Bottled Up

by Jaye Murray

AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS PICK • A compelling and raw portrayal of a troubled teenager’s struggle for escape

“Alternately cocky, funny and maudlin, [this novel] gets its appeal from Pip’s unnervingly convincing teenage voice.”—The Washington Post

Pip’s desperate to escape his life—he’s been skipping classes, drinking, getting high. Anything and everything to avoid his smug teachers, his sweet but needy little brother, his difficult home life. Now he’s been busted by Principal Giraldi and given an either he shows up for all his classes and sees a counselor after school, or he’s expelled. Pip’s freaked out; not because he might get kicked out of school, but by the thought that Giraldi might call his father. Because Pip will do anything to avoid his father.

Genres: Young Adult, Abuse, Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Addiction, Teen

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2003

About the author

First-time novelist Jaye Murray is a social worker who lives in New Rochelle, New York.

Reviews

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been sitting on my shelf for a while, and I finally decided that it was time to read it. I was surprised that I really liked this book.
Pip was always trying to look out for his little brother but ended up being mean and forgetting about him because he was to busy being high or getting drunk. But when Mikey got hurt Pip knew that it was time to change something, and he made the changes he needed to. He knew that he needed to look out for Mikey and he had to get clean to do that. Pip didn't want to turn into his father and he didn't want Mikey turning out like him either.

One of my favorite parts of the book:

Mikey yells again. "Time out!"
"Now what?" I say with the ball under my arm.
He walks over and squats down in front of me. He pulls my laces hard and starts tying my shoes. And I let him. I'm not going to be anybody's hero. He can do stuff for me sometimes too, like wake me up from myself. And I can get my ass to counseling and try to stay clean and sober so I don't forget to pick him up anymore-so I can keep an eye I him. I can try that. For now I'll do it for him. Someday, if it catches on, I'll do it for myself.

[Kate Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Pip is a guy with a lot of problems.

1. His dad's a jerk...and an alcoholic.
2. His mother's a pill popper.
3. He smokes way too much pot.
4. His friends are losers.
5. He has to take care of his brother.
6. When I say his dad's a jerk, I mean, he's an abusive, horrible, alcoholic.

I really like the voice in this book. Pip seems like one of my high school students. Not a specific one, mind you, but he sounds like he could be sitting in my classroom, these thoughts running through his head.

Pip's headed in the wrong direction when his principal gives him an ultimatum. Straighten up, or I call Dad. Somehow, no one's thought of this before. Seriously, if only it were that easy to get kids to think about straightening up. Anyway, I really like the adventure Pip goes on, it's hilly, rough, and scary, but he keeps plowing right through.

[aiden ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 do not recommend

made me cry

[Lois Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really moved by this novel. It was so realistic. I could feel Pip’s strife. In spite of his personal struggles, his relationship with his brother was very endearing. This book deals with topics that many readers can identify with. Thank you Jaye Murray! I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Mike Frost]

I read the book Bottled Up By Jaye Murray. This book is about your typical rebel teenage chid "Pip" being raised in a poor environment. His little brother Mikey didn't understand the whole concept of life yet and was in an abusive household. Pip has an alcohol and drug addiction which I think is from looking for the easy way out in life, but he rarely goes to school and when he goes to school he tends to either get into some trouble or just skips.Overall I thought that this book was pretty good it kept my attention thourghout the story and really made me wonder what was going to happen next.

[Haley Dearth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Response:
Bottled Up by Jaye Murray has a very good plot and is a very easy read. The author includes the main focus of this book right away, making it less confusing. While reading, I never am bored by the plot. The author includes all the necessary characters, helping this book feel complete. Overall, I rate this book a four out of five because it is well written with great descriptions.

Plot Summary:
The book starts out by introducing the main character, Pip. Pip feels the need to use drugs and drink alcohol to get him through his stressful days. He has a bad home life and has to take care of his six year old brother, Mikey. His dad is a bad alcoholic mentally and physically abuses his family, including his mom. Pip is skipping class lately and is getting in trouble alot. His principle decides to threaten expulsion on pip unless he goes to counseling and doesn’t skip class. Since Pip is afraid of his dad hurting him, he agrees to going to counseling. At first he is very distant with the counselor, and he is told that he needs to be clean in order to stay in counseling. Throughout this whole book, Pip realizes that he is turning into his dad and does not want to be a bad influence on his brother. Pip gets clean after multiple relapses and changes his life around for himself and his brother.

