Review: Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Title: Going Underground

Author: Susan Vaught

Genre/Audience: Contemporary, Young adult

Publication: Bloomsbury, 2011

Source: Library

Summary: When Del was 14, he got caught up in a sexting scandal that labeled him a felon. Now, at 17, he's a pariah of society, can't get into college, and digs graves for a living because no one else will give him a job. After living three years in near solitude, save for his parrot, Fred, and only loyal friend, Marvin, Del has met a girl who may be the one. He's afraid to get too close though, because he fears she will leave when she learns of his past, or that he'll find himself in trouble again. Del must learn to not give up on life or himself and to remove himself from isolation in order to find happiness again.

My Thoughts: I hardly ever read novels from the point of view of a male character because I feel like I can't relate as well or that I won't click with the story. Yeah, it's weird. But anyways, the story sounded intriguing enough for me to pick it up anyways, and I'm glad that I did.

I love, love, loved Del. He was so sympathetic, sweet-natured, and mild-mannered. He could have been so much more than what he was, but his fire was squelched when he was arrested, sent to juvie, and labeled a rapist, at just 14 years old. Throughout the novel, we see Del start to grow and rise up from his past. In that way, I think the story is hopeful, albeit sad.

I also liked the writing style. It switches back and forth between Del in the present, and Del at 14. We don't know exactly what happened upfront, but more and more is revealed throughout the flashback scenes. Those were actually my favorite chapters because I was dying to find out what really happened.

This book was also filled with quirky and interesting characters. Aside from Del, I'd have to say my favorite was Fred, his female parrot who farted, counted out of order, and said inappropriate things at all the wrong times. There were some great secondary characters as well, such as his parents who are animal rescuers, which is where Fred came from, and a goth girl from school who won't stop stalking Del at the graveyard, despite all of his protestations.

All in all, a well written contemporary YA novel that I enjoyed reading. It didn't blow me away or anything, but I did think it was pretty good. It was somewhat subtle and quiet, where I think it could have been slightly more dramatic or intense, but I did find it to be timely and modern. I'd definitely recommend it for all fans of contemporary YA, though.

If you're interested in reading other novels on the topic of sexting, I'd also recommend Exposure by Therese Fowler, which is a much more intense and explosive look at a teenage sexting scandal, and one of my favorite reads of 2011. If you're looking for drama and OMG, then check out Exposure. If you're looking for a more toned down novel, then stick with Going Underground. Or, better yet, read both! :)

My Rating: 3.5/5