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Free Lunch #2
Punching Bag
Punching Bag is the compelling true story of a high school career defined by poverty and punctuated by outbreaks of domestic abuse. Rex Ogle, who brilliantly mapped his experience of hunger in Free Lunch, here describes his struggle to survive; reflects on his complex, often paradoxical relationship with his passionate, fierce mother; and charts the trajectory of his stepdad’s anger. Hovering over Rex’s story is the talismanic presence of his unborn baby sister.
Through it all, Rex threads moments of grace and humor that act as beacons of light in the darkness. Compulsively readable, beautifully crafted, and authentically told, Punching Bag is a remarkable memoir about one teenager’s cycle of violence, blame, and attempts to forgive his parents—and himself.
Through it all, Rex threads moments of grace and humor that act as beacons of light in the darkness. Compulsively readable, beautifully crafted, and authentically told, Punching Bag is a remarkable memoir about one teenager’s cycle of violence, blame, and attempts to forgive his parents—and himself.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
75 people are currently reading
1950 people want to read
About the author
Rex Ogle
65 books585 followersHoly moly! I am so humbled and honored for y'all to read my books. Big hugs to all of ya.
Also, check out graphic novels under my pen name REY TERCIERO.
Bio:
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.
Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).
Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.
Also, check out graphic novels under my pen name REY TERCIERO.
Bio:
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.
Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).
Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
November 6, 2021
Punching Bag is just as powerful as its companion Free Lunch. I do not know how Rex Ogle managed to write of such trauma while still revealing his strong inner spirit. These are not fun, entertaining reads but they are important reads. Important for us to know the child in the classroom may be going through this. Important to know the adult seated in the back row in church may have lived this. As you read it may be you that needs to know you are not alone. I feel such love and compassion for the author, Rex Ogle. He is a survivor.
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September 10, 2023Punching Bag is Rex Ogle’s raw, troubling memoir of abuse. The first chapter had me gritting my teeth as seven-year old Rex is mentally and physically abused in ways that he doesn’t understand. This scene is the backdrop for the rest of the book which takes place during Rex’s high school years. Rex is being raised and abused by his emotionally troubled Mexican-American mother and his alcoholic, white stepfather who is the father of Rex’s little brother. Each short chapter details an episode when Rex is abused or reflects on earlier instances of abuse. Through it all, Rex tries to make sense of what is happening to him: Why does it keep happening? Is it his fault? What can he do to make it stop? Can he protect his brother? Is his mother worth protecting? Is fighting back a good idea?
Clearly, Punching Bag is not a book for everyone at all times. Ogle says as much in his beautifully written Author’s Note: “If you’re not ready to read this, then don’t. Please, go enjoy some sunshine, watch a funny movie, or buy yourself an ice cream. This book will be waiting for you when you are ready.”
Punching Bag is difficult reading, but young readers who are themselves abuse victims will find in Rex Ogle’s voice someone who understands their pain. Others readers will find their capacity for empathy expanded as they respond viscerally to Rex’s ordeal. At the risk of edging up to a spoiler, I think it’s OK to say that the book ultimately provides ways to be hopeful in the face of overwhelming torment.
This review appears in slightly different form on my What's Not Wrong? blog.
Clearly, Punching Bag is not a book for everyone at all times. Ogle says as much in his beautifully written Author’s Note: “If you’re not ready to read this, then don’t. Please, go enjoy some sunshine, watch a funny movie, or buy yourself an ice cream. This book will be waiting for you when you are ready.”
Punching Bag is difficult reading, but young readers who are themselves abuse victims will find in Rex Ogle’s voice someone who understands their pain. Others readers will find their capacity for empathy expanded as they respond viscerally to Rex’s ordeal. At the risk of edging up to a spoiler, I think it’s OK to say that the book ultimately provides ways to be hopeful in the face of overwhelming torment.
This review appears in slightly different form on my What's Not Wrong? blog.
February 27, 2022
While I cannot say I enjoyed this (who would?), I found it compelling and unforgettable. It will stick with me and has encouraged me to do what I can to combat domestic violence. Highly recommend along with its companion, “Free Lunch.”
