The Domino Effect by Andrew Cotto

Title:  The Domino Effect

Author:  Andrew Cotto

Genre:  Young Adult

Publisher:  Brownstone Editions

Publication Date:  29th April 2011

ISBN:  9780615479675

Stand alone or series:   Stand Alone

Pages:  238 pages

Book Received from:  Andrew Cotto (Author)

First Lines:  A famous writer once said that anybody who survives childhood has enough stories to tell for the rest of their lives.

Synopsis:
The Domino Effect is the story of Danny Rorro, a charismatic kid from Queens poisoned by the past. A series of painful defeats have left him scarred and isolated from his neighborhood, his parents, and, most significantly, the benevolent ways of his childhood when he was known as “Domino.” With great insight, imagery and wit, Danny recalls his past in Queens and his coming-of-age at Hamden Academy. This fast paced and powerful story is rich with conflict, humor, tenderness and music—just like life, especially when coming-of-age.

My Thoughts:
The prologue in this has got to be one of the shortest I think I've ever read, but the most powerful.  It had me wanting to start Danny's story fast and I'm glad I did.

The first part of the book is split up into three chapters, for the first three years of high school for Danny and after reading the third year I had nothing but sympathy for him.  Danny is one of those characters I warmed up straight away to, his witty comments and actions really hooked me in.

The story itself, for me, wasn't fast paced.  In saying that, I still found myself quite invested in Danny's story.  There were a few times I was shaking my head at him, and I'm sure those of you that have read this will know which one .. but I couldn't help but smirk at this particular incident.  Gross but kinda funny. lol  And the way Danny realizes he's overstepped the mark is good too.

I like the way Andrew has captured Danny's feelings on his love interest thought I won't go into specifics.  I think we've all been there at one point or another and it felt quite real to me reading how Danny deals with it.

This was a great coming of age read for a young Italian boy figuring his life out and dealing with his past issues.