Paranoid Park

The unnamed narrator (no, he's not named Alex -- that's the name he was given for the movie, so those of you who keep saying, "Alex, the narrator" and what have you -- well, guess what, you just tipped your hand and I'm going to tell your teachers on all of you, so FEAR ME) accidentally kills a security guard in a train yard and has to live with the aftermath.

Another very fine, well-written YA from Blake Nelson. Nelson maintains tension throughout while still deftly examining the moral issues surrounding the narrator's predicament. Nelson also shows considerable courage in his dramatic choices: if you're expecting the feel-good, prescriptive Lifetime TV movie ending that tends to accompany books aimed at teens, you should look elsewhere show more -- Nelson's ending is pleasingly ambiguous. show less

The unnamed narrator of this gripping story is a sixteen year old prep skateboarder who from the start is feeling a little out of things. His parents have separated and both his mother and younger brother are emotional, his father rarely around. Having arranged to go with a friend to Paranoid Park, where the toughest of the skaters go, he is disappointed when his friend pulls out. With an appetite for nothing else, and in spite of the cute girl who has invited him to call in, he goes to Paranoid and gets pulled into a situation which in a few minutes will change him forever. What should he do? Who can he tell? How bad will the fallout be? As indecision stretches inaction, resolution and peace of mind seem less and less likely, and his show more inability to focus on school, friends, family or even his new girlfriend increases. He does discover one saving grace, however. show less

A teenage skater is involved in the accidental death of a railway worker - and must deal with the fallout of trying to keep it a secret (from his family, friends and the police) while also dealing with his parents' divorce and his girlfriend's demands. While the novel seems a little slim, it is very tense and believable.

Started great, lots of good psychology, but I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Seemed to peter out.

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

If you dare visit Paranoid Park in Portland, Oregon, you will find the Streeters and the Preps. In Blake Nelson's new novel, PARANOID PARK, the reader enters the dark side of the skate park world along with the main character, who happens to be one of the Preps.

Paranoid Park is the nickname for an old skate park being used by the less desirable Streeters. While visiting the park, the main character is dared to jump a train car with one of the Streeters. When they are discovered by a security guard, an unfortunate "accident" causes the horrific death of the guard. The Streeter takes off, leaving the Prep with the guard's remains and the decision of what to do next.

What show more should he do? Tell the police, tell his parents, tell a friend? He decides to keep the truth to himself, but mixed in with his parents' impending divorce, his girlfriend issues, plus school and grades, he may have more than he can deal with.

Nelson's PARANOID PARK is described as a psychological thriller, and I couldn't agree more. If you are a fan of getting into the mind of the characters, this is just the book for you. With its attention-grabbing title and its cool skateboard cover, it will be flying off young adult shelves. show less

Really not my cup of tea, but it is a quick read and I can see that this would be a great novel for a reluctant male reader, especially a skater. There are minor instances of drugs, drink, sex and rock and roll.

I’ve heard this novel became a movie that’s coming out in March ’08. I think they must have added a lot to the script or have a narrating voice, because I can’t imagine a movie where the main character just looks guilty for 90 minutes.

Cool and well approachable for my students. Both the book and the protagonist.