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
April 25, 2024
For students. A powerful work of non-fiction about the author's struggles to stay sane in a violently abusive family. More soon, hopefully-
December 7, 2022
This is the companion to Free Lunch, and while some questions were answered, many lingered. In a way this memoir may have been great therapy for Rex. I recommend this book, but there is a lot of language and some of it may be very difficult to read. However his final message helps.
June 4, 2023
This was so incredibly difficult to read. The abuse inflected upon the author is just unfathomable, and the cycle of violence is so disheartening. It’s definitely an important read, though.
December 1, 2023
This is a heartbreaking read. As in his other books, Ogle has done an excellent job of describing the tragedy of intergenerational violence and the absolute nightmare it creates for children who are helpless in an abusive system. This also draws attention to the impact of poverty on individuals, families and societies. The voice that comes through is one of insight, compassion and resilience, despite experiencing so much cruelty.
July 8, 2025
The events in Rex Ogle's second memoir are even more devastating than his first, Free Lunch. His emotionally unstable and physically violent mother and her abusive boyfriend make Ogle's life pure hell, saddling him with guilt as they cover him in bruises.
Somehow, Ogle is able to eke some thin bit of hope for his own future out of all the domestic violence.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Author's Note -- Homecoming -- Roadkill -- Moving -- New Place -- Laundry -- Crusts -- Radio -- Glass -- Snow Globe -- Cans -- Fever -- Church -- Sock Hands -- Running -- Extra Credit -- Why -- Refund -- Night -- Houston -- Traitor -- Door -- Gone -- Generations -- Commute -- Barbecue -- Stalker -- Alone -- The Return -- Silence -- Fireworks -- What Happened -- Scissors -- Questions -- Playground -- Afterword -- [Resources]
Somehow, Ogle is able to eke some thin bit of hope for his own future out of all the domestic violence.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: Author's Note -- Homecoming -- Roadkill -- Moving -- New Place -- Laundry -- Crusts -- Radio -- Glass -- Snow Globe -- Cans -- Fever -- Church -- Sock Hands -- Running -- Extra Credit -- Why -- Refund -- Night -- Houston -- Traitor -- Door -- Gone -- Generations -- Commute -- Barbecue -- Stalker -- Alone -- The Return -- Silence -- Fireworks -- What Happened -- Scissors -- Questions -- Playground -- Afterword -- [Resources]
June 18, 2021
I've been listening to Nirvana again lately. For a long time, that music only reminded me of sad times and sad ends, and I avoided it. But now that we are all middle-aged, I can see the innocent youth in it, and the desperate rage, and the burning faint hope that things could be better.
Rex Ogle's memoir of his youth spent trying to grow up and protect his little brother while they were at the mercy of his abusive mom and stepdad reminds me of Nirvana. It is a howl of despair, brutally honest, and incredibly brave. But most of all, it is absolutely matter of fact. Only someone who lived like this for years can present it plain, as it was, and with the benefit of hindsight, as a temporary state that seemed to last forever.
There are glimpses of escape: school, books, Ninja Turtles, a few family members who look on in sympathy and dismay. Kids for whom this story is all too familiar will see it as a mirror, but also as a window onto their futures.
Punching Bag is a masterwork on the subject of generational violence, self-loathing, poverty, and resilience. I am so happy Rex made it out of there and that he is now strong enough to share his story.
Rex Ogle's memoir of his youth spent trying to grow up and protect his little brother while they were at the mercy of his abusive mom and stepdad reminds me of Nirvana. It is a howl of despair, brutally honest, and incredibly brave. But most of all, it is absolutely matter of fact. Only someone who lived like this for years can present it plain, as it was, and with the benefit of hindsight, as a temporary state that seemed to last forever.
There are glimpses of escape: school, books, Ninja Turtles, a few family members who look on in sympathy and dismay. Kids for whom this story is all too familiar will see it as a mirror, but also as a window onto their futures.
Punching Bag is a masterwork on the subject of generational violence, self-loathing, poverty, and resilience. I am so happy Rex made it out of there and that he is now strong enough to share his story.
