Bait

I've read this book several times and it made me cry every single time I did.This is one of my favorites books, even though I'm not into sentimental books or movies. This is a great book if you're going to a sort of depression, even if it's not Diego's sort of/cause of depression.Vidas is basically taking a roll of a psychologist/therapist towards you through the book without you even noticing it.Some people said something about some parts of the story being dull because of the ocean and the shark... *sighs* Symbolism, guys, symbolism...*SPOILER*Him being in the middle of the ocean symbolizes him being alone in the depression, anger, sadness, etc. due to the fact that he had to keep quiet about the rape.The shark symbolizes the shark tooth... You know? When he escaped his feelings through self-harm (that could've killed him if he wasn't careful).Put the shark and the ocean together and you get his life and maybe even a foreshadowing of his near-death experience.*SPOILER OVER*This story is not for everyone, obviously. If you think self-harm is "stupid" or a way to "seek attention," you WILL NOT be able to connect with the main character.This is the only book I've read from this author and I've been thinking about more of his stuff, but it doesn't seem like my thing. Plus, I don't have the time anymore...If you like sentimental books, I highly recommend this one. This one is in my top 5 favorites. :)

It’s been a few books since I had a proper sob while reading. Alex did a perfect job of demanding my attention and full on empathy for Diego. All of the significant characters were well crafted and believable. I feel like I just completed therapy. 5.0 for learning to live.

If you are looking to become a Juvenile Probation Officer or even a counselor... I HIGHLY recommend this book. After reading this book I guarantee you will become much more aware in general. About your life and others including clients. Here and there you want to think, “ GET TO THE POINT...” but realistically no one openly says what they are think or what is going on in their life... therefore this book keeps you guessing, and allows you to place yourself in the child’s shoes.

Bait was one of the easiest, quickest reads I have had in awhile. I sat down for a moment, and before I knew it, it was over. For a story revolving around sexual abuse, it went down rather smoothly. And while I wasn't in tears or emotional distress, the story was believable, the characters endearing and real. In some ways, it felt strange to take such a tale so lightly, but it is the most appropriate way to address such issues with kids. As a teacher who works with severally abused and neglected children, I was thrilled to have found a novel that I could use at times for students dealing with similar issues.As always, Alex Sanchez's writing is always a joy to read.

What an amazing piece of art.Bait takes you on the journey of healing for a very troubled young teenager. Diego struggles with his past and what happened to him. The author unfolds this process of healing with such passion and courage, that one feels Diego pain right in ones heart. You are right with him on the journey, like a silent companion.The characters are perfectly written and developed - and with such a depth, that they feel just real. Especially Diego with his deep hidden pain.If you like to read about the healing process of troubled teenager, who has been repeatedly abused, you will like this book - and yes, there is a happy ending :-).

This book was absolutely amazing. The story of Diego and all that he had to overcome was so powerful, and it even helped me through a few of my own problems.It starts out with Diego punching a gay guy for looking at him funny... but don't get turned off by this! It plays a very important part in the plot. Why exactly is Diego so afraid of homosexuality? Well it had to do with his stepdad, Mac, who molested him.This has become my favorite book, and I would highly recommend it to anybody, but especially to those who have suffered through sexual abuse.

I've read all of Alex Sanchez's other books and this one was excellent, as I have come to expect from him. I'm glad that the main character is not gay as I think that would box Mr. Sanchez in too much. Christopher Rice started out writing about gay main characters but on his third book the protagonist was straight with gay supporting characters. I think this is very important if the books are going to reach a larger audience. This is the second time Mr. Sanchez has chosen to write about a straight person and given him a gay character in a supporting role. I think he does this very successfully.

I found this book looking for books about child sexual abuse survivors. A simple read, but it definitely conveyed a lot of the actual feelings involved with the trauma of child sexual abuse. Shed some tears, overall worth the read! Definitely Recommend it!