Book description
Ravenhill is the story of one fateful day in an American high
school in 1997. As told from multiple points of view, the novel
unfolds a few hours after an act of violence leaves five people dead
and shocks the community.
Leonard, a ninth grade student, has a secret so horrific he hides it
beneath his bullying and a tough-guy attitude. Lara, one of Leonard's
targets, is trying to show no fear of his persecution but is prepared
if Leonard carries through with his threats. S. A.M. Bond is his own
superhero with a secret he must guard at all costs. Mr. Hardin, the
English teacher, has his own personal demons, including the death of
his young daughter. Paul, the custodian and former priest, is fighting
alcoholism. All these personal problems, attitudes, and anxieties
erupt the day before the winter holiday break.
Without flinching, Ravenhill attempts to answer the question
of who might be responsible when a sudden violent act explodes and a
quiet town is changed forever.
"This explosive novel is a compelling and disturbing view of the
violence and terror and loneliness present in our schools in this age
of guns and mayhem, when even the best efforts of good people can't
prevent tragedy."--Kent Haruf, author of Plainsong and
Eventide, and a finalist for the National Book Award.
Timothy Hillmer has been a teacher and mentor in the Boulder Valley
School District for the past twenty-four years. He is the author of the
award winning novel The Hookmen. He lives in Louisville, Colorado, with
his wife and two daughters.
