Grade 7 Up—Robert B. Parker, author of scores of books featuring his popular character Spenser, explores the fictional detective's formative years in this first title (Philomel, 2009) in a series intended for teens. Told in a series of vignettes related by an adult Spenser to his wife, events in his teen years illustrate how he developed a strong moral code. Living with his father and two uncles, Spenser becomes a man with a fierce sense of right and wrong. Facing down a drunken bear in the woods and inadvertently allowing a friend's father to die so that he would not be able to abuse her, Spenser slowly figures out how to act as a man would, making his own decisions and standing by what he believes. Daniel Parker's well-paced narration matches the meandering remembrances that reveal Spenser's character. Purchasers should be aware that there is a blatant use of the word "ass," as well as some heavy fighting, drinking, and sexual discussion. This title may appeal more to Parker's adult fans than to teens.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
view wiki
