It is a very slow moving novel but I could not put it down as stories that explore the depths of p4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
What an outstanding novel!
It is a very slow moving novel but I could not put it down as stories that explore the depths of parental love always captivate and move me. We are transported to a remote forest where Cooper and his daughter, Finch, live a simple and isolated existence. However, the past has a way of catching up with you and all too soon danger is lurking in their woods. It was actually quite a thought provoking story as some of Cooper's decisions were at odds with the law, but came from a base instinct to protect his child. Cooper is such a flawed character and I think that made him totally relatable. He is still deeply affected by his time as a soldier in Afghanistan and by the series of events that lead him to the Appalachian woods. There is so much heart in this story and it will stick with me for a while. Loved it.
CW: Animal deaths on page (hunting) (view spoiler)[death of mother/wife in car accident, forced removal of child from parent, murder (hide spoiler)]...more
I gotta say, it's hard to enjoy a book when you detest the main character.
Tallie and Emmett were really difficult to like bec1.5 Stars rounded up to 2
I gotta say, it's hard to enjoy a book when you detest the main character.
Tallie and Emmett were really difficult to like because their behaviour was a mix of inappropriate, unprofessional, unacceptable and invasive. I probably should have dnf'd at 4% when I could tell I would find Tallie a tad annoying but I pushed through. I went in expecting a more moving story but alas this was not the case.
CW: Suicide and depression (view spoiler)[wife committed suicide by carbon monoxide in a car but left door open to house and her child also died, cheating, false imprisonment, infertility, grief, injury in fire (hide spoiler)]
CW:(view spoiler)[bloody murder scenes, suicide, death of loved ones, drug and alcohol addiction/over use, child neglect (hide spoiler)]
Well that was CW:(view spoiler)[bloody murder scenes, suicide, death of loved ones, drug and alcohol addiction/over use, child neglect (hide spoiler)]
Well that was simply phenomenal!
Front and centre of this wonderfully written story is 13 year old self proclaimed outlaw, Duchess Day Radley. If there is ever a character that you want to hold up as a beacon of strength, grit, determination, and love, then look no further than Duchess. Her ability to exist so fiercely in the crappy world she has been given actually moved me. She and her younger brother are surrounded by a stellar cast of 'found family' members. The story itself was brilliantly and intricately plotted with tension running throughout the whole novel as Duchess reels in the aftermath of a shocking crime. I think this may well end up being one of my favourites for 2021!...more
I could literally feel myself being drawn slowly into to this story as the three wonderful main characters sleuthed their way into my heart. It actually took until about the 30 percent mark until I felt that the triplets separated out enough into three distinct voices for me. The writing was absolutely brilliant and the relationships between the different characters in the town so vividly captured that I honestly felt like I really understood the dynamics in this suffering community. I thoroughly recommend this novel in which three teens and their mother take on 'big money' in the pursuit of justice....more
Well middle school novels have really evolved over the last decade or so and this is another example of how well written and layered they are.
Biracial Reha struggles to figure out what world she belongs in in this emotional verse novel. Her already unbalanced world is thrown further into turmoil when her mother becomes ill. Writing in free verse is the perfect vessel for delivering a story like this to young people. The white spaces give you time to pause, reflect and in some instances reel, and then collect yourself again. This is another one where I would check that a middle school reader is in the right space to read such an emotional story....more
Well yet again I have made a spectacle of myself in public by walking around the supermarket listening to an audiobook and shopping4.5 rounded up to 5
Well yet again I have made a spectacle of myself in public by walking around the supermarket listening to an audiobook and shopping through tear filled eyes. Moreover, I forgot the main item I was meant to get. No bread in our house tonight!
Simply put, I loved it! The writing was fabulous and the characters were real and endearing and just wonderful. It's a really emotional story about Coyote and Rodeo dealing with their grief after losing the rest of their family in a car accident. They stay on the move in their house bus trying to out run the tragedy that stole their loved ones from them. I ugly snot cried a few times (thankfully not in the supermarket). I thought the people they collected along the way contributed to the story wonderfully by adding heart and compassion. It is classified as middle school, but I would be careful about giving it to younger middle schoolers as it is so very sad in parts. I would also recommend this for NZ Y9 students too. Love love loved it!...more
CW: (view spoiler)[loss of loved one in car accident. loss of loved ones by drowning, thoughts of dying after guilt over death of loved ones, emotionaCW: (view spoiler)[loss of loved one in car accident. loss of loved ones by drowning, thoughts of dying after guilt over death of loved ones, emotionally absent parent, father leaves wife and daughter (hide spoiler)]
Well I loved it.
Everything worked for me.
The characters were real, and their raw and painful moments had me tight chested and teary eyed. I also luxuriated in the many warm moments that made this book a joyful reading experience. I don't know what else to write. The writing was incredible and the story mesmerising. Simply wonderful....more
CW: (view spoiler)[Suicidal thoughts, murder of loved one through poisoning, illness through contaminated water (hide spoiler)]
Well.
