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Showing posts with label Brother/Sister Relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brother/Sister Relationships. Show all posts
Monday, December 28, 2020
Harrowing Korean War Novel a Tense, Compelling Read
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Living in North Korea means being on guard at all times. The Pak family knows they must never criticize the government, they must always attend Communist meetings, and they cannot trust their neighbors to keep their secrets. Above all, they have to keep their Bible well hidden, so that their illegal Christian beliefs are never revealed. In addition to all of society's rules, 12-year-old Sora also lives under the constant watch of her overbearing mother, who insists Sora follow traditional female roles. Although she's smart and ambitious, Sora is no longer allowed to attend school. Instead, she cooks, cleans, watches her younger brothers, and in all ways prepares to be a proper wife in an arranged marriage. Sora loves her 8-year-old brother, Youngsoo, but she can't help feeling resentful and jealous of his privileged status as a beloved oldest son. If Sora could only continue her education, she knows she could make her family proud of her, even if she is only a lowly daughter.
With the threat of war looming over the country, the Pak family has more serious concerns. Like many of their neighbors, they decide to leave their home and flee to the south, where they hope to find safety. Attempting to escape North Korea is considered treason, so Sora and her family sneak off in the night. When a bomb drops nearby, she and Youngsoo are separated from their parents. Knowing they cannot return home, the children set off on the 400-mile journey to Busan, South Korea, on their own. The trip will be treacherous, full of danger around every turn. Can the pair survive hunger, illness, freezing weather, wild animals, exhaustion, and—scariest of all—other terrified refugees, to reach their goal? Or will they become more innocent casualties of a despotic regime determined to terrorize its citizens into submission?
Brother's Keeper, a debut novel by Julie Lee, is loosely based on the experiences of the author's mother during the Korean War. It tells a harrowing story that's as fascinating as it is haunting. Sora is a very sympathetic character whose frustrations are authentic and relatable. She's brave, determined, and loyal, all of which make her a heroine who's admirable and root-worthy. The plot is compelling, with lots of tense action to keep it exciting. Although Brother's Keeper is a sad book, it's also poignant, illuminating, and touching. I've never read a novel about the Korean War, but this one made me eager to learn more. I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeon-seo Lee)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, difficult subject matter, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
Deadwood Murder Mystery a Fast, Exciting Read
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Siblings Brigid and Seamus Reardon emigrate from Ireland in 1877 because it's easier for their parents' landlord to pay for the teens' passage to America than to continue feeding them. Eager to seek better lives in the land of opportunity, Brigid finds work in Minnesota as a domestic servant while Seamus heads west in search of gold. A few years later, Brigid receives word that her mother has died. Grief-stricken and tired of dodging the wandering hands of her employer's lascivious son, she decides to reunite with Seamus in South Dakota.
Brigid is shocked by what she finds in Deadwood, a bustling city that's dirty, violent, and lawless. She's only just arrived when a popular prostitute is stabbed to death in the street. Seamus, who claims to have loved the woman truly, becomes an immediate suspect. Knowing her brother could not have done such a shameless deed, Brigid urges him to leave town while she tries to figure out who killed Lily. Her amateur investigation does not go unnoticed and soon she finds herself caught in the glare of a cold-blooded murderer. Can Brigid bring Lily's killer to justice? Or will hers be the next body bleeding out on the mean streets of Deadwood?
The Streel by Mary Logue is a fast-paced mystery that's compelling even though it's not super twisty. The setting is atmospheric, the characters sympathetic, and the plot exciting. I liked Brigid, who is hardworking, upright, compassionate, and brave. It's easy to root for her as she works to prove her brother's innocence. The Streel is barely over 200 pages, so it's a fast read and one that easily kept my attention. I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, innuendo, and references to opium use, prostitution, etc.
