Book Review: Shout, by Laurie Halse Anderson

Anderson, who wrote Speak, has written Shout, a book in poetic form, that is more autobiographical than Speak.

Anderson's life was hard. Her father was apparently suffering from PTSD and her mother was not very motherly. Like most memoirs of hard lives lived, it is a downer of a book. I believe it was very cathartic for Anderson to write Shout (I feel like that's the most important reason for this book), and I'm sure it is empowering to many, but I really didn't enjoy it very much. I guess you aren't really supposed to "enjoy" it.

But...I didn't find the poetic form to be as easy as Ellen Hopkins' (and others who have used this form effectively) books. There are a few sections that are just numbered lists written in prose and I thought those were the best parts. Shout doesn't really tell a story. There are vignettes of her life, but no beginning, middle, end. And honestly, because of the format, I'm having a hard time remembering any details of her life. The last section, especially, is just a bunch of rants. And I understand that women have a lot to rant about these days (as we always have), but Shout just wasn't my book.

I'm probably in the minority, but it is just (as always) my opinion. I feel like because I'm a woman I'm supposed to love this book, but I'm not going to say I love something that just didn't work for me. I'll probably get slammed for it, but...

Shout is a quick read, it is supposed to be empowering, and if you are an Anderson fan, probably worth your time no matter what.

Published by Viking BFYR, March 4, 2019
eBook obtained from the library
304 pages

Rating: 3/5

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Book Review: The General's Daughter, by Nelson DeMille

I almost forgot to review this book!  I'm not sure why The General's Daughter came on my radar, but I enjoyed it. It' is an old book, and only one other book has been published in the series (Paul Brenner Series). Maybe that's a good thing.  The General's Daughter has also been made into a movie starring John Travolta.

The general's daughter has been found dead on a firing range.  Naked, her hands tied to stakes, and her underwear around her neck. Paul Brenner, a member of the Army's investigative team, happens to be on base investigating another case, and he is called in. His involvement in the case is complicated by the politically charged atmosphere the case creates, as well as the fact that he will be working with a rape investigator with whom he has had a previous affair that ended badly.

Turns out the general's daughter, an upstanding Army officer, has secrets. A sex room is discovered in her basement with pictures of all of her conquests. Their faces are hidden, so did one of these men murder her? Or was this a risky sexual encounter gone wrong? The twists and turns keep you interested and guessing.

I liked how, with about 100 pages left, the investigators and the readers are pretty sure who the murderer is. It is still interesting though, as they work to get the proof (or the confession or the disproof.)  The banter between Paul and his ex is entertaining, and the idea that they might get back together adds another element of intrigue to the story.

I flew through The General's Daughter. It was the right book at the right time, and I enjoyed the military aspect, the politics involved, and the twisted lives these people lived. It all added up to a compelling mystery/thriller. Recommended to those who enjoy the genre.

Published by Warner, 1992
eBook obtained from the library
454 pages

Rating: 4.5/5

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Book Review: Blood Water Paint, by Joy McCullough @JMCwrites

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Blood Water Paint.

Written mostly in verse, Blood Water Paint is a fictionalized account of the life of painter Artemisia Gentileschi, who was born in 1593. Her mother dies, and either she must enter the convent or work for her father mixing his paints.  Eventually her artistic skills surpass her father’s, and he passes off her work as his own. He hires a teacher, Agostino Tassi,  to help her with her painting. Her father is hoping Tassi's connections will win him a huge commission.  She is raped by this teacher.

Of course in this time period, she isn't expected to tell anyone. Her support and her strength come from her visions of two ancient heroines, Susanna and Judith, whose stories she heard from her mother. These stories are recounted in prose and are woven through Artemisia's story. Both of these women bore many hardships and persevered in the face of insurmountable challenges. These women become subjects for Artemisia's paintings and gave her the will to persevere. Eventually she tells her father and he (since a woman isn't allowed to) brings charges against Tassi. After a lengthy investigation, trial, and much physical suffering, he is eventually found guilty. But when I say "physical suffering" -- well, you have no idea. Since Artemisia may never be able to paint again and this man gets only a five year banishment, this isn't much of a victory.

Some scenes are brutal, so be warned. And Blood Water Paint is more of a challenge than some books in verse. The poetry sections read like poetry - it's not just prose written in little lines.

