America is Me

America is a damaged boy – named because his absent mother could not be certain who his father was, abused by his carer and deserted by his family. After murdering his abuser, he sleeps rough until he is picked up by the support agencies and the long process of re-integration begins.

This book is effective on several counts: the dialogue is entirely credible, showing evidence of the author’s experience as a clinical social worker, the narrative requires readers to uncover the more harrowing incidents for themselves and America’s eventual recovery is totally believable.

There is no glib happy ending – only America’s understanding that he is now ready to take the next step – whatever that may be. Dr B, America’s analyst, is no Robin Williams but a quiet, massive stability who simply refuses to go away – unique in America’s life.  Although the book’s frankness about sexuality may alarm some teachers and parents, this book should be widely read.