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Streel with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Cozy Series Opener Too Far-Fetched and Silly
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Macy Hatfield's at loose ends after divorcing her cheating husband of seven years. When her older brother suggests she join him in a new business venture, she jumps at the chance to start over in the little West Virginia town where they were raised. Macy's excited to make the Barks and Beans Café—a coffee shop with a special area for shelter dogs needing homes—a success. Not only will she and Bo be serving delicious joe, but they will be helping needy animals.
When the golf instructor at a local spiritual retreat facility is found dead, his Great Dane is left an orphan. Macy's immediately taken with the giant pup, who becomes her ward. When she finds a mysterious message under Coal's collar, she begins to wonder if the purebred dog was the reason his owner died. Worried for the animal's safety, Macy vows to figure out who killed Gerard Fontaine before it's too late for her precious new pet.
I needed a book set in West Virginia for the Literary Escapes reading challenge, so I grabbed No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert, the first book in a cozy mystery series. Just as I suspected, it's a quick, easy read that was engaging enough to keep me reading. Unfortunately, the plot is far-fetched and silly, with a killer who's pretty obvious from the get-go. The characters, including the siblings at the story's center, have little personality, which makes them feel bland and generic. So, while I appreciated No Filter for being a clean, easy read, I only continued with it because of its setting. I won't be moving on with the series ... unless, of course, I need a West Virginia book for next year's challenge ...
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other cozy mysteries, although no particular title or series is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Taut, Exciting Dystopian/Survival Story an Engrossing Read
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Three years ago, amidst chaos created by climate change and natural disasters, the United States drained Alaska of oil, then withdrew statehood to the cut-off land. Residents who desired to leave were removed to Maine. Those who refused were left to fend for themselves in the newly-designated "Sacrifice Area."
Travis' prepper father saw no reason to flee Alaska then, but he does now. With almost no food left and none to be found in the wild, his family is in danger of starving—and that's if they don't get killed first by the bands of hungry, half-feral people who roam the land, ready to kill for a can of soup. Their trek toward the Arctic ends too soon, leaving 17-year-old Travis and Jess, his 10-year-old sister, on their own. Determined to travel the 300+ miles to Anchorage, the pair sets out across the lonely wasteland. Along the way, they encounter dangers of every kind, from wild beasts to treacherous weather to impossible roadblocks to people who will help them to those who would just as soon eat them. With everything against them, can they make it all the way to Anchorage? What will they find if they get there? Will they ever be able to feel safe and at peace again?
The Wild Lands by Paul Greci is a taut, tense story that combines action/adventure, survival, and dystopian themes to create an exciting tale that should appeal to even reluctant readers. Greci is an experienced outdoorsman, which shows as he details the inventive methods Travis' family uses to survive in a harsh, unyielding environment. He's also a long-time Alaskan, which explains the vivid way he describes the land. The setting is so atmospheric that I could see, hear, and smell it as well as feel the desperation cloying the air. The characters are interesting, the prose strong, and the plot action-packed. True, there's nothing really fresh or original about the story. It's also a bit far-fetched, as the kids deal with literally every kind of survival/dystopian scenario there is on their journey. Still, though, it's a pulse-pounding thriller that I enjoyed. The ending is infuriating, yes, but also satisfying enough. I'm just hoping Greci has a sequel in the works.
(Readalikes: I'm trying to think of other novels that combine wilderness survival and dystopian elements, but no specific titles are coming to mind. Ideas?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, mild innuendo, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Wild Lands from the generous folks at Macmillan for the purpose of Cybils Award judging. Thank you!
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Riveting Psychological Thriller An Intriguing Debut
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Seraphine Mayes and her twin brother, Danny, were born in the middle of summer at their family's estate on the Norfolk coast. Within hours of their birth, their mother threw herself from the cliffs, the au pair fled, and the village thrilled with whispers of dark cloaks, changelings, and the aloof couple who drew a young nanny into their inner circle.
Now an adult, Seraphine mourns the recent death of her father. While going through his belongings, she uncovers a family photograph that raises dangerous questions. It was taken on the day the twins were born, and in the photo, their mother, surrounded by her husband and her young son, is smiling serenely and holding just one baby.
