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Following her friend's suicide, Morgan questions the meaning of life and death to come to her life's ultimate decision.
Description:
If Morgan thought her life was tough before--what with a drug-addicted, klepto brother and a cradle-robbing mother--it just got worse: Her friend Jason took his own life.
Morgan copes--or tries to--by attempting to piece together vague clues that might explain Jason's suicide. Making matters worse, she can't help but feel responsible somehow. Sometimes she thinks maybe Jason had the right idea all along.
This fourth book in the teen fiction series TrueColors deals with the important topics of grief, suicide, self-worth, identity, and handling tragedy.
Pitch Black
ISBN-13:
9781576835326
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.25
Cover: Paperback
208
Pages
$14.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
-
Downloadable
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Part of a Series
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Available in Spanish
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Customer Reviews
A Book all Teenagers should read
Pitch Black……by Melody Carlson
Morgan lived in one of those dysfunctional families but she was glad to have Jason Harding as her best friend. Morgan and Jason had tried to date, but they decided their relationship was only friends. Since Jason’s life seemed almost perfect, she could talk to him about her family and tell him how fortunate he was to have such a good family life. That is until the day her world crashed in on her. She found out at school that Jason had taken his life. She didn’t believe it at first, but then as the day wore on and she talked to schoolmates, she realized it was really true. How would she ever survive without her very best friend? As this story unfolds, join Morgan and Jason’s family and friends as they try to understand why Jason would do something like this.
Teen Suicide is not a subject we like to read or talk about but it is real folks. And Melody Carlson has created a cast of characters telling a heartbreaking story that will stay with you for a long time. My heart ached for these teens as they tried to decide whether or not they would be better off copying what their friend Jason did. After all, if Jason didn’t want to live, being a Christian and living a seemingly good life, should they want to live when their lives, and their family lives were so dysfunctional?
This is a book every teen should have the opportunity to read. With the exceptional writing by the author making readers feel like we are living the story with these teens, maybe this book could save the life of someone thinking the same thoughts as Jason and these teens. I very highly recommend this book to teens and parents of teens to read and discuss with each other. Pitch Black should be in every library, everywhere!
I received this book free from NavPress to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55
Posted by
Joy Hannabass
on
7/27/2011 8:07:49 AM
Engaging, shocking, yet eye opening!
Pitch Black is the fourth book in the teen fiction series TrueColors, which deals with the important topics of grief, suicide, self-worth, identity, and handling tragedy. Melody Carlson does a great job in my opinion of writing about such hush hush topics in many households and communities. Pitch Black puts a reader right into a group of teenagers as they make their way through different emotions that have been evoked by the suicide of one of their friends.
Morgan Bergstrom is your average teenager, with a not so average family. You walk with her through this book as she first feels like her life is a disaster, with her drug addicted brother who likes to steal, and her mother who has fallen for someone half her age. She believes life just can't get any worse, until her best friend commits suicide, and her small circle of friends decide, in turn, to make a suicide pact that soon grows to a large number of kids. I cried when the Pastor who spoke at Jason's funeral revealed a secret about Jason's suicide toward the end of the book that put a twist on everything.
I think any parent with children, especially teenagers should read this book, even though it's targeted towards teens. It's a little scary, but very eye opening. This book shows that it doesn't have to be someone from a terrible home life, with awful parents, that commits suicide. Jason, Morgans friend, came from a great family, was involved in youth groups for church, and seemingly had a life that other kids in the book envied. It was a shock to everyone. I think it's a great point that needed to be made. Suicide is a touchy subject that leaves many confused, and it's a subject that's uncomfortable and in some cases taboo to even speak about. Melody Carlson does an amazing job getting in there and breaching the conversations, the different emotions, the reactions, and thinking of a group of friends after Jason kills himself.
Another important part of this book is an article about Acetaminophen Overdose and it shares some statistics on teen suicide as well as what Tylenol can do to your body, and why it's so harmful and fatal when taken in large doses as the young boy in this story did.
I gave this book 4 stars as it was interesting, engaging, eye opening to say the least, and as always, if a book can draw me in, give me a lump in my throat, and make me feel like I'm in the mind of the characters, it's an A+ read.