April 21, 2022
This was so difficult to read because of the graphic violence, but it’s well written and eye-opening. While Free Lunch focused on middle school and poverty, this lens narrowed in on abusive relationships. I’m sorry that Ogle experienced this kind of childhood, and I’m still very frustrated that even in this second book he still does not provide the message that child abuse is unacceptable, against the law, and something that should be reported. He still does not provide resources to children and teens who can identify with child abuse and domestic violence so that they may seek help, even though he does speak to them directly in the preface and author’s note. I can only assume that he doesn’t believe that children can be saved from abusive families but rather just have to try to survive until they are old enough to move away. And that makes me sad.
March 23, 2024
A heartbreaking, realistic follow up novel to Free Lunch. Where Free Lunch had highs and lows, this novel never takes its heavy, abuse-laden foot off the gas. It takes bravery to survive and write these moments down, but I was struggling to read this simply due to empathy.
**Heavy trigger warning for familial abuse in many forms.
**Heavy trigger warning for familial abuse in many forms.
January 3, 2025
Love it .
September 17, 2023
In his second autobiographical book, Rex Ogle reveals another layer of his brutal childhood. This time he reveals the abuse he suffered at the hands of his mother and his stepfather. It is a searing portrait of a life he barely survived. His survival hinged on a tiny slice of hope.
This was a difficult book to read because of the graphic scenes of child abuse. But that’s also why it was such an important book to read. The author’s ultimate message of hope, forgiveness, and learning to love himself carried me through the wrenching experiences he discussed. This book will stay with me for years to come. One passage that stuck out to me was when the author wrote: “As hard as it was, I chose to let go of toxic relationships and focus on positive connections. I have new friends, new family, a new partner, and a good life. I am learning to be happy. I am telling you all this because I want you to know, again, that I survived and that whatever you've gone through, you've survived it to be here in the present now, but if you're anything like me, you're carrying a lot of pain. My advice, let it go. Let the past be the past. Move forward,"
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/rex...
This was a difficult book to read because of the graphic scenes of child abuse. But that’s also why it was such an important book to read. The author’s ultimate message of hope, forgiveness, and learning to love himself carried me through the wrenching experiences he discussed. This book will stay with me for years to come. One passage that stuck out to me was when the author wrote: “As hard as it was, I chose to let go of toxic relationships and focus on positive connections. I have new friends, new family, a new partner, and a good life. I am learning to be happy. I am telling you all this because I want you to know, again, that I survived and that whatever you've gone through, you've survived it to be here in the present now, but if you're anything like me, you're carrying a lot of pain. My advice, let it go. Let the past be the past. Move forward,"
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/rex...
December 12, 2022
I thought this book was a great companion to Free Lunch, but the depth of the abuse and language Rex Ogle wrote about was sometimes unhappy and even depressing. The overall novel was pretty hooking and I finished it within a day. If you like being on the end of your seat when reading this book might be for you. In the beginning Rex Ogle has a warning, talking about how the book might get dark, normally when I see those warnings I don't give them a thought. Nothing in this book really scared me too deeply but I would see Rex Ogle definitely had a reason to place the warning there. I was really confused on the flashback at the beginning of the story, but I pieced most of it together. You don't get the answers to your questions until the very end of the story, if they get answered at all. Normally I don't appreciate books like that but this one got me on the edge of my seat easily. I guess the reason why I took a star away was because I wasn't really expecting the book to take a dark turn, even though I was warned multiple times by reviewers, Rex Ogle himself and others. I enjoyed it throughly and would recommend as the sequel to Free Lunch.
Also, the real meaning behind the name may be hiding in a part of the book that would really give you some clues as to what is happening.
Also, the real meaning behind the name may be hiding in a part of the book that would really give you some clues as to what is happening.
April 3, 2023
Rex Ogle’s mother and stepfather physically and emotionally abused him when he was a child. In his second memoir, Punching Bag, he describes unimaginable incidents that are a terrible reality for far too many children. An alcoholic stepfather who continues the cycle of abuse that he experienced as a child himself. An unstable mother who is both victim and abuser. A younger brother who must be protected at all costs. A younger sister, Marisa, whom his mother lost in a late-term miscarriage after a particularly brutal beating.
