Reviews by Teens

Review by Laila, age 15

I recently read a coming-of-age book called Murphy’s Boy by Torey L. Hayden. Murphy’s Boy is based on a true story about a boy who suffered from severe child abuse (and Torey L. Hayden is actually a child psychologist in real life.) In this book, Hayden writes about one of her patients. It’s written from her perspective. Murphy’s Boy (or sometimes called Silent Boy) is the story of Kevin Richter, a boy who has selective mutism, which means that he is silent around everyone by choice (due to mental trauma) although he does have the ability to speak. Kevin, 16, has been institutionalized his whole life and lives in Garson Gayer, a foundation for kids with disabilities. Torey Hayden is hired to review Kevin’s case and try to help him. There’s A LOT to this story. At the beginning, Kevin refuses to speak to anyone and hides under tables. He is extremely hydrophobic and does not shower or change his clothes. In this story, Torey Hayden documents Kevin’s day-to-day progress over a time period of two years (from the time Kevin is 16 until he is 18). Hayden uncovers the severe physical and verbal abuse that Kevin faced at the hands of his stepfather (which even led to the death of his younger sister Carol.) If all the events in this story are true, then Torey Hayden also visited Kevin’s mother in real life to speak to her about Kevin’s past (and she confirms that everything Hayden has found out is true. Hayden also discovers that Kevin’s former neighbourhood is poverty-stricken.)  After lots of heartbreak and many relapses, Kevin slowly begins speaking again and even starts going to high school at the end of the book, all thanks to Hayden. The novel ends with Kevin and Torey having their last meeting. I have to say, this is one of those rare stories that had me on the verge of tears. This book speaks volumes about child abuse and neglect. Some of the events in that book really changed my perspective, even though it was disturbing to read at times. When Kevin was describing how his stepfather would smash his face against the table at home and sexually abuse his sister Carol, I had the urge to put this book down because of the graphicness. Overall, I loved Murphy’s Boy but I think that it’s a mature read. This book has really made me appreciative all the loving people that I have around me. I recommend it to you, but (WARNING!) it’s a tearjerker!