Consider the Dragonfly

by Malcolm Ivey

A gritty, suspenseful coming-of-age novel. CJ McCallister graduated from junior high to juvenile hall before he completed eighth grade. He wasn’t a bad kid. In many ways, he was a typical teenage curious, awkward, friendly and shy. So where did things go wrong? It may have been the Barocela brothers; twin bullies, relentless in their cruelty. It could have been his delusional, dope-smoking dad, or the betrayal of a close friend, or the unrequited love of a girl, or his own voracious appetite for drugs, or the ill-fated bond he forged in detention. Or maybe it was simply that his destiny lay behind the razor wire, as fixed and unavoidable as the rising sun. At eighteen, CJ was handcuffed, shackled, and headed for one of the most notorious prison systems in the nation. It was there, in the long shadows of the gun towers, among the sick and dying in the terminal unit of the prison, that he found strength, honor, kindness, and ultimately, himself. Consider the Dragonfly is the heartbreaking, inspiring story of a family fractured by addiction and mental illness, and the journey of a good kid gone bad who manages to hang onto his humanity in spite of losing everything else.

386 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2013

About the author

I was 13 years old and in juvie for stealing car stereos when I read my first novel, a thousand-page colossus of a book by Larry McMurtry titled "Lonesome Dove." I recognized it from my father’s nightstand at home and snagged it off the detention center library cart, thinking it would give me something to discuss with the old man at visitation. It turned out to be an epic adventure better than any movie I’d ever seen. That was more than 30 years ago, but the twined themes of confinement and reading have been constants in my life that persist to this day...

Read my complete bio at http://www.malcolmivey.com

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there was a certain poignancy to this novel, I didn't experience the depth of feeling that I think the author was going for. The basic elements of a good story were all there, but I never found myself rooting for the main character. As he says in the book, he just seemed to "let life happen," and that didn't really allow the reader to relate to/understand his decisions. He had no real direction, and I found myself losing interest in the path his life was taking him. I understand, of course, that much of this book mirrors real-life for a number of people, but it doesn't necessarily make for a compelling story.

[Christa Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching yet brilliant characterization...beautifully written!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Absolutely incredible

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book with a thought provoking story!

[Sharron Grodzinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time is now! Great read!

Although the author changes POV, the basic story and descriptions of prison life are so real you can almost feel it. Obviously he writes about what he knows intimately. The dialog is perfect. Character development good. Excellent first work.

[Mary Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a well written, intense book. CJ was definitely a product of his environment. The author made you feel as if you were right there with CJ through his entire ordeal. His descriptive style of writing was so realistic. While I'm not a fan of violence, it was an important part of the story. There was one section in Chapter 3 where Andrea & CJ are in the hallway about to enter the auditorium and they run into the Barocela brothers and a scuffle ensues. Andrea is thrown to the grass.....inside the hallway? I received a complimentary copy. For my good review. I would recommend this book. Thank you.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ebook for an honest review. At first this appears to be a teen book but it soon becomes apparent it is not. We follow a young man through his life from being bullied to trouble at home. It seems he has no one except his mother that cares for him. His Dad has his own demons. I especially liked the last 1/3 of the book. Not a happy book but thought provoking. Well worth reading.

[Ginger Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read!!! Engaging, suspenseful and captivating from beginning to end. Although fiction, I have never read such a a real life account of prison and the trauma that occurs to a first-time convict. What an amazing description of character. The new book of Malcolm Ivey is now out and I am so excited for my copy to come in! With Arms Unbound~

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this book. I couldn't put it down! Can't wait to read his next book!