Characterization:
Pip is very guarding of his emotions and uses drugs to escape the reality of his toxic home life. He pushes his little brother away when in reality he should be caring for and protecting him. He is told to attend counseling and it changes his entire life around. Pip opens up and realizes how he can have a better life for himself without drugs and by being a good kid at school.

Mikey is Pip’s six year old brother who is very innocent and doesn’t understand the toxicity of his household yet. He asks pointless questions to Pip about candy and other things. During the middle of this book after some incidents, Mikey stops talking and gets angry instead of sad just like his brother. After Pip decides to change and become a better brother, Mikey changes and turns back into his old self asking pointless questions.

Setting:
This book occurs in a smaller town during modern times. I know this book takes place in a smaller town because some of the cops know him as well as some other characters. This book takes place in modern times because the main character and his friends all have cell phones. If this book is in a bigger town, it might be easier for Pip to avoid the people he doesn’t want to see on a daily basis.

Thematic Connection:
The theme of second chances is the most relevant in this book. Throughout this entire book, Pip is given the chance of a second try at life. He is given a second chance from his principal, local police officer, little brother, counselor, and many other characters. This theme is very important, because if Pip isn’t given support or second chances he will go off the deep end.

Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to people in high school because this book includes drugs and abuse in the family. Some younger kids may not take this book seriously or may take it too seriously in some situations. I believe some younger kids can handle this book, but it includes some graphic moments with physical and mental abuse. Even though the main character is a male, I believe everyone could relate in some way to him.

[Becky Linares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is mainly about a kid named Pip who is going through a very tough time in his life. His father is an alcoholic who is also violent. He goes through a lot in his personal life which affects him at school and provokes him to skip class ,do drugs and drink a lot. He used to get away with skipping class until the principle ( Mr. Giraldi) busted him and eventually called his father to tell him what he was up to and that’s when Pips anxiety raises through the roof ,because he doesn’t know how his father will react. They send him to counseling and he has to take a Urine test and if it came out clean then he’d stay in the counseling group. He also tries to get back at his principle for ratting him out . He just wants to find a way out of this life, so he does whatever he can do to avoid it. This book is very good for people who may struggle at home or at school, maybe not the exact situation Pip is going through but the similarities. This book sets a good example on how life may not be as easy to other people , everyone has their own problems and their personal problems may get in the way a lot and affect them at school or with other people too, it leaves the person traumatized.

[Luke Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a really meaning full book that I thought was very good. Everything in the book was good exempt for the ending which left me with a lot of questions still.

[Sam Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so intriguing, I couldn’t put it down. The main character Pip was a bit hard to like at first but that’s what kept me reading. His father is an abusive alcoholic that leaves an impact on pip from the time he was born. Pip has to take care of his brother Mikey and feels that he shouldn’t be responsible for him. The transformation Pip and his family goes through is amazing and it is definitely worth reading to find out. 10/10 recommend

[Donnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it during school because i assumed i would finish at home, finished it in Spanish and clenched my jaw out of intensely crippling anguish. Never have i ever wanted to cry so hard but socially and physically couldn't, Mikey honestly deserved better than what any of them could give him.

[Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Bottled Up” by Jaye Murray is an interesting take on the minds of maladjusted and jaded adolescents everywhere. It provides a fresh perspective on the reasoning behind how some teens may act, by using her own characters to do so. Pip, our protagonist, has had his fair share of hardships. His father being a mentally and physically abusive alchoholic, his mother who tries her best to keep the household together but falls victim to addiction of prescription medicine, and Pip’s younger brother Mikey that is too young to understand any of it. This book addresses many sensitive topics, such as abuse, drug use, and learning to accept things the way they are, among other things.
The way that Pip’s character develops in the book is truly astounding. At the begging of the book, Pip had been having an extremely hard time dealing with everything going on at home. He was using drugs and alcohol to cope with his abuse, and the people around him saw his life going nowhere but downhill after high school. Pip Simply did not know how to deal with his problems, and made several mistakes throughout the course of the book because of this. Yet, there were parts in the book that showed that Pip really did want to change, despite his behavior.
This book has left an impression on me. One that I will not soon forget. The messag and story that was told has undoubtedly helped teens everywhere with their home issues. Including myself. “Bottled Up” has been one of my favorite books of the year so far, and I am so, so very grateful for finding it.

[Stephanie Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A read aloud book for Ms. Rogal.
This book is so good.
As I listened to her [Ms. Rogal] read, the more I wanted her to keep reading.
I like the way the author [Jaye Murray] wrote the book: with all-of-a-sudden flashbacks and key parts that let us examine Pips life and surroundings, his constant struggle over drugs, the complex relationship with the school staff, the way he cares for his brother even if he shows resentment for him, just the way he chooses to handle these situations. I really like the way that Pip thinks. He [Jaye Murray] wrote it so beautifully. When I would listen, I felt like I was looking into a glass box that was his life. It's so remarkable. I feel like Pip went from extreme pothead to finally understanding his actions and how they have made his reality into a nightmare. I felt really proud for him. Such big steps should never be made alone, but Jaye wrote it that way and I don't think this book would have turned out any differently. When we actually finished reading this book, I thought the ending lacked something.. A spark to the relationship with Jenna, or how he "kicked" his habits, or what happened to hid parents. But no. Jaye left us high and dry, making up our own conclussions. I still really liked this book. I don't think I would have gotten the same effect if I had read it myself. I'm glad I had her [Ms. Rogal] to read it.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a troubled teenager that has problems keepping his life together. He has problems at home and it passes on to his school life. All he does is smoke and smoke wiht his friends, he starets selling drugs because his friend told him its an easy way to make money. He was going to get expeld by his principal for slacking and bad behavior, But his principal made a deal with him, instead he told Pip the teenager that he could stay in school if he gets family counsling

[Charles Murray]

This story was good but not one of my favorites. I feel the author did a good job going into the mind of a troubled teenagers and show the ups and downs of drugs and overall life. I would recommend this story to people who are looking for a story of a troubled kid with hope and overall an okay story although it was snot one of my favorites.

[Roscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

i can really relate how pip's homelife is compared to my own. dont get me wrong but alot of misunderstandings shown in the book i have personally came across in my own life. i'm glad my parents dont drink and i'm happy i'm as well off as i am.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in high school and still love it 10 years later.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolute page-turner. Pip gives me major Holden Caulfied vibes.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to think that books have a way of finding you, and this one found me, in a used bookstore somewhere in Germany, I saw it on a shelf mixed in with god knows how many other books but this one spoke to me, I was going into 10th grade at the time, struggling with so many thoughts and issues, this book saved me.

It isn’t your typical ‘life is perfect’ book, it gives you the realistic view on life. That life is nowhere near perfect, will never be perfect, but you have a chance. A chance for everything to be somewhat okay, somewhat manageable. It doesn’t make light of real world issues, drugs, neglect, abuse. It gives you that cold, raw, harsh truth that people at times need. The world is awful, even through rose-coloured glasses, still awful. Bad things happen to you and countless others each and everyday but this book, it shows that the road is tough, sometimes unmanageable, but doable. If you’re willing to do it. If you’re willing to make internal changes, come face to face with who you are, there is and will always be hope.

