Lyga writes pretty edgy novels but somehow makes them relatable. Bang is no exception.

Sebastian is fourteen years old but still suffers the trauma of an event that happened ten years ago. When he was four, he shot and killed his 4-month-old baby sister with his dad's gun.

Needless to say, this has torn the family apart. His father is gone. His mother can't talk about that event. Sebastian has been to therapy for years but isn't doing well. As a matter of fact, he knows it's only a matter of time before he commits suicide.

Everyone in town and at school knows Sebastian's past, so when a new girl, Aneesa, moves in down the road, Sebastian finds comfort and companionship with someone who doesn't know him. He realizes that at the end of the summer when she starts school she will inevitably find out, but he's going to enjoy his time with her until then.

Aneesa has her own issues, coming from a mixed racial marriage. Her father is Muslim, so that causes her to be ridiculed by many.

They build a strong friendship and work together to create a unique business. Sebastian can't help but fall for Aneesa, and those voices telling him to end his life become quieter. The expected blow up occurs, and that's all I'll say about the plot.

I was happy that the book doesn't preach about gun control. The father made a huge mistake, and that's obvious, but really the rest is left for the reader to decide.

Bang is easy to read and relate to the characters. The pace moves and the secondary characters have a lot of depth. It will be easy to recommend this to my contemporary novel fans.

I've always wondered what happened to the kids you read about on the news - kids under five who somehow manage to get their hands on a gun and unintentionally kill someone, a sibling or a friend. What happens to those kids when they grow up? What does growing up under that kind of shadow do to a person?

Barry Lyga's "Bang" attempts to answer that question, and does so beautifully. A definite must for any young adult collection.

I really enjoyed Barry Lyga's Jasper Dent series. His writing was so good that I knew I'd be interested in checking out more of his work. The description for Bang immediately made me wonder if "gun control" would be a political statement shoved down my throat throughout this book, but the emotional roller coaster that would surely be involved was enough to make me pick this book up. I was curious to see how Barry Lyga would handle such an emotional topic compared to the twisted nature of Jasper Dent.

Bang hooked me in a way that other books haven't been grabbing my attention. I'm in a bit of a book slump so to read a book in 24 hours is a big thing for me right now. The writing was well done as I expected. And while perhaps there were a few moments that could count as a PA concerning gun control, I didn't truly feel like there was much of an agenda pushed so much as the characters simply reacting to events in a way that felt completely natural given the circumstances. If anything, the political statements made revolved more around Aneesa and her father for their muslim faith than anything else. However, this still didn't bother me as Aneesa and her father were both likeable characters and also simply reacting in a way that felt entirely natural.

As one would expect, Bang is a deeply emotional read. It felt even more emotional for me because Little Girl is right at a year and a half. To imagine having a four year old child shoot and kill your four month old... It is simply heartbreaking for everyone involved. It's impossible as a mother not to be heartbroken by this story...both for the parents, but also for the children. The guilt that everyone involved feels. The father for it being his gun used. Sebastian for having pulled the trigger. The mother for having at one point hated your son. All of it. It is everything you would expect one to feel.

It isn't a surprise that a situation where a 4 year old shoots and kills a 4 month old could cause one to question God. How could a loving God allow such an event to happen? And if He does exist, how could He forgive a young boy for killing his sister? This wasn't a huge part of Bang truthfully there were only two comments made in passing, but as a Christian, I can't help but zero in on these things. Bad things happen in this world because God gave us free-will. Otherwise we'd all be robots running about doing His will. Love isn't much of anything when it is forced upon us. So truthfully LOVE is the reason (through free will) that bad things happen. And when you think about it, maybe it isn't such a big surprise that an infant would die when God allowed His own Son to die (for us). When bad things happen that we don't know how to explain, people often forget what God gave up for us because they're only concerned with how this bad thing has happened to them. Who do we think we are when we expect God to leave us be to live our lives however we want with no concern for Him in the day to day, yet we expect Him to save us from the things that break our hearts or cause us pain? This area of Bang was a slight frustration for me. Though believable and understandable, I'd like to--for once--see a character work through these thoughts and come out on the side of understanding that God is still good even though bad things happen.

Truthfully I didn't highlight much. There were a couple passages I highlighted but don't want to share outside of the context, and then there were the two religious references I highlighted so that I could note my frustration. But I will share this quote:

-And this is the moment to kiss her, but this is the moment never, ever to kiss her. Because to kiss her now is to seal it with pain and shame, and nothing grows well or true or right in that blend of fertilizer.

Overall Bang was an emotional read for me. I liked seeing how Sebastian was both stuck in the past and trying desperately to move forward. While I did enjoy this book overall, I'm not sure who I would recommend it to. Someone who is simply looking for an emotional and thought-provoking read I suppose. Ultimately, Bang gets 4 Stars from me. Have you read Bang? What did you think? Let me know!

This will go live on my blog on April 29. Kellyvision.wordpress.com

Sebastian is basically known for one thing in his tiny Maryland town: when he was four, he shot and killed his four-month-old sister. It tore his family apart and ever since he was old enough, he's planned to commit suicide. It's never been quite the right time, but now it is. This is the summer he'll die.

