108 pages 3 hours read

Barbara Haworth-Attard

Theories of Relativity

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2003

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard follows 16-year-old Dylan Wallace, who is recently homeless and struggling to survive on the streets of a large Canadian city. As he navigates the harsh realities of street life, Dylan encounters various individuals, such as Glen, a tech company president; Jenna, another homeless teen; and Twitch, who faces addiction. Dylan's journey includes moments of danger, fleeting hope, and the pursuit of stability despite numerous challenges. Substance use, violence, exploitation, and homelessness appear in the book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard is praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of homelessness through the eyes of a teenage boy. Reviewers commend the emotional depth and character development, though some feel the pacing drags at times. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking read that confronts difficult social issues head-on.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Theories of Relativity?

Readers who enjoy gritty, real-life depictions of teen homelessness and resilience would be captivated by Barbara Haworth-Attard's Theories of Relativity. Comparable to the raw emotional depth found in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, this novel speaks to fans of realistic young adult fiction.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Education

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Poverty

Education

Mental Illness

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Society: Class

Relationships: Family