Now, almost 10 years after first discovering this book, I still recommend it, to anyone looking for a book to read. It is always the first title that I suggest, and I am doing it now. If not for you to read, for your child, for a friend, for anyone thinking they’ve hit a dead end. It will show them it isn’t the end, simply a bump in the road, it will lift spirits while simultaneously bringing a tear or two to their eye. Although some of the language may be considered ‘harsh’ or inappropriate for some, I firmly believe that anyone and everyone should read this. ‘I want to be as far away from me as I can get.’ - one of my favourite lines in the book as I relate to that, then and now. I hope that for anyone that has read this, I may have convinced you to pick a copy of this up and give it a chance, and that you will find the same level of comfort in the words as I have.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bottled up by Jaye Murray is probably one of my favorite books the main thing that caught my eye was the cover and nonetheless, it was a good book. Although I’m, not the type to get into a book with such a modern-day twist of a perfect on the outside horrible on the inside family but truly I couldn't stop reading it. The whole theme of the book is about being bottled up as the title says. The book takes place in a town and begins with the main character going to the principles office for sleeping in class and then leaving school to go smoke a joint behind the deli next door. As the book goes on he is forced to go to therapy so that his father doesn't find out about his habit.
As you read more you notice the little things like his father being an alcoholic and his mother being a pill popper forcing the main character pip to watch after his younger brother Mikey commonly called bugs. As the book goes on his addiction lessons but the abuse gets slightly worse as he tries to protect his younger brother. The author really gives a way of showing the emotion in the book using different things like hyperbole when in therapy mentioning how he would die without knowing when he got out of the session. The author's way of writing really gave an illustration so no matter what it felt as if you could see it. They also used invective language when the main character was speaking to make t seem like he was his own person.
The author used many more literal devices like informal language and litotes by using understatements like im fine as he is clearly not struggling to get off drugs.

[ATAKAN KECELI · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as it really took you through the mental journey and struggle of Pip, the main character. After avoiding his family life and getting high in a graveyard for years, eventually his school tried to put an end to it. He was given the option to go to counseling or to getting expelled, and the second wasn't an option as his dad would've known, and Pip tries to avoid him the most. After unwillingly going through every day of counselling as if it was a living hell, he's met other people just like him with similar issues in his same counselling class. For a long time, he didn't let it get to him. He saw his "friends" starting to open up one by one, truly revealing what had caused them to do what they had done. But Pip was adamant on waiting for this stupid counselling to blow over, no matter how long it took. For the longest time the counselor and the others in the class tried to get any response or answer from him, until eventually, he broke. He realized he couldn't keep his life the way he was doing it, as doing drugs and disobeying and not doing work. He realized life wasn't easy, and he had to make some drastic changes. He finally let out what was "bottled up" inside of him, and he decided that drastic change was probably for the best.

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book Bottled Up by Jaye Murray.

The book Bottled Up by Jaye Murray is about a boy in school who just wants to have a good time (drugs) . He is put in a predicament and has to choose one or the other. He doesn't have the home life all the other kids have, but he has a mom and dad. His friends aren't the best influence on him but they are the only people who understand him.


Honestly I would rate this book a 4 out of 5. The book was good, but I couldnt really relate to any of the characters. The book had a good plot and I really enjoyed reading it. Although it had the same events happening a couple times it was always interesting to see what he was gonna do about about the problem in front of him. Reading this book was very eye opening that not all people are the same, and that it doesn't matter who they are you should still help,them when they are in need. This book makes me realize that the people who yell at you and try to help you care about you and love you the most, they want to see the best out of you. These people see the best in you and don't try to push them away.


I would recommend this book to people who like a good page turning book that can warm your heart up as you keep reading.

[Alexa Dieguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits someplace deep that you didn't know existed. I will be forever grateful I read this. The way the author captures Pip's all-around emotions. The flashbacks to his childhood before everything changed. How he wanted something different for himself he didn't know what. He expressed how deeply he hated everything and everyone. No one knew what was good for him as much as they acted like they did. In every group meeting, he always said he was blackmailed to go to counseling when he knew deep down he wanted to be there. The author displays how Pip grew throughout the book so discretely. He slowly did not want to miss anything. He wanted to be better and noticed for his achievements, not his disappointments. The gradual growth over his time span. He cared to do better. To show up for the meetings. To stay sober. To be a better brother. To not be his father's son but to be Pip. Always showed a soft spot for Jenna, opening up to her when he never told anyone personal stuff. It was beautiful. Towards the end when he threw away the drugs he had left. Knowing he didn't need them anymore. Learning to love not to lash. Everyone should read this, especially if you can relate in any way. Amazing book...