Alan Gratz offers CW: (view spoiler)[Suicidal thoughts, murder of loved one through poisoning, illness through contaminated water (hide spoiler)]
Well.
Alan Gratz offers up an interesting modern day mash up of old school detective and Shakespeare's Hamlet. Some of it works. Some of it doesn't. I couldn't quite get a feel for Horatio as a character at the beginning because he switched between smart arsed teenager, and savvy old detective. It wasn't jarring but it felt like Alan was still working out who Horatio was in the early stages of the novel. Luckily, by the end I had a reasonable sense of him and I assume his voice solidifies in book 2. I actually thought it was a pretty clever reimaging whilst staying true to the major plot points of Hamlet. I think this will be a valuable addition to the library....more
CW: (view spoiler)[death of parents, murder of child, mental health, drowning (op), gun violence, drug and alcohol addiction. (hide spoiler)]
Well thisCW: (view spoiler)[death of parents, murder of child, mental health, drowning (op), gun violence, drug and alcohol addiction. (hide spoiler)]
Well this is not a retelling of Jane Eyre.
I prefer to call stories that draw inspiration from other stories but make quite significant plot or character changes, reimaginings. To me that's a more appropriate term as they are taking a story and putting their own spin on it. The author has taken a handful of elements from Jane Eyre and created her own unique story. The first part was actually okay with some creepy modern gothic features. Then a plot twist occurs which is similar to another classic piece of gothic literature which I will keep as a hidden spoiler because it will give away too much. (view spoiler)[The MC is placed in an asylum under an incorrect name as a way of getting rid of her and stealing all her money. This is similar to The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. (hide spoiler)] After this plot point however, there is a section where I was actually groaning because it was so implausible. (view spoiler)[Janie goes back to live in the house with the people who commited her to the facility under a false name. Authorities don't conduct an investigation after she is released. Naturally her lawyer doesn't believe her and says she has to go back to live with these wretched people. (hide spoiler)] Thankfully the story becomes engaging again, and I felt like it had a reasonably strong ending. I didn't particularly like the main character or the love triangle, but the story intrigued me enough to keep me reading....more
CW: (view spoiler)[homophobia, domestic abuse, alcoholism, child neglect, depression, dealing with grief, death of mother, emotional abuse of child, oCW: (view spoiler)[homophobia, domestic abuse, alcoholism, child neglect, depression, dealing with grief, death of mother, emotional abuse of child, on page suicide attempt (hide spoiler)]
Well this was a powerful story but unfortunately lacked detail.
I have read a lot of verse novels so can say with some authority that they can be full and richly told. Whilst the story was hard-hitting and the characters engaging, I needed there to be a bit more information to connect with during the story telling. I was somewhat invested but not enough to get particularly emotional at any point. I still think this is a good addition to a high school library. Please note the content warnings....more
CW: (view spoiler)[rape, drugging, kidnapping, murder, Stolen Generation (First nations people), loss of loved ones, car accident, depression, racism,CW: (view spoiler)[rape, drugging, kidnapping, murder, Stolen Generation (First nations people), loss of loved ones, car accident, depression, racism, authority figures covering up crimes (hide spoiler)]
Well that was an emotional and slightly traumatic reading experience.
This short, powerful novel touches upon a shameful history in which First Nations People were treated horrifically during times of colonisation. The story is told in a contemporary setting through alternating POVs of two Australian Aboriginal teenagers. Beth was killed in a car accident and has not crossed over to the 'place with colours' because she feels she can't leave her grieving father who can see and talk to her. They are in a small Australian town to investigate a deadly fire. There they meet Isobel Catching who has a dark, seemingly magical, story that she needs Beth's father, a police detective, to hear. The two main characters are so vivid. Beth is quite naive and sheltered which contrasts well with a hardened, world wary Catching. The writing is absolutely wonderful with Catching's POV written in captivating verse. I don't want to say anything that will potentially spoil the story but I loved the use of allegory as a vehicle for the horrible truth.
The content is quite heavy so I recommend this for NZ Year 11 and above. I will definitely be looking to read more from these ownvoice authors....more
3.5 Stars - Update: I've decided to round up to 4 because 2 hours after finishing I am still thinking about the last quarter of the book and that earn3.5 Stars - Update: I've decided to round up to 4 because 2 hours after finishing I am still thinking about the last quarter of the book and that earns an extra half star because it has left an impression.
CW: (view spoiler)[Dealing with the loss of a loved one, breakups (friendship and romantic), mental health issues - girl runs to the brink of collapse and has suffered some significant damage to her body after a break down due to the loss of her abuela. (hide spoiler)]
Well that ended up being quite a lovely book about family, friendship and having the courage to choose your own destiny.
I feel obliged to put in a PSA.
