Hutchinson, Shaun David The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley,
288 p. Simon Pulse, 2015. Language: R (60 swears, 22 ‘f’); Mature
Content: PG-13 (many mentions of a variety of subjects - nothing graphic);
Violence: PG-13 (beating, someone set on fire, cartoon depictions of violence).
HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Drew is hiding from Death in the secrets placing of a
sprawling hospital complex. Because it is summer, the sympathetic
hospital workers accept him and he even has job in the cafeteria and
friends in the pediatric cancer ward. In order to keep his emotions under
control, he pours out his feelings into drawing a comic book about Patient F
and his struggles against the Scythe. One night a badly burned young man
has been brought into the emergency room - set on fire because he is gay.
Drew is fascinated, because this young man reminds him of himself and
Drew is also attracted to him. Rusty, the burn victim, is extremely
vulnerable, but welcomes Drew’s presence and returns his affection - each in
their damaged way. Drew has a painful journey, a metamorphosis that he
must undergo and a confrontation with Death herself, if he wants any
chance of sharing Rusty’s friendship and perhaps his love.
Yes, I know the content concerns are many. But for
mature readers, this will touch their hearts. Hutchinson’s bold content
choices are not throwaways, nor are they voyeuristic or titillating. Drew
sucked me in and my heart bled along with his as his journey unfolded. I
wanted to curl up with him in his hiding place and protect his dreams from
evil. I love the epilogue in comic form. Don’t equate this with the
“Red Band Society” tv show. There is much more depth here than that.
I dare you to dismiss Drew as just a gay boy as you read his story.
Cindy, Library Teacher,
MLS
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