[Tim]

“Bottled Up” by Jaye Murray, is about “Pip”. He is an unmotivated teen with a troubled home life and friends that tend to skip school, drink alcohol, and do drugs. Pip’s principle sees this and gets tired of dealing with him day after day getting in trouble. Instead of expelling Pip, he gives him one chance to fix his life. Pip starts going to counseling, showing up to school, and connecting with his little brother.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel a lot! I this concept of following a troubled teen and seeing how he fixes his life was entertaining. The book contains mature events dealing with drugs and abuse but the author does a great job at making the events more understandable. By the end of the book, I was able to say that I knew Pip well. His character went through a lot in the story but was humorous and always surprised me.

I would rate this book a 4 out of 5. I enjoyed most of this story but the ending had no important events or anything to entertain the reader. As the book came to an end, I got bored and didn’t enjoy the book as much. Overall, this book had a great storyline and was fun to read.

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s not a super long book it just took me forever to read because i read during my english class during school. but i absolutely loved this book so much it’s my all time favorite now i’ll absolutely read it again. I loved the m&m jokes a lot. i loved seeing pip grow as a character. i’ll treasure this book forever! Id 100% recommend this book to people with adhd like me who want to read but don’t really have a good attention span, or just in general. because this book is so good and it’s so rich with authenticity, and if anyone knows any other books written by jaye murray i’d love to know!! or any good recommendations to similar books to this! because this book reminded me a lot of “Perfect by natasha friend” that i read in my freshman year. such a great read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad read. I enjoyed reading Pips journey to get his act together.
I really felt for Pip's little brother Mikey (Bug.) I'm glad Pip realizes he's really all he has and started treating him better.
I don't know why the counselor didn't do anything when it was basically revealed that Pip's dad hits him. I don't know the rules but I thought she had to report that.
Also, why was there a huge hole near an elementary school, with no fencing? It was only a matter of time that a kid fell in and got hurt, even if Bug was throwing bottles in it and hit himself in the head with one. I feel like they could've sued for that.

[Kelsey]

The book, Bottled Up by Jaye Murray has personality and originality. All in all, after I completed this book I was not disappointed. Pip was a very unique character, there were many people like him in his town and it all gave it a bit of relief in a way. Not having him being the only dynamic character was also very interesting. The pace of it was a medium speed. If you keep up with what you were reading it makes sense. I really like this novel and would even consider reading it again on my own time.

[Justi Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book Bottled Up by Jaye Murray, you follow along in the life of a teenage boy who tries to get through his entire school year high. He must deal with an abusive father and a stubborn principal to make it through his days. This book will leave you wanting more and once you start you'll feel as if you cant put it down. This book will give you hope and give you a new perspective in life. It i a must read.

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Bottled Up" is about a boy who lives a troubled life smoking weed with a dad who abuses him. He is given two options; be expelled from school or go to counseling. He chooses the obvious one and life from then on is still a rollercoaster. I enjoyed this book, it was never boring and I would recommend this to anybody who doesn't like to read but will keep reading if the book interests them.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy read. I found myself rooting for Pip even when he couldn’t find the courage to root for himself. However, I would have like some more flashbacks to see how and when the family dynamic changed. Seeing the flashbacks to Pip’s childhood made me believe that there were better times, but there was never an explanation to why and how things got so bad. Overall, I really did like this book and I feel a lot of teenagers could relate to Pip and his problems.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book in school and tbh it’s amazing. I didn’t think it would be this good because it was something we were forced to read in class but the discussions we had about it and everything else we did with it just made it come to life. I absolutely love Mikey. The whole time we were reading I just wished I could give him a hug. Even though it seems weird it also seems like he would really need it. I also loved how this book had so many clues and lessons without actually saying what those clues and lessons were. I know a lot of books do this but this book has beautifully written foreshadowing and lessons. I would 10/10 recommended this book to anyone just not people too young as there is some mature themes (drugs, alcohol, abuse, etc.)