Who is the child, and what really happened that day?
Only one person knows the truth, if only Seraphine can find her.
I usually write my own plot summaries, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't come up with one as succinct but evocative as the one that appears on The Au Pair's back cover. The professionally-written copy captures the book perfectly.
You know I love me a psychological thriller, especially one with Gothic vibes that hints at dark family secrets coming to light, so this one definitely appealed to me from the moment I heard about it. And you know what? It delivered. With an intriguing premise, complex characters, and a tautly-plotted storyline, the novel kept me riveted throughout. Although I saw some of the twists coming, I didn't figure everything out until the very end. Even if The Au Pair gets a little predictable, it's still an engrossing read that I could not put down. This is Rous' first novel and I cannot wait to see what she does next!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of books by Carol Goodman and Kate Morton. Also a little of In the Shadow of Lakecrest by Elizabeth Blackwell.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, disturbing subject matter, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The Au Pair from the generous folks at Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
1957 Amish Novel a Sweet, Enjoyable Little Gem
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Esther Lapp loves life in her small Pennsylvania Amish community. Her days revolve around helping her parents on their farm, studying the Bible with her aunt, and socializing and worshipping with other Plain folks. Among others like her, the 9-year-old never gets mocked for her unusual lifestyle or stared at because of the simple clothes she wears.
Everything changes when community officials visit the Lapp's farm, informing them that Esther must comply with Pennsylvania's compulsory education law or else. Even though she's nervous about being out in the sinful world, Esther's excited to see what school is all about. Unlike her older brother, Daniel, she would never get herself Shunned by leaving her Amish community, but she soon finds herself amazed at all the outside has to offer! As Esther gains a new perspective, she starts to question the things she's always been taught and the way she's always lived. Trying to make sense of the two contradicting worlds in which she now lives, Esther must find her way in a strange, new existence that challenges her worldview, her beliefs, and her faith.
When I mentioned how much I enjoyed reading novels about Amish life, my writer friend Kimberley Griffiths Little recommended Plain Girl by Virginia Sorensen. Although the book was published in 1957, I'd never heard of it. A pity, because it tells a sweet, simple story that's deeper than it appears to be at first glance. It's a short novel, written for a middle grade audience, that asks some intriguing questions about tradition vs. change, faith vs. fear, tolerance vs. judgement, and forgiveness vs. anger. That might sound too "churchy" for modern MG readers, but really, the lessons Plain Girl teaches are subtle and universal ones about embracing one's own identity and not just accepting other people's differences, but also learning from them. Like Kimberley, I highly recommend this little gem of a book, which I very much enjoyed.
(Readalikes: Hm, I've never read another children's book about the Amish, so I'm not sure to what I can compare Plain Girl. Any ideas?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Plain Girl from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Middle Grade WWII Story Heart-Wrenching, Hard to Forget
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Unlike the children she watches from the window of her London flat, 10-year-old Ada Smith has never gone outside. Because of the club foot with which Ada was born, Ada's mother calls her a "cripple" and insists she stay inside where no one can see her shameful deformity. There's nothing Ada wants more than to flee her filthy, roach-infested apartment; escape from her mother's cruel taunting; and run around outside with friends. Her little brother gets that privilege every day; it's difficult not to envy 6-year-old Jamie his freedom.
When the fear of German bombs dropping on London starts propelling concerned parents to send their children out of the city, Ada seizes the opportunity to forge a new life for herself and her brother. But Mam will only agree to send Jamie away. Refusing to be left behind, Ada sneaks out to join him. Soon, the siblings find themselves in the Kent countryside under the care of Susan Smith, a lonely spinster who insists she isn't fit to be their guardian. And yet, Ada and Jamie thrive under her watchful eye.
As the months fly by and London remains untouched, children are being sent back home. That's the last thing Ada and Jamie want. Can they hold on to the stable, peace-filled life they know with Susan or will they be forced to go back to the miserable squalor that used to be all they knew?
