So Good for Teens and Angst
Dark Times
Edited by Ann Walsh. Vancouver, BC: Ronsdale Press, 2005. (182 pages)
Review from The Alzheimer's Society of BC http://www.alzheimerbc.org
Dark Times is about young people who have suffered a loss, whether it is someone in their family or a close friend. It is a collection of short stories, all of which have slightly different messages. Some of the stories in the book delve into difficult issues, such as alcoholism, suicide, illness, and death. Overall the book tries to help teenagers navigate through difficult times in their lives.
All the authors do an excellent job of describing the grieving process, especially as it pertains to young people. The story that is especially touching is about a young girl whose grandmother has Alzheimer?s disease. It describes from the teenager?s point of view many of the difficult and embarrassing things that can happen when you are dealing with Alzheimer?s. It gives some good advice on how to deal with these embarrassing moments, ?It?s the disease speaking,? I told myself firmly, ?only the disease, not my gran.?
The book is very well done, and it would definitely be good for a young person to read if they were going through a period of loss or grief ? especially through the loss of a loved one.
Reviewed by Kate Cowell, Regional Services Assistant, Alzheimer Society of B.C.
