Leslie's Journal: A Novel - Softcover

Stratton, Allan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1550376640 ISBN 13: 9781550376647

Publisher: Annick Press Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

In this novel, Stratton takes us into a teen world that reverberates with the emotion and tension of a relationship gone wrong. Here is a book that examines the adolescent girl's deep need for affirmation as a sexually attractive being and how the drive for that affirmation can lead to unimaginable consequences. For Leslie, grade nine was trouble-filled and grade ten is worse. The V.P. is constantly on Leslie's case for skipping or wearing 'inappropriate' clothes. Enter Jason McCready, new at school and ultra-cool. He gives her a wink the first time they bump into each other. When Leslie approaches Jason to prove to the girls they have met, he gives her a kiss -- in front of everyone! Leslie is in love! She is the envy of all the girls when Jason asks her out, but on their first date he takes her to his place instead of to the movies. He explains that his parents are away and begins pouring scotches, then beers. The lights get dimmer, the music louder, and things get fuzzy. Time seems to stop for Leslie, when suddenly Jason is throwing her clothes at her, stuffing money for a cab in her hand and telling her to get going because his parents are on their way home. It isn't until later that she realizes what has happened. So begins Leslie's first relationship. Telling Leslie he loves her one minute and teaching her some hard life lessons the next, Jason begins to control Leslie's every move. How is it possible to be so lonely when you are in love? Thank god she has her English-class journal, where she can record everything. It helps to get her feelings on paper. But when Ms. Graham gets ill and the substitute reads the private journals, Leslie's world collapses. Words like rape and abuse surface. Jason's behavior becomes even darker, and he has pictures he is threatening to show. The principal doesn't believe her anyway and there is no way she will tell her parents. Leslie's nightmare keeps growing. In the end, she must find the strength to fight back to set things right.

About this title

Review:

Stratton captures the rhythms of teen speech, and the subject matter is treated subtly enough. This book will cause any parent of young daughters to lose sleep.--Marvin Hoffman"Houston Chronicle" (03/11/2001) An exemplary first young adult novel for actor and playwright Allan Stratton... a story of hope and conviction... Recommended--Carole Marion"Canadian Materials" (02/16/2001) An appealing protagonist ... her problems are real ... her emotions ring true.--Judy Sasges"VOYA [Voice of Youth Advocates]" (02/01/2001) This could be the 'Go Ask Alice' of this millennium ... Gripping reading for a mature audience.--Marilyn Payne Phillips"School Library Journal" (04/01/2001) I came to appreciate Stratton's ability to capture the way a girl like Leslie might succumb to a relationship the reader knows from the get-go is bad news ... This book will cause any parent of young daughters to lose sleep.--Marvin Hoffman"Houston Chronicle" (03/11/2001) Leslie's Journal is a realistic and thought-provoking glimpse into the mind of a frightened and desperate teenage girl. The writing style reflects Leslie's thoughts and can, in turn, be condescending, derogatory, profane and anti-establishment. Teens will relate to her struggle for independence and her cry for help. This is an exemplary first young adult novel for actor and playwright Allan Stratton.... It fills a gap in the market for books that deal with the dark side of relationships. It is a story of hope and conviction, and one that could give inner strength to any reader suffering from similar circumstances. Recommended.--Carole Marion"Canadian Materials" (02/16/2001)

About the Author:

Allan Stratton is an acclaimed playwright and author, who began his career acting at the Stratford Festival and regional theaters across Canada. His plays include "Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii" and "Rexy!," winner of a Chalmers Award, the Dora Mavor Moore Award and the Canadian Author's Association Award. Leslie's Journal is Allan's first novel for teens. Allan now lives in Toronto with his partner, a dog, three cats and any number of fish.

About this edition

• Publisher: Annick Press Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1550376640
• ISBN 13: 9781550376647
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172