The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is the heart-wrenching story of a young girl's triumph over abuse. As Ada rises above her pitiable circumstances, tackling every obstacle in her path with courage and compassion, she comes to realize that strength of character has nothing to do with physical appearances. For the first time in her life, she knows that not only is her twisted foot nothing to be ashamed of, but also that it doesn't have to keep her from living a life that is as full and happy as anyone else's. Chock-full of important lessons, The War that Saved my Life is a poignant tale that preaches acceptance and love as antidotes to overcoming adversity of all kinds. It's a different kind of WWII story, not my absolute favorite, but one I've found difficult to forget.
(Readalikes: Hm, nothing's really coming to mind. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and disturbing subject matter (child abuse/neglect, the horrors of war, discrimination against the disabled, etc.). Homosexuality is also alluded to, albeit vaguely.
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Shriver's Newest Compelling, Though Heavy (Pun Intended) and Generally, Just A Big, Ole Downer
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Pandora Halfdanarson will do anything for the older brother she's always adored. So, when Edison needs a temporary place to live, she agrees to take him in without a moment's hesitation. Her husband is not enthusiastic about the idea, however. Fletcher thinks his brother-in-law is an insufferable blowhard. But Pandora insists: Edison is family. He needs her. She'll do whatever she can to help.
Pandora's marriage is already floundering, due in part to the fact that Fletcher's custom carpentry business isn't making any money, while Pandora's pull-string doll company is flourishing. Does she dare alienate her husband even more by siding with Edison? As Edison's domineering personality slowly begins to take over Pandora's life, she must decide how much she's willing to risk in order to aid her brother. Can she save him from himself, even if it means sacrificing everything she has? Because, as is becoming clearer and clearer, that's what it's going to take.
When Edison lumbers off the plane in Cedar Rapids, Pandora gets the biggest shock of her life. Her brother's always been svelte—a hip, handsome Jazz pianist with plenty of adoring females at his side. In the four years since Pandora last saw him, Edison's transformed himself into someone completely—literally—unrecognizable. He used to be trim, now he weighs just under 400 lbs. The obese 43-year-old suffers from depression, pre-diabetes and a severe case of denial. Clearly, Edison Apaloosa needs more than just a soft place to land. The question is: Can Pandora give her brother the help and support he so desperately requires? And, what will it cost her, not just financially, but emotionally as well?
Pandora's marriage is already floundering, due in part to the fact that Fletcher's custom carpentry business isn't making any money, while Pandora's pull-string doll company is flourishing. Does she dare alienate her husband even more by siding with Edison? As Edison's domineering personality slowly begins to take over Pandora's life, she must decide how much she's willing to risk in order to aid her brother. Can she save him from himself, even if it means sacrificing everything she has? Because, as is becoming clearer and clearer, that's what it's going to take.
Obesity seems to be a trendy topic in fiction lately. It's easy to see why—it's a heavy subject (pun intended), a life-and-death struggle with plenty of inherent conflict and drama. In Big Brother, Lionel Shriver's newest novel, the author gives us a raw, unsettling taste of what dealing with a loved one's obesity can feel like. It's a powerful story—though a depressing one—about the lengths we go to to help struggling family members, even when it comes at great personal cost to us. Shriver writes with sharp, piercing honesty, making Big Brother a compelling, compulsively readable story, though a difficult one. I found it engrossing, even if none of the characters came off as particularly likable. The ending, however, soured me on the whole thing. Without being too spoiler-y (I hope), let me just say that unreliable narrators almost always kill a story for me. Considering that and the novel's generally downer tone, Big Brother turned out to be just an okay read.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, depictions of illegal drug use, intense situations and sexual innuendo/content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Big Brother from the generous folks at Harper Collins via those at TLC Book Tours. Thank you!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Compared to Latest, Zarr's Debut Feels Stiff, Distant
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
What if one mistake defined you for the rest of your life?
