Troubled Teens: A National Epidemic

Troubled teenagers are in the headlines on a daily basis. We see children who express their anger through violence and their insecurities through drug use or promiscuity. It is a national epidemic.

(PRWEB) March 1, 2004 --As the horrific events of April 20th, 1999, at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado played out on our television screens, numerous questions raced through our minds. How and why did this happen? How could the parents of the boys who instigated this unthinkable act not know what their children were planning? And for those of us who are parents -- could our own children ever conceive of a similar idea, let alone carry it out? It has been almost five years since that shocking day, and still, troubled teenagers are in the headlines on a daily basis. We see children who express their anger through violence and their insecurities through drug use or promiscuity. It is a national epidemic. It is an epidemic that Larry Forkner, author of the new fictional novel, Josephs Cross, is deeply concerned with.

Through his religious affiliation and as an advisor to local youth sports programs, Mr. Forkner has dedicated himself to helping troubled youth achieve their full potential. Mr. Forkner has also used his talent as an author to create a musical, Erins Promise", and now, he brings you his latest novel, Josephs Cross. The play and the novel both deal with the challenges of young people making the right choices in a world that often seems to encourage them to make all the wrong choices. Although Josephs Cross is a work of fiction, the issues are true to life and will touch the hearts of any family who has ever struggled to safely navigate the unsettled waters of the teenage years.

The story in Josephs Cross revolves around the tragic automobile accident that leaves Brenda Sanders comatose and her family grieving and angry. They are angry because the accident was caused when Brendas rebellious boyfriend, Tony Robertson, made the fateful decision to drive under the influence of drugs. Tonys family is also put through the refiners fire as they try to deal with the tragic consequences of Tonys actions. As both families attempt to find their way through this complex situation, real lessons about right and wrong choices and the consequences they bring are learned. It is a compelling story with elements of humor, heartbreak, romance and ultimate redemption. Author Larry Forkner states, It is my fervent hope that Josephs Cross will become a warning voice and a source of comfort for many families who struggle with troubled children. But if I only help one young person stop and reconsider actions that might destroy their life and scar their families with grief and heartache, it will still have been well worth the effort."

In todays world, decisions are constantly bombarding our youth. Many of these decisions can lead them down the wrong path, sometimes to the extreme of what happened at Columbine, and other times, to a tragedy similar to the one in Josephs Cross. Parents can use this novel to gain insight into their children and the singular challenges that face them during their teenage years. Teens can learn how vitally important it is to make the right choices during this often turbulent time. Readers who want to be thoroughly entertained, while still learning important life lessons will discover that Josephs Cross, published by American Book Publishing and available at a discount online at the Publisher Direct Bookstore at http://www.pdbookstore.com, will accomplish all that and more.