Burn

By Heath Gibson

"The best thing to do for someone who thinks he’s lost his whole life is to make him feel like it’s been given back to him.

That’s why I can do this. Fire can fix it."

William Tucker always does the right thing. He excels at high school, works at the grocery store, passes out bulletins at his father’s church, and still finds time to fight fires as the newest volunteer firefighter in Coosa Creek, Alabama.

But no matter how many good deeds William does, it never seems like enough. So when his father’s expectations and the community’s hypocrisy become too much to bear, William’s obsession with doing good transforms into something far more dangerous.

"Gibson pens authentic Southern, small-town teenspeak and settings that add fuel to the fires (so to speak) of William's life. Compelling."—KIRKUS REVIEWS

• Language: English
• Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
• Release date: Aug 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9780738732251

Heath Gibson

A native Mississippian, Heath Gibson, discovered the joy of children’s literature as an adult. Since falling in love with the genre, he has used the unique landscape, people, and voices of the South to fuel his writing. He holds an MFA in children’s literature from Hollins University, a bachelor’s degree in communication from Mississippi State University, and a degree in English education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Currently, Gibson teaches English at a high school in Atlanta. He is the author of Gigged and Burn, both published by Flux. Visit him online at HeathGibson.com.

Reviews for Burn

[bookswithbite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

These are the types of books that open your eyes. Sometimes you just have to open up your eyes.Despite what the world is coming to today, people need to stop being blind and open their eyes. Burn does just that. Even good people have problems that they turn a blind eye too. And this angers me as a Christian. In Matthew 23, Jesus talks about how the pharisee concentrate on the good principles but fail to look at the greater ones. If you have the power, to help someone and you don't, your guilty. With that said, the main character William address that issue. Growing up a PK (preachers kid) William has been taught to do all the right things. But at what expense? Turn away others cause their a bad influence? Don't address that subject cause it's "wrong."I love how the plot is fully entertaining yet keeps the reader on their toes. I love that with each chapter William is taught to look at things differently then what he ever saw them before. I loved that the reader is able to easily fall into Williams shoes and feel everything he is feeling.The love interest in this book is good. It was more of a friendship turning into to love but still, I adored it. I like that how open she is with everything. And I agree with her. People now and days need to wake up. Times have changed. We can't continue to address things as delicate issues. *SMH*Not to mention the pryo thing going on. Those parts get addicting fast!Burn is the ultimate eye opener. A genuine moving story Burn, makes it way start to your heart. The incredible attention Burn gives leaves the reader breathless. Awesome and inspiring, Burn is awesome!

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author: Heath Gibson Published by: FluxNow Age Recommended: YA (some Language*) Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Raven Rating: 5 Blog Review For: GMTA Review:"Burn" by Heath Gibson was some read that I simply will not forget that did keep my attention to the very end. You will get the feeling of anger and even laughter as you read through the many twist and turns.In "Burn" you will be drawn into a Alabama preacher's Baptist family... Pastor Tucker... who is devoted and committed to his church that takes up most of his time ....thus producing the abandonment of his sons and his fermented wife...... the life of their son.... William... known as Wee-Wee, who just lives to put out fires.....adrenaline is invigorating which is a addiction for him.....there is also another a brother (Steven) who had up till now been considered a bit dashing....now has confirmed he is now gay ......then there is a new black girl named Samantha Johnson from Iowa who is new at the school. Now put this all together and get ready for a good read that will not only shake up this little Alabama town but to find out else happens you must pick up this good read "Burn" to find out. Be ready...it is really a interesting good read finding out just what is going on with William, Steven and Samantha. I found this characters all amazing... William(Wee-Wee), Steven, Fred & Joy Ehler, Mandy Pearman, Mrs. Pearman, Billy & Seth Parker, Marcus Woubley, Chief Griffin, Leroy Toupes, Terry Brumfield, Mrs. Whitmore, Mrs. Inez, Mr. Thompson, Thad, Ms. Gale, Samantha Johnson, Ms. White, Mr. Jerry, Pastor Tucker, Connie Tucker, Nikki Macalusso, Mr. Simmons, Leonard, Paul, Mrs. Trahan, D.J Trahan, Debby, Buck, Mr. Daniels, Brett Toler, Mr. Edwards, Mrs. Teschner, Ms. Deana Hartley, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Cronyer, Mr. Whitehead and I am sure I have left out someone....you will have to find out who they are. There was a quote that repeated several times from the Pastor to his boys..."Remember who you are" meaning you are the pastor's son..... so be aware! I believe "Burn" will be a good read for the YA teen boys who would like to be a hero, however sometimes this can get you in to trouble especially if you take the wrong road to achieve it. Yes, this guilty character was so very desperate for praise and recognition...but at what price? I would recommend "Burn" as a good read as a good read for the YA's and be ready for a very interesting ending. OMG!