Posted by
Amy
on
7/19/2011 10:50:05 PM
Pitch Black
"Pitch Black" revolves around Morgan Bergstrom. She is a seventeen year old girl who feels like her life is sorta out of control. Her brother uses drugs, her parents are divorced and since her mom started dating a new guy Morgan feels like her mom really doesn't pay any attention to her anymore. When she learns that her friend Jason Harding committed suicide, she blames herself, but soon starts thinking that maybe Jason had the right idea, and decides to join in a suicide pact with two other students. Do they go thru with it? Read the book and find out!
Ms. Carlson tackles the subject of suicide. She tells the story in such a way that you feel like you are actually seeing the story thru the eyes of a teen. While this could have been a depressing story it really wasn't instead it shows us the choices we can make, with an inspirational message woven in. While it is the fourth book in the True Colors series it can easily be read as a stand alone work.This is a good clean read perfect for young adults.
Posted by
Brenda
on
7/7/2011 8:53:07 PM
Great book!
When I was 15 I was a huge fan of Melody Carlson's Diary of a Teenage Girl series. For some reason these books spoke to an angsty teen girl's troubles, and possibly gave me an unrealistic view of the future. I didn't read too many of her other books outside that series, so I decided to try out a book from her True Color series.
Pitch Black follows Morgan, as she deals with suicide of her friend, Jason. Jason's death causes Morgan, and her friends to evaluate their own bleak lives to point where they think suicide might be an option too. Morgan has other people who encourage her to observe where her faith has gone, and how it could be thing that gives her the feel of life again.
This book seems to be very relevant by many things we hear happening in the media today. It has the tendency to clean everything up almost too quickly, but there isn't much room in the book to further explore the consequences suicide can leave behind. There is a great discussion guide included, which would probably be very helpful in discussing opinions on suicide with teens. This book should encourage the Christian community to come together more to discuss suicide, and how it is affecting people today.
I think this book would be relatable to teens, or people who have experienced something similiar. If you're someone who just needs a little encouragment in your Christian walk, it is inspiring to see how God is conveyed in this book. The book has researched a variety of ways that people at risk for suicide act, and it deals with various grief responses people have. If you weren't aware of these things before it can be insightful.
This complimentary copy was provided by NavPress in exchange for a review.
Posted by
Holly
on
6/24/2011 11:51:02 AM
Hope
Pitch Black tells the story of Morgan and her friends, who are dealing with the recent suicide of a close friend and member of their youth group. As the teens discuss the problem, they begin a spiral of deepening sorrow, and while some are able to rely on their faith, for some it feels less than helpful. As the days go by, the hopelessness of those who are relying on themselves begins to overwhelm them, and they begin to seriously consider drastic measures to fix their problems. The question becomes will they stay in the pitch black abyss or turn to the One who is a true friend.
I’m pretty far from being a teenager. I do have a teenage daughter, and as an avid reader, I insist on reading any materials she brings home, especially if they are unfamiliar to me. Having read the Hunger Games series, I find that it’s not always a waste of time, and while I don’t censor my daughter’s reading material, I do know what she’s reading, and I can talk to her about the topics. I say all of this to say – I feel as though I have recently become an expert in the teenage fiction arena, and so when I tell you that Pitch Black is an artful fit with a great message in a genre that is full of nihilistic and self-involved titles, I say it truthfully and armed with some experience.
In my life, I have had days when it seemed ridiculous to go on - every human being has. I’m grateful for a God who loves me enough to forgive me when I can’t forgive myself, to love me when I don’t love myself, and to turn desperate sorrow to infinite hope in the midst of any circumstance. Melody Carlson has the voice to explain that to teenagers and adults alike. That is a gift I’m glad she shares, for my own sake and my daughter’s.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Posted by
Jennifer
on
6/2/2011 6:03:07 PM
Life is not always Pitch Black
Teen suicide is one of those topics that we all want to avoid discussing, but the statistics seem to be increasing with time. Melody Carlson has written an honest portrayal of teen thoughts, feelings, and circumstances that lead teens to make this horrific and permanent decision. Though it is fiction, it also addresses the ways that families, friends and even schools can intervene. Carlson is an excellent YA author. She tackles the issues that are pertinent to teens and shows them ways that they can find God in the midst of their struggles. I highly recommend her books for the YA reader and even for parents or teachers who are wanting to see the issues from the perspective of their teens.
Posted by
Miriam
on
6/1/2011 9:55:34 AM
Engaging and Interesting
PITCH BLACK
Melody Carlson is a much loved young-adult fiction author and on this evidence, it is easy to see why. Writing a book about teen suicide sounds like a difficult task as the theme can be dark, finding the right words can be challenging and confronting the reality and fallout can seem almost taboo.