This book is so intense. You can feel his mother's grief and Sebastian's pain (and shame) and you can see just how hard they're fighting to keep moving forward and how tenuous that forward motion is. And there are small pieces of hope, glimmers that say maybe they can keep going after all.

This is a hard book to read; I cried more than once. But it's also so important and so necessary.

Highly recommended.

Benjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life: Death & Taxes.

I would like to add one more thing to that auspicious list: whenever Barry Lyga releases a new book, it’s guaranteed to be an amazing read!

I had the pleasure of being asked once again by Stephanie @ No BS Book Reviews if I could read and review Barry Lyga’s latest novel, Bang.

There might have been about a second of thought, where I literally squealed out loud, and then, I let her know that yes, I would love to be able to read a new Barry Lyga novel.

Quite frankly, any avid reader should react this way when presented with such a gift. Yes, that’s right, I said, “gift.” Because reading Lyga’s words, his characters, his depiction of teen angst and drama, with just the spot-on dash of realistic dark humor, is a gift. Because he is such a gifted writer. Period. End of. There are no two-ways about it.

His latest novel, Bang, doesn’t disappoint either.

Bang tells the story of Sebastian Cody, who when he was four-years-old, accidently shot and killed his infant sister at point blank range. The book picks up ten years later on the very last days of the school year. Sebastian’s best friend—and only friend—is about to go away for the summer and that’s just as well. Because he is done with living day in and day out with the guilt and horror of what he did all those years ago. He’s about to give into the dark voices in his head that have been planning something for years…finally. But then a temporary reprieve moves in across the street from him. A teenage girl, Aneesa, who isn’t aware of Sebastian’s past and he tries desperately to make sure she doesn’t. Somehow, she is able to distract Sebastian long enough to believe in himself and in a future that he never thought existed…or believed he was worthy enough of.

But all good things must come to an end. Because Sebastian’s darkest thoughts urge him to put his plans into action before the summer is over and confront his past head on, one way or another.

The writing in this book is top-notch by Lyga, as expected. What I find most incredible is the way he is always able to find the voice of each character so succinctly. How he is able to convey with such depth what a tortured fourteen-year-old boy is feeling after committing such a heinous act, albeit accidently, is beyond me. Yet, Lyga does this in Bang effortlessly. Or the way he writes the character of Aneesa; a Muslim teenage girl who wears a traditional hajib and is dealing with Islamophobia in her new neighborhood. She’s both believable and inspirational as she allies herself with Sebastian and they start a new venture together.

This book and these characters will stay with you a very long time. I feel as if all of Lyga’s books are crafted intentionally that way. And I’m okay with that. Bang was an emotional read but not a sad one, per se. It’s about love and loss, forgiveness and acceptance, and taking the sweet with the sour. And I highly recommend it.

I look forward to more from Lyga, hopefully, in the very near future…now, off to make myself some pizza. (Thanks, Sebastian & Aneesa for making me run out and buy some Boboli’s!)

Barry Lyga caught my attention with Fanboy/Goth Girl, broke my heart with Boy Toy, and still managed to create a new voice in my head with the character of Jazz from his I Hunt Killers trilogy. Bang brought elements of all three of those protagonists -- the nerdy charm, the raw sores, and the savvy new voice -- and combined them with a socially-relevant story that speaks to the immediate present. Lyga's male characters are what today's feminists need: strong boys who can model what it is like to admit they can feel to tand be affected by the world around them. And he's not half-bad with a female voice, either.

Quite the heartfelt book. I was so moved by this story. Sebastian lives with the guilt of having killed his baby sister. It truly was an accident, but that doesn't change the way he feels. The way Barry Lyga wrote this novel is incredible. He brilliantly displays Sebastian's feelings realistically and tackles important themes in a well-thought out way. I was captivated by Sebastian's story. He broke my heart and put it back together again. Aneesa was a pleasant addition. Their friendship was a beautiful thing. If you appreciate strong realistic fiction in YA, do not hesitate to check out Bang by Barry Lyga on April 18th.

This is one of those books that you will remember forever. Bad stuff happens and sometimes really bad stuff happens. Not only does this book address forgiveness, but shows us that we need to realize not everything is everyone's business no matter what you here.

On Barry Lyga's "Bang"--This is an excellent and timely topic for teens, told with compassion, veiled in the pain of the protagonist, Sebastian. Before Sebastian even had a chance to know what a gun is, or to make choices about how or if he will use them in his life, he has picked one up and shot and killed his baby sister. When a baby dies like that, each member of the family is torn with conflicting emotions of guilt, blame, love, hate, and alienation. It is the same with Sebastian's family. What's it like to be a teenager who has lived nearly his whole life as a killer? Knowing that you were only 4 years old when you became a killer is little consolation and this teen can barely cope with the feelings he has about himself and the way he fits into his world.
There were many ways Barry Lyga could have taken this story, darker, more frightening and desperate. But I think the author chose a more positive, hopeful path and I'm glad he did. There is becoming a need in this country for this type of topic... what happens to the children who become the "killers" when guns are left carelessly within their reach? How do they cope and how do their peers interact with them? Thank you Barry Lyga for this book.

