The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Rating: 6 out of 10
Summary: It all starts when Matthew observes a heroic scene in a convenience store: A man named Murdoch puts himself between an abusive father and his son. Matt is determined to get to know this man. And when, amazingly, Murdoch begins dating Matt’s mother, it seems as if life may become peaceful for the first time.

Matt and his sisters have never before known a moment of peace in a household ruled by their unpredictable, vicious mother. And so, after Murdoch inevitably breaks up with her and the short period of family calm is over, Matt sees that he needs to take action. He refuses to let his family remain at risk. Can he call upon his hero, Murdoch? And if not, what might his desperation lead him to do? From Barnes&Noble.Com

Commentary: Pretty in-depth Young Adult novel. Presents the complexity of abuvsive parents pretty well. Matthew was an interesting narrator and the novel in the format of a letter or narrative to his little sister was a good idea.

Mmm, not much else to say. Nice hero.