MEAN DAYS

"A CONTEMPORARY NOVEL THAT REFLECTS THE HUMOR, PATHOS, AND SIMMERING VIOLENCE TO BE FOUND NOT ONLY IN PUBLIC EDUCATION, BUT IN SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. MEAN DAYS IS A MUST READ!" ***** 5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon Review! - March 8,2010 - Phillip Voglen wastes no time with long introductions to the parade of interesting characters (there is even a mob boss!),and it will be hard to put the book down once you begin reading it. Voglen's novel,MEAN DAYS,is a humorous and suspenseful look at the growing problems that admistrators, teachers, and students encounter at Central High School, a quiet and peaceful scholarly institution on the North Shore of Long Island...Voglen intermingles a myriad of conflicts, ranging from an English teacher being accused of having an illicit affair with a student, to a major terrorist plot to poison the students of the high school. The novel's main character, Brian Scarlucci, is Central High's Assistant Principal, who has to weave his way through subterfuges and problems provided by the gangs of the school, the colorful and entertaining teaching staff, and even Brian's own administrative counterparts.

MEAN DAYS addresses many issues that high schools currently do face in today's "mean world." However, Vogel's Scarlucci is a witty and sardonic figure, who constantly provides the reader with opportunities to laugh and understand the illogical and bureaucratic ways of the educational system. One can only hope that Brian Scarlucci will return for another academic year next September. -- By m squared "Mike" (Sound Beach, NY USA)
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A novel that both amuses and, at the same time, explores the depth and poignancy of the human experience, MEAN DAYS is also a riveting thriller with strong language and "no holds barred" scenes that captures the reader in its vise-like grip and won't let go until the shattering conclusion. Central High School is like any other high school…until violence erupts from within, and a seemingly unstoppable assault comes, riding on the blazing shoulders of hatred. This time the terrorists are after our children. The novel's humor and page-turning thrust provide a thoroughly satisfying experience, yet the reader is all too aware of the approaching explosive danger that threatens the wonderfully human, empathetic characters. Vellum Publishing, Inc. is releasing this exciting new novel, MEAN DAYS, in an exclusive premier edition, available only at the Amazon.com Kindle store.