When 13-year-old Deanna Lambert is caught with a high school boy in the backseat of his car, she earns the unofficial title of "town slut." Three years later, she still can't shake her reputation—even though she hasn't so much as kissed a guy in the time since her dad yanked 17-year-old Tommy Webber off her. She could have become a nun and guys would still proposition her in the school hallways. Deanna can't wait to leave her small California town in the dust, can't wait to ditch the catcalls, the assumptions and, most of all, the constant look of disappointment in her dad's eyes. There's nothing Deanna craves more than a fresh start.
Deanna's determined to move out of her parents' house the moment her big brother Darren does. She'd rather live with him, his girlfriend and their baby than spend another night under the same roof as her shamed father. But leaving requires money, which requires Deanna to take a crappy job at the same grungy pizza parlor where Tommy Webber works. As she comes face-to-face with that blast from the past, Deanna will have to work through her own insecurities and fears in order to prove to everyone that she's more than just a label—much, much more.
After falling in love with Sara Zarr's most recent novel, How to Save a Life, I knew I needed to read everything the author's ever written. Like, now. I decided to start with Zarr's debut book, Story of a Girl. Since it was a contender for the 2007 National Book Award, I figured the story must be as good, or better, than How to Save a Life. Except it really wasn't. The book's well-written, in that the prose is strong, the characters are real and the plot is compelling enough to keep readers engaged. And yet, it didn't wow me. In fact, I found the story anticlimactic and depressing. Compared to the warmth of How to Save a Life, Story of a Girl feels stiff, distant. As much as I tried, I just didn't love it. In fact, it left me torn—should I take a chance on another Zarr book? Because her writing is so strong overall, I'm voting yes. So, now the question is: Which of her books should I read next? Which one is your favorite?
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for language, sexual innuendo/content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Waiting A Quick Read That Will Stick For A Good Long While
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London Castle misses her big brother every day. Ordinary things—the sight of his car, the smell of his aftershave, the memory of his laughter—bring him back to her, but only long enough to remind her that Zach is gone forever. Dead at sixteen. London will never wrestle with him, never giggle with him, never fight with him ever again. And it's all her fault.
Zach's death has broken not just London, but her parents as well. Her dad tries, but he's distant, always absorbed in his work. And her mother? She hasn't spoken one word to London since the day Zach died. She won't even look at her remaining child. London knows she deserves the silent treatment, but she longs for her mother's attention anyway.
As London claws her way out of the well grief has dug in her heart, she finds strength in unexpected places. With this new found power, she may finally be able to come to terms with what really happened the day Zach died and maybe—just maybe—find the redemption she's been seeking ever since.
If you've read Carol Lynch Williams before, you know the YA author doesn't do light and fluffy. Every book she writes makes a solid impact. Her newest, a novel-in-verse titled Waiting, is no exception. It might not be as lyrical as Glimpse, as haunting as Miles From Ordinary, or as memorable as The Chosen One, but it's just as affecting. I would have liked more originality from this one, true. Overall, though, I found it as well-written and powerful as Williams' other novels. It's a quick read, but one that will stick with you for a good long while.
(Readalikes: Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), sexual innuendo and mature subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Summer Novel's Got More Depth Than You'd Think
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Ruth Wasserman should be content with her life. Not only has she finally managed to burn off the extra pounds that have plagued her for most of her 19 years, but she's also living on her own and working hard to earn a college degree. Now that she's returned home to Alabama for the summer, she should have only one thing on her mind: relaxation. If only. It's not her lifeguard/swim coach job that's got her worried (she could do it in her sleep) or seeing old friends (she looks better now than she ever has), it's the fact that she'll be living with her parents (loving, but overprotective) and her older brother, David (the charming, soccer-playing wonder child). How can she keep her secret to staying slim, well ... secret? 
