Play Book Tag discussion

I remember hearing about this book when it came out, and that there was quite a lot of hype around it, but for some reason I have never got around to reading it until now. I really enjoyed the book and the writing, despite the difficult topic, and some of the deliberately unlikeable characters. What did strike me, and this is probably only knowing how the book would end, is why didn’t Kevin’s mother approach the US equivalent of social services if she was that worried about her son and the things he was doing to other people? The book also showed the importance of parents putting a united front for their children, but also the need for them to listen and take seriously what other concerned adults – teachers, neighbours etc. – are saying about their children, even, or especially, when that is uncomfortable listening.

Thanks for reviewing this. I thought it was well written, albeit with a terrifying plot. It sat on my shelf for years until my sons were in their twenties because I just couldn't bear to read it when they were the age of Kevin (luckily, without his problems, but still...) I don't think any of Shriver's other books have been as well written as this — certainly not as dramatic, but I don't imagine I'd read it again.

Thanks for sharing your review. This is a book that I always wished I had read. But because I saw the movie, I just cannot bring myself to go through this again by reading this book. The movie was so intense. It really haunted me.

I wasn't a fan of the movie, but thought the book was really really good. It was a f2f book club book for me and it was pretty well-received, from what I remember.