The Brimstone Journals

You don't get much more timely than this collection of poetry from Ron Koertge. And before any of you non-poetry readers out there cringe and walk away, read the rest of this review. This is a book that anyone in or associated with high school should read.

The Brimstone Journals is a collection of short poems told from the point of view of different students at the fictional Branston High School. All the stereotypes are represented: the Fat Kid, the Anorexic, the Jock and so on. But don't let stereotypes fool you. Each and every one of these poems has something to say that will surprise you.

At the center of it all is Boyd. He's your typical angst filled young man who has made friends with a dangerous guy. Boyd feeds on the negative energy and anarchy that his new friend feeds him. He starts to make a list.

If you've kept up on the recent news at all, you know what kind of list Boyd was making. Everyone that had ever hurt his feelings or that he felt was too good or too black or too anything went on the list. He then starts to recruit members for his group, including Lester, the Fat Kid, who just wants protection from the Jock that bullies him.

And Boyd starts collecting guns.

If you are in high school, that sentence should scare you. It scares me. It scares a lot of people out there.

Boyd's journey into darkness isn't the only story in this book. Through brief poetic glimpses, we get a look into the lives of many believable teens. At least one of them will deeply affect you or remind you of your own life.

I highly recommend this collection for discussion in schools. If you are a teacher or a librarian, run--don't walk--and get a copy today. Even reluctant readers will find this a quick read and the discussions it could generate may well be priceless.