Bottled Up

"Bottled Up" is a heart wrenching, man-against-himself novel by Jaye Murray about a boy named Pip suffering from a lack of parental guidance and a drug addiction. Pip's parents also suffer with their own addictions. Pip's Dad, Mike, is a terrible alcoholic; while his mother is addicted to anti-depressants. The instability in his household makes it hard for Pip and his little brother, Mikey. Pip's drug addiction is keeping him from progressing academically; therefore, Mr. Giraldi, the principal, thinks the best course of action is expulsion. Pip, on the other hand, doesn't think it's such a good idea. Mr. Giraldi gives Pip an ultimatum, if he seeks counseling Giraldi will give him a second chance. Throughout the book Pip struggles with overcoming addictions, taking care of Mikey, and trying to right all the wrongs in his life. Pip has to learn how to be responsible, and that drugs are not the way to escape his life. He does not want to go down the path of his father, and regardless of what anyone thinks, he knows he is better than he is. Though the struggle is hard, Pip knows he must push through for the sake of his little brother, his family, and himself.

"Bottled Up" was written by Jaye Murray, and published in 2003. I picked this book because it fit my interests, and seemed like a pretty interesting book to read. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding how people can overcome themselves, and their problems. It was a very good read, and taught many good life lessons. If I would have to classify the type of books I'm interested in, this would be it. I like to learn about how people feel about things, and how everyone needs someone to understand them.