The Tulip Touch

I became deeply entranced in this book. The twisted storyline and intriguing characters kept me hooked throughout the book. I have read a lot of Anne Fine's books and this is definitely one of her best. You can definitely relate to the characters and how they think, when she describes how Natalie feels during the fire in the shed you can see images and imagine you are actually there. It's really very powerful. I've only read it once, but I would read it many more times.

To be honest, I didn't expect much from the book, and I still don't know why I ever read it. I had read Flour Babies by Anne Fine, and I didn't like it. I thought it was too didactic, and I thought the humor was far less than funny. The Tulip Touch didn't share any of the former's problems. It is simply an amazing book that really made me think about some of the friendships I had in high school (I just graduated).The plot follows Natalie who is the best friend of Tulip. Tulip comes from a totally unloving and abusive family and is a trouble-maker. Gradually, Tulip's behavior begins to influence Natalie. Natalie watches herself being dragged lower and lower by Tulip. Finally, she feels she must break away. But, can she? Has Tulip been that bad of a friend. Also, should or could she have been helping Tulip?The Tulip Touch is really a fascinating book. It is entertaining, but it also makes you think. It raises quite a few ethical concerns for our society, and it examines a friendship (though very off-beat one) thouroughly. The Tulip Touch really should be required reading because their are many young adults out their with friends like Tulip and there are also a lot of people who will hopefully not become parents like Tulip's.

This book was really special. It made me think about the 'Tulips' of the world. Please read it, it is undescribable in the context

It had a lot of meaning, and it gave me a feel of what it was like to be like tulip. I give it 5 stars, for the well thought out plan of the characters.

This is a well-written book that shows, with great sensitivity, how fragile children can be and how important it is for others to reach out to those in trouble. The Tulip Touch should be read by young adults, 7th. grade and up, as well as by those who work with them. Not an easy book to read, on an emotional level, but well worth the effort. Wonderfully illustrates the "if only I'd....." syndrome so many of us suffer from that leads to lifelong regrets.