E.R. Frank tells a
moving story about a young boy ripped from a loving foster home, and
given back to a drug addicted and absent mother. This novel tells
of America, a boy who's been neglected and sexually abused--a boy who
sets fire to his abuser, who collects shoe laces over a period of time
in order to make a rope to kill himself--and his journey through
different parts of a disjointed government system where it is easy for
a young person to fall through the cracks. It's a story that
explores the pain, confusion, and feelings of self-loathing that plague
this young boy's challenging life.
When we meet America, he is living in a youth mental
institution after attempting suicide, and reluctantly finding slow
redemption in his discussions with his counselor, Mr. B. America explores
their relationship, and also, more generally, the complexities and
interdependence of all human relationships. It delves into the
mind of a boy who loves his "uncle" Browing, even after Browning rapes
him, and even after America sets fire to Browning while he's
sleeping. It's ironic that America finds his greatest support
from his foster mother and his therapis, people who have no familial
bonds with him. These people, who show him constant and true
kindness, bring him slowly out of the depths of his nightmarish world.
This novel shows us how people have great power and
influence over one another--and how we, as human beings, should always
treat that responsibility with deference. America, the boy, is
aptly named. There are parts of America that are uncomfortable to
examine, and parts that are intensely beautiful. His heritage is
diverse, but most importantly, he has great spirit to overcome
adversity.