Edge

by Diane Tullson

Sometimes a good kid is drawn into a bad crowd. Sometimes a bad crowd goes over the edge. Ever since Marlie started grade nine, she's been an out cast by the rest of the school - even her own best friend. She finds her place among a group of students, who, like herself, are social misfits and often bullied by their classmates. One of Marlie's new acquaintances, Mike, is especially serious about getting back at the bullies -- dead serious. When Mike plots for the groups revege to take place a a formal school dance, Marlie's fear that he might seriously hurt people compels her to take mattters into her own hands. If the story seems dark, it is. But Marlie has a wicked sense of humor. And her mentor, the lovable undertaker Chuck, provides a perfect foil for the serious subject material. Imagine learning how to apply make-up from a guy who prepares corpes for their funerals! Edge 's subject is timely, and its characters are unusual but believable. The tone is accessible to all young adults, but with enough metaphor and symbolism to interest the sophisticated reader. The pace at times breathless, and the resolution is as satisfying as the subject allows, as Marlie develops the strength she needs to stand alone, if she must. Edge is a great read for today's teen - tragic and funny, it's a story too many can relate to.

Genres: Young Adult

214 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Diane Tullson is a professional writer. She has published several books for young adults and written for magazines such as Canadian Living and Westworld. She has an MFA in Creative Writing, BA in English Literature, and has studied journalism and editing. Diane Tullson lives with her family near Vancouver, BC.

Reviews

[Stephanie A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book about why bullying is bad and makes bad things happen. (I probably shouldn't be so sarcastic, given that this book was written a few years before the media decided it was An Epidemic, but...I'm world-weary and cynical now, and I didn't even enjoy it that much when I read it in 2007.)

[Kira Wallwork · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was doing a favour for my mom and step dad when I found this book in the back of the truck. I’ve been having a really rough year and I’ve turned to reading as a way to grieve, but also as a healthier habit. I contemplated reading this book, put it back in the truck when I was finished not sure it was a book I’d want to read. It was from the elementary school my mom janitors at so I figured it would be too young for me. After my parents came to pick up the truck I noticed they left the book on the shelf in my garage. I thought it was funny, how life was giving me a second chance. I brought the book up to my mom and turns out she left it in the truck for me to read. I spent all day and read the whole book, not wanting to stop and put it down. Maybe a simple read to others, but to an adult who hasn’t processed her highschool years and childhood trauma.. this book was more than that. Thank you mom. 🤍