Thirteen-year-old Charles Siskin is not like other boys.

He doesn’t like sports, he reads all the time and by the time he is ready to enter high school, he doesn’t have a single friend. But it is more than these things that separate him from kids his own age. Set apart from everyone by his odd disposition and what his schoolmates see as a distinctly feminine way of speaking and walking, he has become an outcast. To get away from the daily torments of his peers, he talks his parents into letting him attend St. Ignatius Loyola High School, an all boys, military private school. He quickly discovers that he has removed himself from one bad situation, only to find himself in an even worse one. But when he auditions for the spring play, he sets into motion a series of events that lead to a crushing and humiliating catastrophe.

The author

Michael Sáenz is an actor, director, playwright and teacher. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Master’s Degree from NYU’s Theatre Education program. He has more than 20 years experience as a high school drama teacher. The Thousand Natural Shocks is his first novel.

A Bit of Love for Shocks!

Gay Judy Bloom
Excellent, fast read. If John Hughes were alive he would make this into an awesome movie. It's funny, insightful, and witty, with a main character who is relatable and fun to follow around. Highly recommended.

-Jimmy M

I'd recommend this to anyone!
One of the most wonderful and important books I've read in a very long time---simultaneously devastating and hilarious. As a teacher and artist, I want every kiddo in the world to read this, and as a person, I wish I could give the whole human race a copy. What a fantastic book.

-Redheaded Heather

A "must read" for people of all ages
Michael Saenz is a tremendously gifted writer and this book shook me to the core. This needs to be on every school required reading list to really get No Bullying Zones sweeping across the country. At no time didactic, this novel is a breath of fresh air in the lessons of humanity. I only hope it will be translated to many different languages so I can share it with loved ones abroad. A jewel of a story.

-Rachael H

Recommended to All
Michael has written a story that shows us just how much strength it takes to overcome bullying when you don't fit the image of what the typical young man is supposed to be. Funny, sensitive, and insightful from the other side of the coin. Charles' experiences should be understood for what they can teach us about the damage we inflict on one another and ourselves and the prices we pay for that damage. Read this book to understand what many young people suffer through and see what it takes to overcome the cruelty of others and enjoy the pride of self-preservation. Bravo and thank you, Michael.

-Daniel K

A High School Essential
This book is engaging, funny, poignant, truthful and very well written. Most importantly however, I found that through it's various character voices, it could be a resource of equal importance to the parents and teachers who might read it as well as the teens who are it's target audience. It should be in high schools across the country and it should be read and discussed in class.

All kids "come out" in one way or another. All kids have a story. Even the ones who appear the most well adjusted and successful. High school is incredibly difficult. One does not need to be gay to identify with this story. Its message will speak to any kid, anywhere.

-michaelpescenyc

Charles Around the World