The Rules of Survival
by Nancy Werlin
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Book Summary Information
Author: Nancy WerlinEdition: Paperback
Published: 2008-03-13
ISBN: 0142410713
Number of pages: 288
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Puffin
Book Reviews of The Rules of Survival
Book Review: the rules of survival
Summary: 4 Stars
The narrative is set in the form of a letter Matthew is writing to his younger sister Emmy about the events that led up to their emancipation from their abusive mom, Nikki.
Apparently, whatever's wrong with Nikki (my guess would be a personality disorder) has been there from the start, and growing up, she tormented her younger sister and behaved much the same way with people as she does with her children now (lying, making threats, physical violence, and psychological manipulation). Unlike some people with mental problems, Nikki apparently never has any kind of period where she is stable. Moreover, her moods can and do turn on a dime, going from happiness to psychotic rage in a second.
When Matt and his two sisters see a stranger defend a child against his abusive dad in a store, they hope to somehow befriend him (the stranger, Murdoch). Their mom finds out and beats them to it, but after she breaks up with Murdoch (and her crazy behavior escalates to the point where he gets a restraining order), he stays in touch with the kids and tries to help them find a safer home.
The characters were well-drawn, but compared to the mom, who appeared to be in a nonstop manic state, a bit colorless. Also, this book, unlike many about teens, lacked flowery metaphor, sophisticated philosophizing about life, and sassy dialogue that sounded like it was taken from primetime TV. This made the tone more authentic (so many teenage narrators sound like they've attended a liberal arts college, then grad school, plus a writer's workshop), but at times, I wanted a bit more description of the characters and how they felt. Also, much of the drama happened without the narrator present, so his descriptions were secondhand. Still, it is a powerful book about abuse.
I had to wonder, though, at the lack of other sympathetic companions in these kids' lives. Not necessarily ones who could help, but just friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, etc. - though they didn't appear to have any hobbies. Even abused kids come into contact with adults who care, although they may not be able to rescue them from their situation.
Did Callie's teacher, for example, never wonder why her highly intelligent student stopped washing her hair for weeks on end? Aren't teachers trained to see the warning signs of abuse nowadays?
Summary of The Rules of Survival
For Matt and his sisters, life with their cruel, vicious mother is a day-to-day struggle for survival. But then Matt witnesses Murdoch coming to a child?s rescue in a convenience store, and for the first time, he feels a glimmer of hope. When, amazingly, Murdoch begins dating Matt?s mother, life is suddenly almost good. But the relief lasts only a short time. When Murdoch inevitably breaks up with their mother, Matt knows he needs to take action. But can he call upon his hero? Or will he have to take measures into his own hands? A heart-wrenching portrait of a family in crisis, this is Nancy Werlin?s most compulsively readable novel yet.Literature Books
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