Turns out, Ruth's not the only one hiding something. David's never been all that chatty anyway, but now he's downright standoffish. He's not acting like himself. The question is why? What's he hiding? Then, there are Ruth's parents, who are also acting strange. What's up with them? As Ruth tries to figure out what's going on with her family, deals with drama at the pool, and tries to keep her eating disorder under wraps, she finds the summer becoming a whole lot more complicated than she ever dreamed it could be. When a near drowning happens while Ruth and David are on the job, it will force them to face truths they've been ignoring for too long—truths about themselves, their family, and the quaint little town in which they've grown up.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: C
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for language, sexual content and depictions of underrage drinking and illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Saving Ruth from the generous folks at William Morrow (an imprint of Harper Collins) and TLC Book Tours. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Simple, But Profound: Locomotion Another Winner From Jacqueline Woodson
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When a fire kills his parents, everything changes for Lonnie Collins Motion (aka "Locomotion). With no relatives available to care for them, he and his younger sister are placed in foster care. In different homes. Lonnie vows to keep what's left of his family together, but it's becoming more and more difficult. It's been four years since his parents died and he and Lili are still living apart. They've both got decent foster moms - Lonnie just wishes they could live under the same roof. But, judging from the evil eye he gets from Lili's foster mom whenever he comes around, that ain't gonna be happening anytime soon.
Lonnie's full to bursting with suppressed emotion. So, when his teacher suggests expressing his thoughts through poetry, he decides to give it a try. Soon, his poetry notebook's full of verses - about himself, his sister, his nightmares of the past and his dreams for the future. Letting it all out helps Lonnie make sense of his jumbled-up life, giving him a measure of peace, even when things aren't working out quite the way he wants them to.
Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is a short, but powerful book about one boy's quest to understand himself and his place in a world that has changed so irrevocably he barely recognizes it. Through the verses he pens, Lonnie becomes not just knowable, but sympathetic and admirable. If you've read Woodson before (and if you haven't, you really must), you know she has a knack for creating interesting, relatable characters who make her stories about family, friendship, race, and identity all the more personal. Locomotion is just such a tale. With a beautiful simplicity that's both sensitive and realistic, Woodson has penned yet another memorable middle grade novel. It's a quick read that's definitely worth the time.
(Readalikes: Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG
To the FTC, with love: Another library
finefind
Woodson Does It Again With Touching Companion Novel
(Image from Barnes & Noble)(Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for Peace, Locomotion, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from Locomotion, its predecessor. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
After a fire kills their parents, Lonnie Collins Motion ("Locomotion") and his younger sister, Lily, are placed in foster care. Separately. Now, it's been five years since they've lived under the same roof. Maybe they never will again. Maybe Lili, with her doting new foster mama, will forget everything - her real parents, her real brother, and her real life. Lonnie can't let that happen. To help Lili remember who she really is, he's writing letters to his sister, sharing his memories, reminding her of the close, loving family of which they were both a part.
Even though Lonnie's not with his sister, he's happy enough with his own foster home. Miss Edna may be a little grouchy, but she's kind and takes good care of him. He's finally feeling comfortable living with her when the situation changes. With her son coming home from an overseas war, it's going to get a little crowded at Miss Edna's. Too crowded for Lonnie? As he fights to maintain control over his own life, Lonnie worries about his little sister, worries about forgetting, worries about being displaced once again. As he pours it all out in his letters to Lili, Lonnie's soul finds an unexpected peace - even if his happy ending isn't coming in quite the way he thought it would.
Peace, Locomotion, a companion novel to Jacqueline Woodson's award-winning Locomotion, is told with the author's trademark simple, but profound, style. Because it's composed entirely of Lonnie's letters to Lili, the story's intensely personal. The 12-year-old's love for his sister comes through loud and clear, as does his changing definition of the meaning of family and his great longing for peace. I love Woodson's books for so many reasons - this one shines because of its engaging hero, its (mostly) positive exploraton of foster care, and, of course, that unique warmth that radiates out of every novel the author writes. Like its predecessor, Peace, Locomotion is another gem from the incomparable Jacqueline Woodson.
