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The Burn Journals Brent Runyon Random House Children's Literature © 2004 |
I bring my bathrobe into the shower and pour gasoline over it. The gas can is only about a quarter full, but it seems like enough. I step into the bathtub and I put the bathrobe over my shoulders. It’s wet and heavy, but there’s something kind of comforting about the smell, like going on a long car trip. I hold the box of matches out in front of me in my left hand. I take out a strike-anywhere match and hold it against the box. Should I do it? Yes. Do it. I strike the match, but it doesn’t light. Try again. I light the match. Nothing happens. I bring it closer to my wrist and then it goes up, all over me, eating through me everywhere. I can’t breathe. I’m screaming, “Craig! Craig!”(20)
This book recounts the suicide attempt of a boy named Brent Runyon. It is a true story. He set himself on fire and survived to author The Burn Journals, which is about surviving tragedy and fighting back to become healthy again. Brent Runyon set himself on fire in February of 1991. This book spans from that month to January of the following year, as Brent goes through psychiatric and physical therapy. He also goes through many buildings and many stages of health. Finally, after months of hardship, he heals.
This is an extremely revealing book with an in-your-face attitude. It shows the truth behind the eyes of a depressed teenager. It shows what it’s like to not know enough of the world to understand what it is you are doing to yourself. Most importantly, it shows that no matter the circumstances, you can get better. Even if it hurts and you scream and cry in pain, it will stop, and you will be better for it.
This book should appeal to everyone, but it will not. There are always people who don’t want to know about things such as teenage depression and suicide. I believe that the book shouldn’t be read by anyone under the age of about thirteen due to the language and the content of the book. The book is like nothing I’ve ever read, but I can tell you this: it’s an amazing book. No matter what you think of suicide, pick it up and have your eyes opened for you.
~ Brian Adams, grade 11, Linesville High School