Book Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Posted By CarrieK on June 7, 2009

twistedTitle: Twisted
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Genre: YA fiction
Publisher: Speak
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
First line: I spent the last Friday of summer vacation spreading hot, sticky tar across the roof of George Washington High.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the audiobooks I chose to fill in the time until Drums of Autumn comes from the library and I can get the missing and elusive disc 26. Twisted is the story of 17-year-old Tyler Miller, former geek. He enters his senior year of high school with a measure of popularity, partially because of a prank he pulled at the end of junior year that had him performing community service all summer, and partially because of the new ripped and toned physique he is sporting thanks to all the physical labor. When Tyler attracts the attention of Bethany Milbury, his perpetual crush, thinks start looking up – until everything goes very, very wrong.

Laurie Halse Anderson deftly puts herself into the mind of a 17-year-old boy, with all its hormones, lust, and angst. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that the author was a woman, because listening to this book felt like peeking into a high school boy’s private diary.

The plot summary makes it seem like a bit of YA fluff, but Anderson easily tackles issues like bullying, teen-age drinking, thoughts of suicide, dysfunctional families, and all of the ups and downs that are a senior year in high school. Teen boys will be able to relate to Tyler. Girls can benefit from knowing a bit about the inner workings of the male mind – especially when it comes to choosing how modestly, or not, they will dress and behave.

This was a quick, enjoyable listen, and I look forward to more of Ms. Anderson’s work.

About The Author

CarrieK

Comments

24 Responses to “Book Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson”

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  3. Sandy says:

    I’ve not read any of Anderson’s books, but I know she isn’t afraid to tackle the tough subjects and seems to do a fantastic job at it. You know, if you can communicate the thoughts and notions of a teeneage boy, that is talent!

  4. I gave this a 3.75/5. While I thought this was pretty good, I think Anderson missed some good points.

  5. [...] Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the audiobooks I chose to fill in the time until Drums of Autumn comes from the library and I can get the missing and elusive disc 26. Twisted is the story of 17-year-old Tyler Miller, … http://booksandmovies.colvilleblogger.com/2009/06/07/book-review-twisted-by-laurie-halse-anderson/ [...]

  6. Kathy says:

    I was hoping this would be better than that. It still sounds interesting.

  7. CarrieK says:

    Sandy – exactly!

    Joy – similar ratings from both of us then. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one who found it good, but not great.

    Kathy – I’m glad I listened to it – it just wasn’t stand-out fantastic.

  8. Missy says:

    I have this book on my shelf to be read. Thanks for the review…it sounds like I will enjoy it.

  9. CarrieK says:

    Missy – you’re welcome. :)

    • lila says:

      I LOVE THIS BOOK THIS BOOK WAS INTERSTING AT FIRST IT WAS BORING BUT MORE IN THE CHAPTERS IT WAS VER Y INTERESTING

  10. Beth F says:

    I was so taken with the audio of Wintergirls, I really should read more of her books.

  11. CarrieK says:

    Beth – I wish our library had the audio of Wintergirls! They only have the print version.
    :(

  12. Ladytink_534 says:

    From what I’ve hear Anderson doesn’t write fluff though it may seem that way. I really do need to pick up one of her books because everybody is always raving about them! I think I might go with Wintergirls….

  13. CarrieK says:

    Ladytink – I’d like to read that one, too. I just finished listening to Prom. It was a bit fluffier than Twisted, but still a fun audiobook.

  14. [...] Extras by Scott Westerfeld – 3 stars 24. Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (audiobook) – 3 stars – my review 25. Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (audiobook) – 3 [...]

  15. [...] really have a lot posts to show for it. I listened to two Laurie Halse Anderson audiobooks, Twisted and Prom. I haven’t gotten around to reviewing Prom yet – I may not. I liked it, but it was a [...]

  16. Priscilla says:

    Best book ever publised.. five stars.

  17. Prinshiata Lucas says:

    this book is written perfectly. i never get uninterested while reading this detailed book. i luv this book nd recommend.

  18. amilia says:

    amazing book, question. if you could make a movie who would you cast for the characters.? anyone.? thanks

  19. Zac says:

    This book is basically my life story. I started reading and I couldn’t put in down!!!!! The ending definitely makes you think and kind of lets you decide what to chose and what would happen 10/5 :D

  20. bob says:

    this is simply a great book…

  21. aspen marsh says:

    i luv this book 1of my fave of all time can’t wait 2 read Wintergirls!!!

  22. aspen marsh says:

    i luv this book 1of my fave of all time can’t wait 2 read Wintergirls!!! i could not put it down. it should be a movie. in fact i’ve already picked out who should play tyler and bethany. {Taylor Lautner and Ashley Benson}

  23. [...] ~ Cover issues: plus-sized characters ~ Self-analysis: sexual content in books ~ Ranger or Joe Morelli? ~ Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore ~ Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner ~ Book Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ~ Book Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson [...]

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