(Readalikes: Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, November 07, 2011
Warm, Authentic Friend An Enjoyable Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)Life's not going well for 16-year-old Henry "Hen" Birnbaum. First, his girlfriend dumps him. Then, she kicks him out of her band. And then, a year after she mysteriously vanished, Hen's older sister suddenly shows up. Which should, of course, be a happy occasion, except for the fact that Sarah won't say a word about where she's been or why she left. Maybe he shouldn't be, but Hen's angry at her, angry at his parents for not being angry with her, and really just kind of angry with all the lemons life's been pelting him with lately. At least he has Emma Wood, neurotic though his BFF may be.
Since Hen's got nothing else to do with his time (unless you count watching Behind the Music reruns with Emma), he turns his attention to solving the mystery of Sarah's disappearance. He's pretty sure all the answers lie with Sarah's college friend, Gabriel Stern. The 22-year-old bass player's hiding out in the East Village, keeping a low profile until whatever trouble he and Sarah stirred up blows over. Even when Hen agrees to take music lessons from Gabriel to help the fugitive "get his life back on track" (30), Gabriel refuses to talk. At least Hen's bass is improving, maybe even enough to win back his spot in the band. And in his ex-girlfriend's heart.
The funny thing is, the more Hen tries to recapture his old life, the less he really wants it. All the discoveries he's making during this, the worst summer he's ever experienced, are changing him. The question is: How much? And will he even recognize himself by the time it's over?
Friend Is Not A Verb by Daniel Ehrenhaft is a funny, warmhearted novel about friendship, family and finding truth in unexpected places. It's an entertaining, authentic read that will appeal to readers who want a novel that's not too light, not too dark, but a satisfying blend of both. Bottom line: I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (no F-bombs), depictions of underrage drinking and illegal drug use, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Friend Is Not A Verb from the generous folks at HarperTeen. Thank you!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Who Does Depression Hurt? Everyone.
(Image from Barnes & Noble)Losing her mother was hard enough, but now Serena's lost her father as well. A
t least that's how it feels. Ever since the car accident that killed his wife, Michael Shaw's been overcome by the "blue," so sad he won't leave the house, change out of his pajamas, eat, or work on the drawings he creates for his job as a freelance picture book illustrator. Serena needs him to snap out of it. And fast. The 7th grader's got enough going on with schoolwork, play practice, friend drama, and a cute boy who's finally showing some interest in her. She doesn't need the added burdens of laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, housework, watching her little brother, and making excuses for her father. Serena's been carrying it all for eighteen months; she's not sure how much longer she can take it.
Knowing one wrong move could land her and her brother in foster care, Serena's desperate to hold her world together. But as her father slides deeper down into the pit of his depression, keeping up appearances becomes harder and harder. She can't ask anyone for help, but she can't hold things together for much longer. It's only a matter of time before someone figures out her dad's not right. Can she figure out a way to cure him before it's too late? Or will the "blue" destroy the only family she's got left?
Even though I hate the idea of children being forced into adult roles because of circumstances beyond their control, I'm always drawn to these kinds of stories, be they real or fictional. The strength and resiliency of children never ceases to amaze and inspire me. I was especially excited, then, to read Silhouetted by the Blue, a new middle grade novel by Traci L. Jones, since it's a survival against-all-odds story featuring an African-American tween. It's a realistic portrayal of depression and the toll it can take on not only the sufferer, but also on his family. Serena's take on it all is an honest one - she feels alternately responsible, resentful and guilty. The story's got its doom and gloom, for sure, but there are some light, funny moments as well. While I didn't love the book quite as much as I wanted to, I still think it's an important story. It's timely, relevant, and a tale that will likely hit close to home for both children and adults.
(Readalikes: Reminded me a little of What Can't Wait by Ashley Hope Perez)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for mild language and some intense situations
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Silhouetted by the Blue from the generous folks at Farrar Straus Giroux. Thank you!
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