Barry Lyga was the first writer who showed me, early in my teaching career, the power and beauty of YA. I was so happy to re-enter the Brookdale universe he created in his previous realistic fiction novels.

Sebastian Cody is an intelligent 14 year old boy with a talent for creating delectable pizzas. He also happens to be the same boy, who ten years prior, shot and killed his 4-month old sister. This event has defined his life. We see him struggle, unable to move past this event (can you blame him?). As of late, I have seen too many stories about children killing relatives or friends with a family gun. America's struggle with gun violence can no longer be ignored. Lyga has never been shy about tackling difficult topics so it's no surprise that Bang explores not just tragedy but the aftermath. Sebastian is drowning in his own guilt. But no worries, he has a plan to rectify it all. Until he meets Aneesa, his new neighbor, then he finds himself delaying the ending that he long ago committed himself to.

Read this book. As a matter of fact, read everything Barry Lyga.

We see the headline too often: Child Shoots Sibling/Friend. We wonder. Where were the parents? Why was there a gun in the house? How can a family survive this tragedy?
Barry Lyga gives us a glimpse into the world of one family trying to get by afterward.
Sebastian shot his baby sister 10 years ago. He lives with the guilt and horror of not only what he did to his sister, but how his act affected his parents and his community. He hears a voice telling him he can end his pain . . . just not yet. He has one last summer before he picks up a gun for a second time.

When we see these tragedies posted in the media, it is easy to get caught up in the comments of people who criticize the suffering. Bang gives us a glimpse behind the curtain. Recommend to readers of realistic fiction, suspense, and those who like their stories "ripped from the headlines."

Barry Lyga always continues to surprise me. He really can do everything and his latest novel is definitely a testament to that. This is certainly a topic that I haven't seen tackled in YA literature and leave it to Lyga to not only go at it full force but to do so with such empathy and sensitivity. Truly, truly impressive. In addition to this, I loved how well drawn Lyga's characters are. Is Sebastian struggling with a devastating past? Absolutely, but we also get to see him struggle with the day to day that comes with being an adolescent. Things like homework, friends, family and whether or not the girl he likes, likes him back. These daily struggles added to the complexity of Sebastian's struggle with his past and made his development that much more profound. I also loved Aneesa, what a role model for girls everywhere. To me she was everything - she's industrious, she's funny, she's a good friend, she takes pride in herself and her culture, she is strong in who she is, and most importantly, she is kind. It was so lovely to see the friendship develop between her and Sebastian and I think she's a character that readers won't soon forget.

Overall - another groundbreaking novel from the great Barry Lyga! This book is a necessary addition to every YA collection and is sure to inspire some thought provoking discussion. I look forward to sharing this not just with my teen readers, but with everyone.

Consider me very, very impressed with the way BANG was written, the issues it addressed, and the messages it delivered.

In a word: impressive

To be completely honest, I went into Barry Lyga's newest novel with pretty high expectations. I mean, seriously. Look at that synopsis. Look at who the author is. Need I say more?

And yet? BANG surprised me with its thoughtfulness, it's masterfully handled themes, it well-developed, three-dimensional characters.

Allow me to paint you a picture: BANG, hearing the cheers of the crowd from the sidelines, ran confidently toward my expectations. It met them, crossed the finish line, heard the cheering intestify. But then, despite having finished the race, it proceeded to run several extra laps just to prove that it's that athletic, just to prove that my expectations are nothing compared to what it could actually do.

In short? It didn't just settle for the bare minimum. It pushed on. It persevered. And this impresses me very very much.

Let me start by talking about Sebastian. His character development is believable. His acknowledgment of the challenges he faces is relatable. The issues discussed here aren't light, but the Sebastian's viewpoint of everything, albeit negative, helped show the reader that there is a way out. And the question becomes: what will that way be?

Aneesa was a welcome surprise. She is the new girl in the neighborhood, a Muslim who wears a hijab, and Sebastian's friend. She is funny and sweet, and the type of friend anyone would want to have. And she's proud of both her origins and religion, despite everything going on around her.

Honestly? I don't see this very often in YA novels. Which is why I'd like to take a minute (a paragraph, rather) to (and in all seriousness) thank Barry Lyga for addressing issues like discrimination based on religion, dealing with tragic situations, and the power in strong families.

But now, though, some probably ask, But, that's great and all, Nina, but ifBangis as great as you say, then why did you knock a star off the rating?Even of that is not what you were particularly wondering, allow me to answer: Yes, yes, I'm aware of the missing star. It's just that the story progresses at such a fast pace that often it would.. lose me. The flashbacks are a bit too sudden and disjointed for my taste.

But, some readers like that. So it's all just so very subjective.

But other than that? I really really loved this one. Really. I can tell this'll be on my 2017 favorites list for sure.

Thank you, Hachette, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!