Conviction

For a long time it has been just Braden and his dad. His mother left when he was young and his brother Trey has left for New York to open his own restaurant. Braden has plans to become a major league pitcher and he has the skills. Everything is going along until the night his father is arrested for running over a policeman. And Braden was a witness to the crime. Now he must decide what he will stay on the witness stand. Will he tell the truth or will he say what is expected of him? His father demands loyalty. After all, he is the only one who will ever love Braden. At least that is what he leads Braden to believe. Braden questions his faith in God and his faith in his radio show host father. When Trey is forced to come back to take care of Braden while his father is in prison. Their relationship is troubled at best. Braden needs Trey and Trey needs to be anywhere but in his father's house.  The truth about what happened the night of the accident and the truth about why Trey left are slowly revealed as the plot unfolds. Braden is damaged beyond belief as those who deal with abuse usually are. He just wants to do what everyone expects of him. But these expectations threaten to overwhelm his life and well-being. This book was troubling on many levels. I felt for Braden and his traumas. I felt for Trey and his traumas. The decision Braden makes troubled me as well. But I think in the end there was a glimmer of hope for his future. This is a deep read on many levels but one I would definitely recommend. Happy reading my friends!