Jude

Just a GREAT book. This story has so many twists and turns you won't be able to put it down. My 7th and 8th grade (mature) students always have it on HOLD since I only have two copies. If a none reader picked it up, they would be suprised with themselves that they actually read a 400 page book for the (first time in their life)while holding their breath with each page.

A Boy's Struggle "Pops, I don't think you should do that." Jude said in reference to mixing powder with drugs. Jude knew one day a customer would find out his father's scams. Jude was right. While watching television, Jude hears a gun shot from the kitchen. When he goes to see what has happened, he finds his father dead and the killer still there. Jude and the murder talk and Jude agrees to tell no one about what has gone on. When the man leaves, Jude dials 911. Soon after, Jude's life is turned upside down. He is the main suspect in his father's murder. He is shipped away to live with his mother who he has not seen since he was two years old. Jude starts going to a new school where kids know about his rough past. Kids begin to ask for drugs, but Jude says no. He does not want to end up like his father. But eventually, Jude gives in, attempting to fit in. Rumors soon fly about the boy supplying the school with drugs. They begin to ruin his school career and his mother's chances of being elected mayor. Anthony, Jude's mother's boyfriend, devises a plan to end all rumors and save his mother's chances. Jude agrees and ends up being prosecuted for dealing drugs. Anthony says he will get Jude out of jail after the election, but Anthony lies. Jude ends up spending five years in prison. After serving his time Jude is let out and decides to turn his life around. He also wants to reveal the truth about his father's murder and clear his name. Jude, by Kate Morgenroth is a superb book. The characters are easy to connect with, the plot is suspenseful, and the details are amazing. I would recommend everyone read Jude. I found it very easy to connect with the characters in this book. Jude was made to be a character that a reader can relate with. I actually cared what happened to him. A reader could feel the pain Jude went through, the disappointment of his mother, and the betral of Anthony. For instance, when Jude realizes he was lied to and will really be spending five years in prison, the felling of let down and being stabbed in the back was present and real. I believe that being able to relate to characters really adds to a books overall affect. The suspenseful plot of Jude makes a reader want to keep reading. With something always happening, a reader will be anxious to learn the fate of every character. When the book seams to be coming to a conclusion, another thing happens. Jude will defiantly keep a reader turning pages. Personally, I found Jude to be a quick read despite the length because I could not put it down. The details in this book are amazing. I felt as if I was in it. The description brought the book to life. It was easy to picture the setting and characters. The description of the dark, small, disgusting jail cell made me feel as if I was there going thought all Jude was. Jude is an amazingly well written book. A reader can connect with characters and feel as if they are part of the book. Jude is

This book is the best book that I have ever read. I was almost instantly caught up in the story, and I never put it down once istarted reading it. The characters were very compelling, and I discovered that by the mid-point of the story I was feeling the main character's emotions without the author even having to describe his emotions. When he feels betrayed, I found myself feeling betrayed as well. The story is masterfully crafted, and it kept me reading until I finished it at about two in the morning. The author actually made me feel the passage of time in the book as well. The main character starts at age 15 and ends at age 22. five of those years he spends in prison. I really felt like I was living those seven years with him. All in all it may not be the most enjoyable book I have ever read, as it can be somewhat depressing at times, It is without a doubt the best written book that I have ever read, and I have read everything from Shakespeare to Steinbeck.

Excellent book. A real page-turner. After the first chapter, you wont want to put the book down! If you're someone like me that likes thrillers and mysteries, then this is the book for you!!!!

I loved this book! I would have never guessed the ending. The language and pschology of the characters are perfect. Even though I stay away from crime and punishment, I was won over by the tragedy and emotions.