Burn baby burn baby : a novel

Seventeen-year-old Francis Fripps confidence is practically non-existent since his abusive father drenched him in accelerant and threw a match at him eight years ago. Now badly scarred, Francis relies on his best friend Trig to protect him from the constant bullying doled out at the hands of his nemesis, Brandon Hayleythe unrelenting boy who gave him the dreaded nickname of Burn Baby. The new girl at school, Rachel Higgins, is the first to see past Franciss pariah-inducing scars. If Brandons bullying doesnt destroy him, Francis might experience life as a normal teenager for the first time in his life. He just has to avoid Brandon and convince himself hes worthy of Rachels attentions. Sounds easy enough, but Francis himself has a hard time seeing past his scars. And Brandon is getting violently frustrated, as his attempts to bully Francis are constantly thwarted. Francis is in turmoil as he simultaneously rushes toward his first kiss and a possible violent end. Seventeen-year-old Francis is bullied regularly by his nemesis Brandon Hayley, who nicknames him "Burn Baby" because of burn scars he received from his abusive father. The new girl at school is one of the few who sees through Francis's scars. But Francis himself has a hard time seeing past his wounds. Francis is in turmoil as he simultaneously rushes toward his first kiss and a possible violent end