Billy McIlvain's most memorable childhood times were spent with his Philadelphia Main Line family, and he was happiest when celebrating his birthday with his beloved banker grandfather. Then on Billy's tenth birthday fishing trip, his grandfather is murdered. This nightmarish episode and the departure of his tennis pro father (when a sizable inheritance does not materialize) end forever any appearance of a "normal" life for him. Lacking emotional support from his alcoholic mother, the teenaged Billy becomes increasingly alienated-an alienation fueled by the need to avenge his grandfather's death. After doing time in prison, Billy seeks his father to make him pay for the early years of neglect. This wrenching first-person account intersperses Billy's pre-prison memories and letters to the dead grandfather with present-day events and fantasies. A powerful and compelling novel; for popular collections.
On the front: A shocking, fascinating ride through terror.
I didn't like it at all, it started out fairly good and I thought it would follow through with the 'ride' and 'terror' but it took about halfway into the book to get to the 'horrible event' in Billy's life that is supposed to turn him into a monster, however, by halfway I just thought it was draggy and boring.
I didn't like it at all, it started out fairly good and I thought it would follow through with the 'ride' and 'terror' but it took about halfway into the book to get to the 'horrible event' in Billy's life that is supposed to turn him into a monster, however, by halfway I just thought it was draggy and boring.
WOW! This is a 5 star book all the way. I don't do that often. I was totally surprised at just how well written and just how much this was truly a page turner and WOW what an explosive ending. It has short chapters which I like and at the end of each short chapter it would be a bomb shell, making you want to keep going and going. When the end came , I sat with my mouth open, and could not believe what happened. I was NOT expecting it at all. This kid has truly lived an unbelievable life, yet I feel a lot of people could identity with him in sooo many aspects, except for him becoming a serial killer, which I cant say much about without spoiling it. This book had me crying, laughing, worrying, understanding why some people go postal, including kids. This is not to be missed. This book is a lot of peoples lives, its just that not many are willing to do anything about it like this guy does. Just WOWOWOW! A must read! Summary:Young Billy McIvain has faced the worst experience a child can face -- the murder of his grandfather, the only person who had ever cared for him. When the killers not only get away with it, but profit from their crime, Billy's whole life changes. The making of a killer has begun. Abandoned by his violent father and neglected by his alcoholic mother, Billy starts down a path of destruction. He lashes out at the injustice of the world and winds up in jail as a teenager. Now, at 33, he is on the loose with only one thing on his mind -- revenge. And all those responsible for his pain will pay dearly.
