The Scar Boys

(Paperback)

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Description

A severely burned teenager. A guitar. Punk rock. The chords of a rock 'n' roll road trip in a coming-of-age novel that is a must-read story about finding your place in the world . . . even if you carry scars inside and out.

In attempting to describe himself in his college application essay--to "help us to become acquainted with you beyond your courses, grades, and test scores"--Harbinger (Harry) Jones goes way beyond the 250-word limit and gives a full account of his life. The first defining moment: the day the neighborhood goons tied him to a tree during a lightning storm when he was 8 years old, and the tree was struck and caught fire. Harry was badly burned and has had to live with the physical and emotional scars, reactions from strangers, bullying, and loneliness that instantly became his everyday reality. The second defining moment: the day in eighth grade when the handsome, charismatic Johnny rescued him from the bullies and then made the startling suggestion that they start a band together. Harry discovered that playing music transported him out of his nightmare of a world, and he finally had something that compelled people to look beyond his physical appearance. Harry's description of his life in his essay is both humorous and heart-wrenching. He had a steeper road to climb than the average kid, but he ends up learning something about personal power, friendship, first love, and how to fit in the world. While he's looking back at the moments that have shaped his life, most of this story takes place while Harry is in high school and the summer after he graduates.

Reviews

"[A]n uplifting novel for students who prefer thought-provoking contemporary realistic fiction." --Library Media Connection

-- (5/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Etches its way onto the heart and leaves a mark." --Kirkus Reviews

-- (11/1/2013 12:00:00 AM)

"Harry's obsession with punk music will appeal to music lovers, while his journey to accept himself for who he is--scarred face and all--is one that will likely resonate with any teen trying to find his way in the world." --Booklist

-- (1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Harry's trajectory loosely mirrors Vlahos's time as the guitarist for a touring punk/pop band, so details like how to cut a record, land a gig at the now-defunct club CBGB...or rework a tour when the van breaks down strongly resonate." --Publishers Weekly

-- (11/4/2013 12:00:00 AM)

"Playing and touring demand creativity and commitment, forcing the Scar Boys -- actually three guys and a girl -- to come of age in this wry, stylish tale." --The New York Times

-- (1/10/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Vlahos's narrative flows easily and rings true....Distinguished in every way." --starred, School Library Journal

-- (1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Author Bio

Len Vlahos is the Executive Director of BISG, and the former COO of the American Booksellers Association. Len has also worked in indie, chain, and university bookstores, was an on-air personality for a commercial radio station in Atlantic City, and worked for a time for Internet marketing guru Seth Godin. He was in a punk rock band in the mid-1980s called The Woofing Cookies. This is his debut novel. You can visit him online at www.lenvlahos.com.