The central character, Morgan is a quite wonderful and partly vulnerable character whose life is surrounded by equally flawed but very human and recognisable fragile friends and family, including a well portrayed drug addict brother and a ‘cradle-robbing mother’. But the book’s opening chill comes when her best friend Jason, an intelligent, humorous and perfect youth with everything to live for takes his own life.
Like nearly all suicides, it is a shock to his community and the individuals within. What seems a greater shock to our narrator Morgan is that while Jason was a patient listener and insightful sounding board to others, she was not there to listen when he needed her most. The tone of this book is set perfectly between the roller-coaster of denial that this could ever happen to the jolt of acceptance that it has. What is striking perhaps is that the reader almost physically identifies with the characters portrayed – you might find yourself physically reacting at parts of the story as Morgan goes through her cycle of emotions.
This is a story told honestly and with hope. It is a convincing narrative with the dialogue, action and references found in teen novels. What marks it as different is a wonderful grasp of what teenagers say and what goes unspoken in informal understandings. For the reader, this novel might seem like a difficult journey but also a real confrontation with the reality of a life beyond this and of the claims of the one Friend that will never leave us or forsake us.
Engaging. Outstanding. Exemplary.
I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
donald macdonald
on
5/20/2011 7:56:05 AM
Informative and emotional
The True Colors series by Melody Carlson each deal with a different issue facing today’s teenagers. Pitch Black is the fourth book in the series and deals with teen suicide.
Morgan’s best friend Jason commits suicide leaving her feeling guilty, depressed, and confused. Why would Jason do such a thing and leave her all alone? Is there something she could have done to prevent it? If Jason couldn’t take the pressure, what chance do her and a few of Jason’s other friends have and should they just “check out” too? As Morgan struggles to deal with all these questions and emotions she learns that Jesus can help her through if she’ll let him and that to be a true friend sometimes you have to do difficult or unpopular things. She also learns that what you don’t know can kill you.
I have read several of the books in this well written series and think Carlson does a good job of dealing with tough issues without being too depressing or overly optimistic. While I don’t agree with Carlson’s views on the plan of salvation I find her portrayals of teens struggling to live a Christian life realistic and inspiring.
This book was more emotionally draining to read than some of the others in the series mostly due to the seriousness of the subject. Like they point out in the book, you don’t “try” suicide; it’s permanent.
I would recommend this book. It is not a “fun” read, but I believe it will help you understand what goes through the heads of some of the people who consider suicide and why it is not the answer.
I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Lucinda
on
5/15/2011 8:47:05 PM
A Fitting Title
Pitch Black is a fitting title for this book. It is a very sad and depressing glimpse into the life of a teenage girl. Morgan's life has not been a bed of roses. Her parents were divorced when she was a young girl, her brother is a drug addict and now her mother is about to get married to a man that Morgan doesn't care for. Then she learns that her close friend Jason has committed suicide.
As we ride an emotional roller coaster with Morgan we hear the voices of thousands of other young men and women who struggle with the very same thoughts and feelings each day.
Positives: I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability with which the author approached the subject of teen suicide.
Negatives: I was disapointed in the lack of a clear gospel message in the story. As the kids struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts they were encouraged not to go through with their own suicides because "death is permanent." While this is true, I wish that the topics of heaven and hell had been more clearly addressed. Yes, death is permanent, but it is not the end. You will face judgment and end up in heaven with your Lord and Savior, or in hell facing eternal torment and punishment.
Talking Points: Talk to your kids about life and death. Make sure they understand the realities of hell, that it is a very real place and those who are not believers will be punished forever in hell. Look at Scriptures like Matthew 5:25-30, Matt. 10:28, Luke 12:5 and Heb. 9:24-28. Teach your kids to be evangelists as well. Sharing the hope and joy that come only through Jesus will be a great tool in helping others.
Age Level: 14 years old and up
I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Posted by
Monique Bergmeier
on
5/14/2011 11:33:10 AM
pitch black
this is a very good book..iliked the climax and the falling action of this storyy..but idont no bt she tried 2 kil her self in chapter one..thats suasidel she supper krassi..suasidelll
Posted by
micheal woodruff
on
9/17/2010 7:52:00 AM
Thank You =]
this story is absolutely amazing =]. i could relate to Morgan so much because i have went through the same thing. i was glad to read about someone that I could definately relate to.. =] so if Melody Carlson is out there........ thank you ever so much. i am so grateful for the book you wrote
Posted by
Addie
on
5/4/2010 9:00:24 AM
this book is ahhmazing(:
i loved this book. one of my really close friends tried to kill him self a year ago on Advil but he told someone before he died and im so thankful he did cause i dont know what i would do if he was not here with me today.