Yet Ogle’s message is ultimately one of hope. Thoughts of Marisa, who never got a chance at life, guide him through his most difficult days. As he writes in his author’s note, “I lived this, I survived. You survived your past too, or you wouldn’t be here reading this. We are both alive. We may have a few more scars than we’d like—inside or out—but we made it through. No matter how dark the past, or even the present, the sun will always come up tomorrow. There is hope.” He accordingly refers readers to appropriate resources and hotlines at the end of the book. Teens in similar situations are sure to relate to Ogle’s life story—and find reasons to carry on.
Yet Ogle’s message is ultimately one of hope. Thoughts of Marisa, who never got a chance at life, guide him through his most difficult days. As he writes in his author’s note, “I lived this, I survived. You survived your past too, or you wouldn’t be here reading this. We are both alive. We may have a few more scars than we’d like—inside or out—but we made it through. No matter how dark the past, or even the present, the sun will always come up tomorrow. There is hope.” He accordingly refers readers to appropriate resources and hotlines at the end of the book. Teens in similar situations are sure to relate to Ogle’s life story—and find reasons to carry on.
February 24, 2025
As a mom, this made my heart hurt. I had to keep reminding myself that his mom was most likely mentally ill, but still, that gave her no right to put hands on her child. I hate that she received no help and didn’t accept any help, especially from her own mother who tried to have a relationship with her. I never realized it could be this bad, that teenagers could carry such a heavy burden. It definitely opened my eyes to what could be happening behind closed doors.
November 12, 2021
If Free Lunch was a tough read, Punching Bag is simply harrowing. Ogle continues to mine his childhood and teen years for some kind of meaning after being on the receiving end of his mom's and stepdad's abuse. The opening scene, in which his mom shows him several photos of his stillborn sister and then blames him for her death, sets the tone for the rest of the book. I could not put it down.
January 8, 2022
4.5 stars. This book is a challenging read and should not be taken lightly. It is a continuation of Rex ogles personal story from “free lunch”, but this one focuses on the physical abuse in his home and his struggle with it and how he tried to protect his younger brother. It is scary, but I hope it finds a child who needs to know they are not alone.
January 31, 2024
This is one of the rare books that brought me to tears.
This is a book about child abuse, domestic violence, survival, and breaking the generational cycle. It is well written and your heart aches for the family, all of them, because they are all trapped.
Thank you, Rex, for your honest review about your childhood, yourself, and giving people a message of hope and survival.
This is a book about child abuse, domestic violence, survival, and breaking the generational cycle. It is well written and your heart aches for the family, all of them, because they are all trapped.
Thank you, Rex, for your honest review about your childhood, yourself, and giving people a message of hope and survival.
May 8, 2022
Powerful YA memoir about growing up in a dysfunctional family!
December 1, 2022
So sad and heartbreaking but such a good memoir.
October 31, 2025
Following the award winning biography of author Rex Ogle’s book Free Lunch is Punching Bag. We now meet Rex when he is in his teen years. And the book is aptly titled. Because Rex has become the family punching bag. With generational poverty and domestic abuse, Rex goes through his days wound tightly and just waiting for the next violent act to happen. Because,he knows it . will . happen.
His Mexican-American mom’s way of life is through violence. It is what she knows and how she was raised. It is also what his alcoholic white step-dad knows. Mom has memory lapses and suffers from serious mental health issues. Step-Dad is just mean…though he tries to do better, he just cannot get past the way he was raised and his wife just makes him feel less than a man. Rounding out the family is Rex’s younger half brother whom Rex has vowed to protect.
Covered in blood, vomit, snot, bruises, and other injuries throughout the book, Rex doesn’t catch a break.
He often believe sees his deceased sister, Marisa, before or during his red hot rages .
Marisa was stillborn. Visions of her help Rex calm down. With her sweet face and being there for him, even though he knows she isn’t really there, she comforts him.
All the while, Rex is trying to deal with his thoughts that he himself is evil or else God would have given him a better life. What a load for 16 year old Rex to carry. Life is brutal for this young man.
