Review: Souls in Peril by Sherry Gammon

Title: Souls in Peril Author: Sherry Gammon Publication Date: August 17, 2012
Synopsis:
Max Sanchez is the “it” kid at Port Fare High. He’s the star of the baseball team, he’s dating head cheerleader Emma McKay, and he has a throng of wonderful, supportive friends. 

JD Miller is the school’s punching bag, verbally and emotionally. He has a loving mother, but her choice in boyfriends is questionable, leaving him a target at home as well as school.

A tragic car accident ends it all for Max when his soul is prematurely removed from his body. The powers that be have asked him to go back to earth temporarily to help classmate JD. Max, always up for a challenge, takes it as a chance to see his beloved Emma again and quickly jumps at what he views as the easy task of helping JD. Max knows with a little cardio he can easily whip the guy into shape, ending all his troubles.

While staying mentally connected to JD, Max’s soul steps into JD’s body. However, Max’s reality is shattered as he enters a world void of love and hope: JD’s world--life as the bullied kid. 
Will he survive? Will JD? Did Emma's love for Max die also? Will Max be able to help these Souls in Peril, or is it all as hopeless as JD believes?
My Thoughts:
About two weeks ago, I took part in the BookSparksPR Anti-Bullying Campaign. In my post I talked about what bullying has meant to my family, especially my daughter. When I sat down to read Souls in Peril, I wasn't prepared for what I would find between the covers. This is an emotional, gut-wrenching read. 
This story is told from Max's point of view, and I found that very important. Most times when we read bully stories they are told from the victim. Max, on the other hand, was not the victim and even played a role in bullying JD. When we first meet him, he is just the normal teenager and we witness his bullying. But once he is thrown into JD's body, we witness a complete transformation. I felt sorry for him as he realized what mistakes he made and felt his change of heart was genuine. He grew into a very strong, likable character. 
As for JD, I connected with him instantly. Even though his life was one of complete torture, he still kept things to himself and didn't say a word as to protect his mother. He cared deeply about Izzy and wanted to protect her but didn't know how. I honestly wasn't sure how he kept living day to day because I don't think I would have survived his life for very long.
The message in this book was one that I don't think teenagers and young kids can hear enough: you don't know what someone's life is like, don't bully and don't judge. This is a story that needs to be told again and again. Gammon has found a very unique and interesting way to get this message across.
I can't recommend this book enough. Not just for kids either, adults too. Everyone should take some time to read Max and JD's story and hopefully a difference will be made. 

For more about Sherry Gammon and Souls in Peril, visit her website here.

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*I received this book for free in exchange of my honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way and all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.