Bait by Alex Sanchez

Sanchez, A. Bait. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009.  ISBN# 978-146937722. 239 pgs. $16.99. (from amazon.com) 

Imagine being BAIT.  Imagine being chased by a shark every night in your dreams.

BAIT is the story of Diego MacMann, a troubled teen.  He is so troubled that Diego dreams a shark is attacking him almost every night.  Diego didn’t know his real father, his grandmother died when he was five and his mother remarried when Diego was 5 years old.  Diego’s step-dad, named MacMann, committed suicide in the garage a few years back.  Clearly, Diego has had his share of difficulties.  And what is even more saddening is that Diego blames himself for them.  He even inflicts pain on himself to forget the pain he’s been through, but the high is only temporary.  The scars are not - he has scars on his arms and chest from cutting himself with a shark tooth that his stepdad gave him on a fishing trip and he hides them.  But, why did MacMann commit suicide?  Was it Diego’s fault?  His mother now has to work two jobs to support Diego and his little brother Eddie.  Diego has quite a temper and lashes out at anyone who calls him gay.  He has two assault charges for it.  Diego winds up on probation and spends some time in juvie.  Most times, the offender is guilty of attacking another person, but sometimes, the offender is BAIT.  Through much disclosure of his past to his probation officer we learn about Diego’s difficulties.  The story is not all about tragedy though– but it was all part of Diego figuring out who he is – and who is in control – before he becomes the BAIT.

I would recommend this book for high school teenagers and for anyone who wants to learn not just to tolerate differences in others but to accept and value differences in others.  This book would allow for self-reflection.  You cannot read this book without feeling sadness for Diego's experiences, but also without feeling compassion for those who have similar past.  One thing I always say: "Never let your past dictate your future."  If you need help, get the help you need and always love and accept yourself for who you are.   

Check out the author Alex Sanchez's webpage.  

Read an excerpt of Bait.

Other Information: Alex Sanchez writes about issues that real teens face everyday.  Maybe you might be in a position where you might need some resources for something you are going through.  Check out some of Sanchez's resources on his website.