Stone Cold (Puffin Teenage Fiction)
£1.77
Stone Cold: a good story... - Stone Cold: A good story...in fact, two stories are interwoven until the two become one. The one story is told by Link, a boy who becomes homeless, the other is told by Shelter, a serial killer...The book is a real page turner and really draws you in. I couldn t put it down and had to find out what was happing to these children who mysteriously disappear, and what would happen to Link. At a certain point it becomes obvious that Link and Shelter s paths will cross but what will happen is the question that will bug you until the end of the book.An excellent read in class as its themes will surely appeal to children aged from 12-16, and as it is not a difficult book to read can easily be used in ESL classes too.
Psychopath meets the homeless: the outcome seems bleak - As any serial killer knows, the easiest targets are those who wouldn t be missed - prostitutes, the homeless, the poor and alone. As for the homeless, no matter how streetwise, who can resist a couch for a night and a bowl of tomato soup? The book alternately guides us through the minds of a psychopath and a boy who has lost his way in life. On another level, it also shows how the System can spit out two human beings, turning them into something less. This is not a fairy tale and may leave your child cowering under his duvet. And yet, it may lead him to appreciate shelter, a warm bed and food in the fridge. And yes, to remember to have good friends and never to talk with strangers.
DUMBING DOWN - This is an entertaining read but does not have the depth to be studied for GCSE - what are the examiners thinking of choosing this over Steinbeck, Dickens, Hardy, et al? Even the students are aware they are being patronised - no offence to the book but as Literature ? Please! It s doing the author no favours, either, because anything you HAVE to read becomes boring by definition, doesn t it?
Gripping and compelling - The book s theme, poverty and life on the streets, didn t appeal to me before I read the book as I m used to reading crime novels. However, reading the first few pages of the book immediately changed my opinion as I couldn t stop reading.The book is relatively short and the story is easy to comprehend. It is written in such a manner that there aren t any dull moments in between that you have to force yourself to read.The story is suitable for children aged 12 and up, and many will probably be able to identify with the main character, Link, and his troubles at home. All in all, this book gives an exciting and confronting view of life on the streets, while combining this with an original plot.
Depressing and Wry - I read this book in English, as a play. We acted out certain scenes and i found it depressing. It is easy to follow and sometimes it has a bit of humour, but over all it makes you quite sad and lonely. Most of the story line is a mad crazy guy trying to kill homeless people. It makes you feel unhappy and (when you are at school) wanting to go home and sitting on the sofa with a duvet! I wouldnt read it out of choice but if you want a creepy and chilling novel, its OK