This grim, hard to read book is not for everyone. And not everyone will be ready to read when they discover this book. But that in no way means the book should not be read. This fact is stated in the author’s notes at the beginning of the book where he writes that he survived and the reader will too. He continues that If it is not the right time for you to read this book, go outside, enjoy the sun, get ice cream, and wait until you are ready to read it.
Short chapters chronicle Rex’s abuse and how he reacts in his thoughts and actions. He has a gift of being able to see inwardly and realize that life is not suppose to hurt the way it does. He is determined not to perpetuate the cycle. Does that always work? No it doesn’t. But he tries to cope. Including not fighting back as a parent beats him.
This raw, terror filled story is a quick read though not an easy read. Yet it does beg to be read. Kids who live with abuse will find hope and help within the pages. On the final page, there is a list of agencies to call for help if you or someone you know needs help.
Educators and those who work with today’s youth cannot help but wonder how many kids are missed. Teaching is hard and, sadly, kids fall through the cracks. Though ultimately, few people can fathom this type of violence and how it moves through generations.
Receiving starred professional reviews, Punching Bag is also a New York Public Library Best Book of 2021 and has been selected as a Cybils Award for High School Non-Fiction in 2021. The Cybils Awards, around since 2006, recognize books written for children and young adults that combine both the highest literary merit and popular appeal.
One reviewer stated “nothing prepares you for the second book.”That reviewer is right. But that doesn’t mean one should bypass this very important work.
Rex Ogle, my hat is off to you for the powerfully haunting book you have written and the changes you have made in your life. You will never know how many kids and teens your books have helped. Kudos.
His Mexican-American mom’s way of life is through violence. It is what she knows and how she was raised. It is also what his alcoholic white step-dad knows. Mom has memory lapses and suffers from serious mental health issues. Step-Dad is just mean…though he tries to do better, he just cannot get past the way he was raised and his wife just makes him feel less than a man. Rounding out the family is Rex’s younger half brother whom Rex has vowed to protect.
Covered in blood, vomit, snot, bruises, and other injuries throughout the book, Rex doesn’t catch a break.
He often believe sees his deceased sister, Marisa, before or during his red hot rages .
Marisa was stillborn. Visions of her help Rex calm down. With her sweet face and being there for him, even though he knows she isn’t really there, she comforts him.
All the while, Rex is trying to deal with his thoughts that he himself is evil or else God would have given him a better life. What a load for 16 year old Rex to carry. Life is brutal for this young man.
This grim, hard to read book is not for everyone. And not everyone will be ready to read when they discover this book. But that in no way means the book should not be read. This fact is stated in the author’s notes at the beginning of the book where he writes that he survived and the reader will too. He continues that If it is not the right time for you to read this book, go outside, enjoy the sun, get ice cream, and wait until you are ready to read it.
Short chapters chronicle Rex’s abuse and how he reacts in his thoughts and actions. He has a gift of being able to see inwardly and realize that life is not suppose to hurt the way it does. He is determined not to perpetuate the cycle. Does that always work? No it doesn’t. But he tries to cope. Including not fighting back as a parent beats him.
This raw, terror filled story is a quick read though not an easy read. Yet it does beg to be read. Kids who live with abuse will find hope and help within the pages. On the final page, there is a list of agencies to call for help if you or someone you know needs help.
Educators and those who work with today’s youth cannot help but wonder how many kids are missed. Teaching is hard and, sadly, kids fall through the cracks. Though ultimately, few people can fathom this type of violence and how it moves through generations.
Receiving starred professional reviews, Punching Bag is also a New York Public Library Best Book of 2021 and has been selected as a Cybils Award for High School Non-Fiction in 2021. The Cybils Awards, around since 2006, recognize books written for children and young adults that combine both the highest literary merit and popular appeal.
One reviewer stated “nothing prepares you for the second book.”That reviewer is right. But that doesn’t mean one should bypass this very important work.
Rex Ogle, my hat is off to you for the powerfully haunting book you have written and the changes you have made in your life. You will never know how many kids and teens your books have helped. Kudos.
