Born Scared

Praise

Suspensefully told from multiple perspectives, and jumping back and forth in the narrative timeline, the text gradually reveals the seemingly innocent circumstances that lead to the day’s disturbing events…the narrative inexorably draws characters toward one another—and into a surprising, explosive climax.
—Kirkus Reviews

In this gripping…thriller…Brooks (Five Hundred Miles) creates a compelling character in Elliot and successfully depicts a dangerous environment filtered through a profound mental illness.
—Publishers Weekly

Brooks’ writing is certainly moody and evocative.
—Booklist Online

…the heart of this novel—a meditation on Elliot’s relationship to fear as it paralyzes him, protects him, and eventually propels him forward to find courage—is compelling.
—The Horn Book

Brooks seems to write regardless of what others will think, not afraid to talk about sensitive topics, like mental illness described from a teen’s perspective…This adventurous story may be helpful in allowing readers to empathize with those who suffer from anxiety and is a great read for anyone interested in literature from writers not afraid to write outside social norms.
—Shelf Awareness for Readers