I had to read "torn away" for school and I have to admit that I didn't like it at all. The story is not very realistic (Little boys making car stunts?! Honestly?!?!), the language is very simple and neither exciting nor witty. Furthermore, the protagonist is a very plain character, not very interesting (just aggressive and unappealing). The only fact I found rather surprising was the little story about how to turn an apple into a deadly weapon. Please don't waste your precious time reading this nonsense and choose a different book (I highly recommend the works of Oscar Wilde!!!).