June 28, 2025
So heartbreakingly hard to read, but excellently done. I was really not prepared for how this book wrecked me emotionally. I thought it was fiction when I bought it, but when I started I realized it's a true story. Great writing, and very vivid and realistic. I wish people would read this rather than that (in)famous A Child Called It (a 'true' abuse story which, according to my research, was most likely fabricated or grossly exaggerated). Rex Ogle has such an authentic way of writing, and his story has so many realistic aspects of psychology, trauma, and relationships, there is no doubt in my mind that his story is true. Ogle's excellent descriptive writing, and the fact that the story happened in Texas, near where I used to live, made it so easy to picture everything. Which is probably why this book wrecked me.
The best thing about this book was the strength and resilience of the main character. While he constantly fought his parents and seemed what people would term a 'difficult' kid (totally understandable given the circumstances), I think that his fighting spirit was what allowed him to survive his childhood and move on to be a successful adult. Resilience is crazy and amazing like that. And side note, the way he loved and tried to protect his younger brother was so touching.
Somehow I missed that this is the second book of Rex Ogle's narrative nonfiction about his life. It stood alone just fine, but now I'm going to go read the first one.
Note on content: Quite a bit of profanity. Scenes of domestic violence, substance abuse, physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse. Allusions to sexual abuse and suicide. Does have a good trigger warning at the beginning (maybe I should have listened to it...woops).
The best thing about this book was the strength and resilience of the main character. While he constantly fought his parents and seemed what people would term a 'difficult' kid (totally understandable given the circumstances), I think that his fighting spirit was what allowed him to survive his childhood and move on to be a successful adult. Resilience is crazy and amazing like that. And side note, the way he loved and tried to protect his younger brother was so touching.
Somehow I missed that this is the second book of Rex Ogle's narrative nonfiction about his life. It stood alone just fine, but now I'm going to go read the first one.
Note on content: Quite a bit of profanity. Scenes of domestic violence, substance abuse, physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse. Allusions to sexual abuse and suicide. Does have a good trigger warning at the beginning (maybe I should have listened to it...woops).
May 17, 2024
I started to read this last year but I was not in a place to finish it. Fortunately, the author gave readers permission to stop reading if it was too much. I'm in a better place now so I was able to go through it.
There were lots of personal connections although there were, of course, differences, too. I grew up in two abusive households with parents who were too young to have parented and who brought their personal issues into each new family unit.
Our school librarian struggled with the book, too. We agree that our children need this book.
There were lots of personal connections although there were, of course, differences, too. I grew up in two abusive households with parents who were too young to have parented and who brought their personal issues into each new family unit.
Our school librarian struggled with the book, too. We agree that our children need this book.
January 12, 2024
4.75 - This isn’t just Rex’s true story about the domestic violence he lived through, but the heartbreaking truth of what so many children/adolescence suffer through. I cried several times when I read “Free Lunch” and even more during this book. It was very difficult to read this book. Not because of the writing (very well written) but because of how much abuse a mother could bring to her own child.
September 14, 2025
If you are wondering whether to leave a relationship because of abuse or because you are "toxic together" and you have kids, read this. I just grabbed it off the young adult shelf because my son's name is also rex and it could not have come at a more important time in my life. Thank you Rex Ogle for sharing this vulnerable history, it mattered to me and it's mattering to my sons without them ever knowing it.
February 13, 2025
It was interesting reading this through as a trilogy - although Ogle wrote these all as an adult, the books are written from the immediate POV of his younger self. In Free Lunch he made a passing reference to his late sister, which I noticed and was like ? But here we get that whole devastating story. There's a remarkable amount of grace shown to his mother, his stepfather, and his younger self.
April 18, 2022
The strength and courage it takes to share this story is amazing. Rex Ogle beautifully(seems like the wrong word) depicts his story in a way that allows the readers to see and feel everything that happens.
May 26, 2025
Rex Ogle continues the portrait of an abusive family from his first book. The book turns away from the partial focus on his friends in book one to solely on his family in book two. It's upsetting, but also the most necessary-to-be-written book.
February 1, 2022
The violence in this book is devastating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews