Secrets, pain, struggle, violence, abuse, fear, chaos. Life is full of all of those things, and most of the time we struggle to keep the balance for ourselves. But what happens when someone else makes a move in our lives that throws off our balance with out giving us a choice. Diego fights a dangerous battle in his own mind, and in his life. After being incited by a look across the lunch room by someone he assumed to be gay, he finds himself sitting in a court room being assigned a Probation Officer.
I found this book by chance, again browsing books that I wouldn't normally read. Yet I enjoyed it and it was a quick read. My profession being what it is, working in a group home with kids just like Diego, this book spoke to me. We all have secrets and sometimes they are more painful then we'd like to admit. Mr. Vidas, his PO, acts like a counselor as he tries to guide Diego through his past.
Full of imagery, and technique this book allows the reader to both glimpse a world of pain and help. Counselors have stigmatic appearance in the psychological world, with book lined walls, and a tidy super clean appearance. Mr. Vidas fails to meet this expectation but it helps create a person that believe even Santa would have no problem discussing his issues with. Diego begins on a roller coaster of emotions, and over the following months begins to work through his issues.
I hope to be Mr. Vidas one day, together with his Smiley Face Emotion Chart conquering adolescent suffering one case at a time. For anyone who cares about kids, has kids, and thinks of themselves as someone who could help, this book is for you.
Go Read It!
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