Inexcusable

* Bibliographic information
Lynch, C. Inexcusable. Simon and Schuster, 2005. ISBN: 9780689847899

- School Library Journal Best Books: 2005
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2006
- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2005


* Plot Summary
Keir is an all around good guy; a football player, friend, and son. Of course that is what Keir thinks, ask others and they may say differently. One of those people would be Gigi, the girl who is currently telling him he raped her. The book goes back and forth from this present scene with Gigi, to other scenes leading up to that moment. Keir is always seeing his own actions as amazing and fun while others see them as hurtful and violent. He got noticed for a scholarship when he made headlines for tackling a guy on the field and paralyzing him. When he crashed the soccer team’s party and harassed them until they were humiliated he saw it as good fun that everyone enjoyed. So it is not surprising when he is confused by Gigi’s accusations. Gigi finally gets him to see the truth and he sees himself and his actions for what they truly are; inexcusable.


* Critical Evaluation
This is an award winning book for a reason. Lynch really captures the essence of what is happening and forces the reader to analyze the situation. The character is so original. Typically books showcase the victim who is being preyed upon; not the predator. In this case, Keir exhibits some horrendous behavior, especially when he rapes Gigi and tries to rationalize it. Keir’s sisters are a voice of reason that he refuses to hear but no one else really stands up to him. Even Gigi defends his actions, up until he victimizes her. Keir’s actions are astonishing and it takes a brave writer to put it on paper. Lynch claims to like writing about violence in a realistic way and he has accomplished that task with this novel.


* Reader’s Annotation
Keir thinks he is a great guy and does not understand when people misinterpret his actions in a negative way. He is forced to see their side of things when he has an argument with his friend, Gigi who tells him he just raped her.


* Information about the author
Lynch is a highly acclaimed controversial writer of young adult books. He was born in Massachusetts but currently lives in Scotland. Lynch says he likes to write stories with male characters that have pain or violence in their lives. He says he likes to portray these things in a realistic way because it is more honest than just telling the reader it happened; this way they see how truly horrible violence is. His books have been challenged many times; he says it just makes him more determined to write.


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Mental and Behavioral Issues


* Curriculum Ties, if any
English:
If the book was not challenged, it could be used in a school to teach about perception and the differences between people.


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Why do you think it took Keir so long to see the truth of his actions?
2) What did you think of having the book told through the eyes of a rapist? How would it have been different if it had been told through third person point of view?
3) How much are alcohol and drugs to blame for Keir’s behavior?
4) Talk about Keir’s sisters. What is their role in the story, why are they important?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 15-18 years old


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Rape, Violence, Crime, Drug Abuse, and Underage Drinking.

Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Inexcusable-Chris-Lynch/dp/1416939725/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260326964&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf


* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I first selected this book because I had heard about it receiving quite a few rewards so I looked it up so I could see what it was about. I think the idea of having the book told through the eyes of a rapist who cannot see the error in his ways is very original. I recommend this book for older teens because it provides an interesting perspective on a story such as this. These types of stories are always told through the victim or in third person. I appreciate a new take on a common story.