feels like any view but his is acceptable. Linden handles these elements in a masterful way. And they are questions and attitudes that could be taken from the headlines of almost any paper today. An excellent read for teens, and for us older folks that just love a great read!
In a day and age when any view but the Christian view is acceptable. And a time when science and fact matter less and less, to mob or common opinion rule Linden’s book bring light and shine that light on some of the darker places. Darker places in our own hearts, and in the world around us. Her books are never preachy, but always contain a clear message. She writes and shows that there is clearly a write and a wrong, but there is also the need for compassion and understanding in all personal relationships.
I loved this book, and this series. And look forward to my children being a little older to reread it with them. Another excellent read from the master wordsmith Theresa Linden!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden. As well as an author profile and interview with Theresa.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
...
Theresa Linden is one of my favourite contemporary authors. If not my favourite. I have compared her writings to Madeleine L’Engle and Lois Lowry, and firmly stand by that comparison. And it is good clean fiction. Young Adult novels that have the strength and appeal that I believe any adult would enjoy reading them. They have strong Christian themes and usually have Catholic main characters. This is the fifth book in the West Brothers Trilogy and one of Linden’s best!
Roland West is the youngest of three brothers. Since they started attending a public high school he has had more than his share of difficulties, with his older brothers and with others. But when a fellow student’s house is vandalized and his closest friend, Peter, asks for help figuring it out, then Roland is on the case. This book runs parallel to many events in the book Standing Strong. But we see different aspects of those events. Roland is stuck in a hard place. He is reserved, but is pushed to join a new group trying to counter intolerance. But soon he feels like any view but his is acceptable. Linden handles these elements in a masterful way. And they are questions and attitudes that could be taken from the headlines of almost any paper today. An excellent read for teens, and for us older folks that just love a great read!
In a day and age when any view but the Christian view is acceptable. And a time when science and fact matter less and less, to mob or common opinion rule Linden’s book bring light and shine that light on some of the darker places. Darker places in our own hearts, and in the world around us. Her books are never preachy, but always contain a clear message. She writes and shows that there is clearly a write and a wrong, but there is also the need for compassion and understanding in all personal relationships.
I loved this book, and this series. And look forward to my children being a little older to reread it with them. Another excellent read from the master wordsmith Theresa Linden!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden. As well as an author profile and interview with Theresa.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 10, 2018
How I rooted for Roland to find his voice in this book! But Peter ... he surprised me by becoming my favorite character of the West Brothers series. To quote him: You can't act on your impulses just because you love someone.
Therein lie the strength and beauty of the story message. Sometimes, like some of the characters in Roland West, Outcast, young people believe that their feelings justify their actions. The results can be harmful to themselves or to the ones they love.
Both Roland and Peter prove what pure unselfish love can be. And they are put to the test in defending their faith and demonstrating it, in spite of strong criticism, while solving a mystery and righting a wrong committed against a new girl at their school.
I highly recommend this novel to young people. Or anyone.
I received an ARC of this novel and was thrilled to receive, read, and review it under no obligation.
Therein lie the strength and beauty of the story message. Sometimes, like some of the characters in Roland West, Outcast, young people believe that their feelings justify their actions. The results can be harmful to themselves or to the ones they love.
Both Roland and Peter prove what pure unselfish love can be. And they are put to the test in defending their faith and demonstrating it, in spite of strong criticism, while solving a mystery and righting a wrong committed against a new girl at their school.
I highly recommend this novel to young people. Or anyone.
I received an ARC of this novel and was thrilled to receive, read, and review it under no obligation.
December 11, 2018
Theresa Linden's West Brothers Series is a gift for all teens. This recent release is another exciting story that includes many uncomfortable, worldly issues that teens deal with daily, and wraps it in an exciting plot with a mysterious twist. It takes courage to be a Christian in this world. Roland West shows us how, and so does Peter. You'll have to read this book to find out what I mean. I recommend this book....actually, the whole series...for all teens. It would make a fantastic gift.
December 24, 2018
Theresa Linden never fails to impress! Although I didn't like the subject matter/plot of the book as much of the others, there was a stark reality to it (perhaps more than the rest of the series) that peered through as the characters dealt with life, loneliness, and emotions and issues that teenagers can't escape these days. Above all, Roland West, Outcast keenly illustrates the importance of standing up for what you believe in and standing up for the Faith, no matter how much you want to slip into the shadows, no matter how much it makes you an outcast. "Better to live ready to die for the truth than to live dead to the truth and to who you really are. Or who you're called to be."
A must-read for Catholic teenagers, especially those struggling with contemporary issues.
A must-read for Catholic teenagers, especially those struggling with contemporary issues.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews