Inexcusable

Inexcusable

by Chris Lynch

Published by: Atheneum

Summary: Keir is a senior who fancies himself a lovable rogue. So do his widowed father, his older sisters, and his classmates. He likes being liked; he just doesn't do well with involvement. Keir would never do anything to hurt anyone intentionally–or would he? When he tackles and cripples a member of an opposing football team, it's determined to be an accident–one that earns him the good-humored nickname, Killer. When he and his buddies destroy a town statue, they consider it a high-spirited, funny prank. When he gets drunk, the alcohol abuse is dismissed as silly, harmless drinks, and drugs at parties are strictly recreational. And when he date rapes the girl he thinks he loves, at first he convinces himself that the way it looks is not the way it is. Keir's first-person narrative chillingly exposes the rationalization process that the troubled teen goes through to persuade himself and those around him of his innocence. Characters are clearly developed through immediately post-rape chapters that alternate with flashbacks of Keir's experiences and perceptions leading up to that point.

Personal Review: This is an intersting twist to Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak. It is the "other point of view." It was really an interesting read as Lynch shows Keir's self justification, and his reasoning behind his actions. He seems to really believe the things he tells himself, and I almost wonder if he has a split-personality disorder because he can so easily disassociate himself with his actions, even when he is face to face with the consequences. It is a chilling, realistic look at many situations and experiences that teenagers face during their lives. I enjoyed it, and it was a fast read.

Cautionary Notes: Lots of drug use, teen drinking, and a scene describing the date rape.