Public Service Announcement You will want to eat baked goods whilst reading this. I suggest having some ready in advance. Go for something a bit decadent like a bakery pastry, *whispers* I had 3, because a dry chocolate chip cookie will not cut it (nor will the next 2). If you are a baker, have all the ingredients ready so you can whip up a sweet masterpiece in the kitchen. End of public service announcement.
The food descriptions in this novel are out of this world and the love of this ownvoice author for their Cuban culture and traditional food was clearly evident in the passionate descriptions throughout the book. I wasn't really drawn into the romantic relationship until quite a way through the book, but the family connections kept me engaged throughout the entire story. The book touches on some important themes such as dealing with grief and finding a way forward after a tragic loss. It also looks at how Lila struggles to find the courage to deviate from her life plan when a new and potentially better one presents itself. A heartwarming story....more
CW: (view spoiler)[Pica (Xylophagia), panic attacks, child neglect, self-harm mentioned, off page suicide attempt and off page actual suicide, dealingCW: (view spoiler)[Pica (Xylophagia), panic attacks, child neglect, self-harm mentioned, off page suicide attempt and off page actual suicide, dealing with grief, off page description of death of a father, description of death of loved one from being buried alive, bullying, murder & attempted murder, death of a pet mentioned (hide spoiler)]
Well that was a deeply unsettling novel.
I keep starting sentences and then deleting them.
It was a very atmospheric novel that crept into my bones and nudged my fear button nicely. I can't think of who I would recommend this book to because it is quite disturbing. That's all I've got sorry. Absolutely NZ upper high school only....more
A wonderful verse novel about resilience and healing aftCW: (view spoiler)[Gun violence, death of loved one, surviving desert dangers. (hide spoiler)]
A wonderful verse novel about resilience and healing after a tragedy. I think this is going to be incredibly popular with younger teens in the library I work at and I will order three copies. It is quite an emotional story and the pacing is excellent. The author does a good job of foreshadowing the nature of the tragedy that has left Nora and her father with PTSD. Therefore the truth unfolds somewhat gently for the Reader which is entirely appropriate for this age group. I had a few tears at one point to be honest. I highly recommend for late middle school and early high school....more
CW: Loss of loved ones in plane crash. Scenes of final moments. Dealing with grief.
That was a powerful, purposeful and poignant exploration of love aCW: Loss of loved ones in plane crash. Scenes of final moments. Dealing with grief.
That was a powerful, purposeful and poignant exploration of love and loss. The writing was wonderful and this book was incredible from start to finish. I felt present in every moment: the terror, the grief, the hope, and the healing. Edward's journey will stay with me for a very long time. I'll be hugging my loved ones extra tightly tonight....more
CW: (view spoiler)[death of parent, man aggressively pursues teen for the purpose of making her a prostitute, sexually motivated assault (hide spoilerCW: (view spoiler)[death of parent, man aggressively pursues teen for the purpose of making her a prostitute, sexually motivated assault (hide spoiler)]
A lyrically written verse novel that paints a raw and powerful picture of grief, betrayal and what it means to be family. The story is told in alternating points of view between sisters Yahaira and Camino, who do not know of each others existence. Each voice is so distinct as we are shown how different their lives are, and that there is literally and figuratively an ocean between them. The death of their father sets their paths on a collision course that has us as Readers, willing them to bridge the divide that the adults in their lives had created many years earlier. I loved the story itself but for me the writing was the highlight. The author drew me in with their evocative and vivid imagery and I developed a strong emotional connection to the story and the characters. Here are some lovely examples:
"More & more, I sit on the fire escape just to get a chance to breathe.
Our house these days is a choked-up throat. I cannot exhale myself out the front door."
"the house is a living sadness, & as Mami walks its halls at night, even the floorboards weep."
"But Tia, as Tia has always been,
is mountainous in her small stature. & it's all I need: for her to be an immovable rock,
to know she will still be here when I decide to come back."
Such incredible writing and a powerful story. I thoroughly recommend this verse novel....more
CW: (view spoiler)[Obsession with taxidermy after mother dies, descriptions of taxidermy process, death 2.5 Stars
Updated 19/11/2020 with CW and review
CW: (view spoiler)[Obsession with taxidermy after mother dies, descriptions of taxidermy process, death of animals with descriptions, racism, sexism as taxidermy is not seen as a 'girls thing' (hide spoiler)]
Well this was a dark and well crafted read. It is atmospheric in parts as Lottie seeks to make sense of death and loss. I am unsure who the target audience is for this macabre little verse novel. Not a lot happens as it is really just about a family coping in their own ways with losing family members.
The following is an extract from the final verse so it is a mild spoiler, but to me it encompasses the themes covered in this novel.
In my makeshift laboratory when focused on my work, I felt close to Mother and dear, dear Annie.
It dulled the bone-heavy ache of grief-
the revitalisation of life, the bringing back from the edge of decay.
The revival and re-creation of something that has expired is an honour and a gift. ...more
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