Bad Idea [Kindle Edition]

If you're looking for "safe" Christian reading with storybook endings and perfect people, look somewhere else. <em>Bad Idea: A Novel with Coyotes</em> is a raw, gritty coming of age tale that addresses issues today's teens face with refreshing honesty and laugh-out-loud humor. Griffin Smith sets out on a cross-country road trip from a small Midwestern home to his college in Southern California, accompanied by some unlikely traveling companions--his father and his young "cliché" (read fiancé), his best friend, and his younger brother.

This well written, though sometimes disturbing, tale gives readers a rare glimpse into teens' often-tumultuous emotional life and spiritual journey. The book explores difficult issues, such as suicide, self-mutilation, and self-medication. As a youth leader of ten years (now retired due to health issues), I can tell you that I've dealt with each of these issues--sometimes with teens whose parents were pastors or in church leadership. I believe this book fills a critical gap in Christian publishing, and I hope publishers sit up and take notice.

The authors weave a compelling story, laced with real-life issues and comic relief. that concludes on a positive and satisfying note. Not for the faint of heart, <em>Bad Idea: A Novel with Coyotes</em> will disturb some, strengthen and encourage others, and, hopefully, open the door for honest conversations around dinner tables everywhere.

Bad Idea is a good idea for anyone over 12 years old. I was entertained, challenged, and captivated all at the same time. It is a great story with diverse characters, situations, and settings. It takes you into the mind of a normal 18 year old kid dealing with real issues in a practical way.

In first reading this book from my thirty-something conservative perspective, I thought reading "Bad Idea" was a bad idea. I didn't like the raw expressions of main character Griffin Smith nor his honest admissions to his inner thoughts. However, brothers Todd and Jedd Hafer draw the reader in with a fresh style that isn't found in mainstream novels. I enjoyed the way Griffin's narrative makes the reader feel as though he or she is a part of a conversation with the main character. His asides to the reader and witty sarcasm balance the darker aspects of the story.

I realized that I was judging from the perspective of a parent of a teen when I first started reading. As I got into Griffin's head and began to understand his pain from the perspective of a teen, I understood the deep need for more books like this one.

Co-author, Jedd Hafer has worked with troubled teens; therefore he knows how to reach hurting kids. The honesty in this book approaches teens from where they are. It isn't a cookie cutter novel with a little gospel pasted in. The reader must beware that the book is shockingly realistic, but anyone who feels life Griffin is not going to read a self-help book with easy solutions. Instead of resolutions that seem unattainable, the reader of this book sees a kindred spirit in Griff who has been there and knows how it feels.

It is a real look at a teen ready for college, whose inner conflict includes his divorced parents, their new partners, personal regrets and his own unhealthy way of dealing with pain. Part of Griffin's inner struggle manifests in his self-mutilating habits and his hidden binges on alcohol. Like many teens that grow up in a church environment, Griffin has fooled the people around him. His parents, friends, and youth leader believe he is okay. But he isn't okay.

This book is a tool for anyone who can relate to Griffin's hurts and inner turmoil. It takes the reader through the process of healing and reveals the source of peace only found in a relationship with a supreme God. His road trip to college and the discoveries along the way is a metaphor for the journey of spiritual awakening in Griffin's life. The conclusion doesn't leave the reader believing that Griffin has it all together yet. Instead, it leaves the impression that he is a work in progress. Aren't we all? Thumbs up to the Hafers who dared try something different to reach a hurting generation.