IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Robert Cormier
Laurel Leaf Library
Young Adult
ISBN: 0440226864

Twenty-two years ago, a tragedy killed twenty-two children on Halloween afternoon. Denny's father was the 16-year-old usher when the balcony of the Globe Theater collapsed. Must 16-year-old Denny Colbert atone for his father's unjustified guilt for these 22 deaths?  

For years Denny has been forced to move constantly, not allowed to make friends and even forbidden to answer the telephone. And every year, he hears his father answer the phone and quietly listen to the angry voice for several minutes before he hangs up. Denny's life changes when he disobeys and answers the phone. He becomes involved in a sensual telephone game with the mysterious Lulu, a "victim" out for revenge.

All Denny wants is to lead a normal life. But as Denny becomes more and more obsessed with his mystery woman, he is dragged closer and closer to apparent doom. Will Denny be able to escape his obsession with this "victim's" desire for revenge?

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT is a haunting exploration of guilt and forgiveness. In this chillingly suspenseful story, Cormier looks at the consequences of Denny's disobedience and rebellion against his father's past.

   --- Reviewed by Audrey Marie Danielson

(c) Copyright 2003, Teenreads.com. All rights reserved.