Posted by
olivia
on
6/23/2009 11:38:25 AM
Seems Good.
As I went to my ex boyfriend's grave a few days ago, I saw another friend there who told me about this book and how it's almost exactly like what happened to my ex.
I ordered the book last week and can't WAIT to read it.
she told me yesterday that she had finished reading it finally and it made her cry.
but in a good way.
and i really am looking forward to reading it.
Posted by
a reader
on
5/11/2008 5:59:00 PM
So Thankful
I read this book during a really dark time in my life where i was seriously considering suicide but now i realize how much I have God with me and the story is absolutly amazing
Posted by
Happy to be alive
on
4/2/2008 9:31:00 PM
Liked it
This book was the first i read and i absuotlutly loved it. I kind of related to this character. i am looking foward to read more of her books.
Posted by
Ebby
on
2/24/2008 9:13:00 PM
Beautiful...
This book is amazing! My teacher started reading it and she was crying over the first chapter!
This is the first Truecolors book I read, and I'll definitely be back for more.
Keep it up Melody Carlson!
Posted by
Kelsi Martin
on
4/4/2007 2:22:00 PM
Amazing...
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK! I read it for a book report, and I am now, TOTALLY hooked on her other books in the series!!! I think it truly shows you how to get through your life. I can really relate to her life, in a way, and I think Melody Carlson just helped me SO much! She, just, relates so much to teenagers! So, Melody Carlson, if you are out there somewhere, reading this, THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH! You have an amazing talent to write books, keep up the AMAZING work! I can't wait to read your next books your coming out with, if you come out with any. lol. THANK YOU AGAIN! READ THIS BOOK! You WILL NOT regret it!
Posted by
Sara*
on
3/26/2007 3:50:00 PM
Phenomenal book!!
I could really relate to this book because only a few months ago I was truly considering suicide. This book shows you the real thoughts going through a teen's mind when thinking of suicide.
Melody Carlson can write such amazing books that are so real almost anyone can relate to. Melody is my favorite author!!! Thanks Melody for an outstanding book!!!!
Posted by
Mmmmm
on
2/13/2007 11:03:00 AM
Moving...
When I read this book i was already infatuated with the entire series and this one was the first one that moved me so much. I'm seventeen and at the time two of my classmates had died and little did i know that a third was going to commit suicide. My friends were all devistated and this book helped me be a light in teh storm and let God use my voice and position as a shoulder for their tears and wisdom and peace for their hearts.
Posted by
Rachel
on
2/13/2007 9:31:00 AM
TOTALLY.....WOW!!!!!!!
this book made me think of a friend of mine who was considering suicide and god totally changed her life. and how god can do amazing things threw friends and family and how you may not realize it, but what you say or do to a person could actually change their life in terms of them considering suicide or not.
Posted by
livy
on
1/15/2007 9:16:00 PM
Awesome!
I really loved Pitch Black!I couldn't put it down and I finished it in one day! I liked it because it shows just how teenagers think and act. And the story is really great. It got intense enough to keep you reading. It even started out good! The ending made me smile and I definately think it brought me closer to God.
Posted by
grace
on
1/4/2007 7:18:00 PM
Great!
I'm actuly from Australia.
I thought this book was really good.
It really helpes me understant what a good life I have. It was just pretty sraight good.
I loved it.
Posted by
carissa
on
10/3/2006 2:46:00 AM
Asome!
This is the best book in the collection. It get's my heart pumping and I can't stop reading it. I just wan't to know what happens next!
Posted by
Kelsey Fetterhoff
on
6/2/2006 2:53:00 PM
YEH!!!
This book helps you to learn that everything in life causes pain. If you think that something is your falt don't take it to seriesly. NO ONE wants to lose you over an argumet. This was the best book I ever read. I is sad and is a very good book. I know it made me cry.
Posted by
Brittney
on
5/23/2006 9:11:00 PM
wow!
this is by far the best book ive ever read!it helps you deal with things no other m"book" could. Pitch black is so realistic and makes you realize what life is really about. living for god.
Posted by
Lindsay
on
2/7/2005 4:46:00 PM