It is what it is, a tale of redemption at a boy's ranch. I guess the issue I have is that, to me, it's tepid. After the action of the first two chapters, it mellows out like an afterschool special. Maybe he could act as angry as he really is, or have a more difficult transition? Or maybe he could have additional obstacles, like the loss of an arm or a leg? Or coming off his pot addiction? Otherwise, it just seems too typical. Also, I don't really see who the target audience would be, unless it was based off a true story, which could be done with research.

you've got a great book here i think. What makes it so good is your subject matter (don't get me wrong, you're writing was enjoyable to read) but the material is great. I'm curious what background you have, as I have the feeling you've either dealt with children before, or maybe you are even using some of your own personal experiences. You want to see Josh come through the tough times, you want to see him become a better person. I'd like to read the rest. I wish you luck.

Dear friend This is strong story for be film. I think that in today world, story books should be writing with fantasy style because in today world we can see Dairy of a Bad Boy with film. Yes Dairy of a Bad Boy is very good story for film. One film that Mr. Martin Scorsese must makes that. After that the camera was made, Painter had to move beyond realism and we see that paint world is very abstract. Question: Why did The Harry Patter be so famous? Best Regards Ahmad

Hi Traci, This is really well written, you are immediately drawn in to the story, the characters are well defined and believable. This is one of the best i've read so far. I am sure you will do well with this. Lindsey 'Vortex'

Traci, I never thought Diary of a Bad Boy would captivate me until I read your first chapter. I'm glad to say I've never known characters like this and you capture them so realistically. The horror of the accident on the highway and the slow way of building up to it as the two chatted away, oblivious to the danger up ahead was compelling reading. The plot outlined in your synopsis indicates that Josh has the capacity to change. This creates an uplifting account with a positive message about forgiveness in the end. Walden Carrington Titanic: Rose Dawson's Story

Wow. The reader is immediately hooked. We learn so much about Michael--like so many teens feeling rootless from a life-time of wrong messages. In just five chapters, Traci Hall shows herself as a master story teller in Diary of a Bad Boy. I want to read the rest!! I'm rooting for Michael!

Brilliant characterisation is the most outstanding feature of this book. There is also an abundance of wit, humour and great style in the writing. The POV of troubled teen Josh is convincingly portrayed from start to finish in these first 5 chapters. The memory of his dead mother, the disdain for his schoolteachers and classmates, the conflicting emotions at play in his relationship with his father are all subtly done. Later, the desperate guilt for the consequences of his actions, his hostility and behaviour when he reaches the ranch are all pitch perfect. Father John seems to be a reincarnation of Spencer Tracy who played Ed Flanagan of 'Boystown' fame in a film of the same name. Father Flanagan didn't believe there was such a thing as a bad boy and perhaps that famous opinion inspired the title of this book. Fr. John's kindness and simple humanity disarm Josh. He would rather be dead or facing the hardships of juvenile prison. He is being offered choice and the freedom to make his own decisions but also must accept the responsibilty for his actions. I guess we will learn in due course that he takes up the offer. The writing in this is never short of top class. The only queries I had of the plot were whether a police officer in the emergency department could really make the suggestion/decision that Josh should be placed at the ranch. Also that razor in his toilet bag troubled me. He has threatened a schoolmate with a knife and is potentially a suicide risk. It certainly wouldnt get past health and safety in the UK. Minor queries. This is a great story. If this doesnt fly up the charts to the ED there is something seriously amiss with the authonomy site