Ultimately a story of feminist strength and survival, It may be a challenge to entice teens to pick Blood Water Paint up. I almost wish it was marketed to adults, but its powerful message may be worth the effort to push it to certain teens.

Published by Dutton Children's, March 6, 2018
ARC obtained from School Library Connection Magazine
292 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

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Book Review: Girls Burn Brighter, by Shobha Rao

Girls Burn Brighter is a very well-written, compelling book.  But it is heartbreaking.

Poornima and Savitha become best friends during their poverty-stricken childhood in India.  Because of circumstances beyond their control (like being forced to marry, which actually is the least barbaric act in this book) they are torn from each other.

Their lives are so miserable, and through it all, what keeps them going is the possibility of escaping and finding each other again.

Rao's writing is beautiful. I was truly sucked in and couldn't put this down. (I may have snuck some reading of this one during work...)  I felt so deeply for each of these women and couldn't believe the lengths they went to in order to find each other. There was some luck involved, but a lot of this luck stemmed from the fact that they were so close, that they knew what paths each of them would take in certain situations.  It was fascinating.

This isn't a light book. And it's made worse by the fact that it ends so abruptly.  After such a distressing narrative, I wanted a complete ending.  I wanted just a little denouement or some kind of epilogue.  At the end of the book, I still felt all of the grief that I suffered throughout, even though the ending is "happy."  It was jarringly abrupt. You are waiting and hoping for them to finally find each other and you don't get to see any of that play out. Ugggh.  This was so frustrating to me!

I would still recommend Girls Burn Brighter to adults and older teens who enjoy dramatic stories that emphasize friendship, oppression of women, powerful females, and survival at all costs. Just be aware that you have to finish the story for yourself if you want a "feel good" ending.

Published by Flatiron, March 6, 2018
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
320 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: After the Game by Abbi Glines

I'm picky about my romantic contemporary novels, but After the Game has enough substance included, and I really enjoyed it.

The story of Riley and Brady is a high school romance with an emphasis on family, forgiveness, and responsibility. Riley and her parents have recently returned to Lawton, Alabama, after being run out of town because she accused Rhett, the high school football star, of rape.  They have returned to take care of Riley’s grandmother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's.  Riley has also brought a child that was a product of that rape. Rhett is away at college, living the dream as if nothing happened.

Riley is shunned, and sometimes worse, by pretty much everyone in the town. No one believed her about the rape, and no one knows about the baby.  No one has been welcoming; in fact, her old friends have been much the opposite-- until Brady, a football star who was Rhett's best friend, picks her and the baby up during a rainstorm.

Riley’s parents are refreshingly present and supportive.  The story follows the expected path, but there is some depth added with the Alzheimer’s angle and also Brady dealing with seeing his father having sex with a woman who is not Brady’s mother.

Brady is the best quarterback in the nation, and the team is on their way to a state championship.  So developing a relationship with Riley and revealing his father’s transgressions are not something Brady needs to focus on with his scholarship on the line.  But he cannot avoid either one of these issues.

Brady is a “too good to be true” guy and Riley is a  bit perfect for a teen mom, but their relationship takes a natural, slow progression that is refreshing. For teens who enjoy a feel-good high school romance, this one will definitely satisfy.

Published by Simon Pulse, August 22, 2017
ARC obtained from Libraries Unlimited
352 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: Room, by Emma Donoghue

Although well-written and well-paced, Room is not a book I enjoyed. Room is not the kind of book I usually read. So, why did I read it? Room is a nominated title on the Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award list for 2013-14. There are 22 books on the list, and Room is the last book on the list that I needed to read.

I don't like books about realistic suffering at the hands of a demented human -- especially when the victim is a young person. I'm probably one of the only people in the world who hasn't read A Child Called It. I don't want to. But when it comes to the Abe Lincoln list, I'm stubborn, so I read them all.

Room is about a 5-year-old little boy, Jack, and his Ma who are confined to a room. There'a bed, a toilet, a stove, sink, rug, TV, and table. Jack was born in this room. His mother has been here since she was kidnapped 7 years ago.

So, it's awful. Depressing. Heartbreaking. And, yes, I guess somewhat hopeful, but it takes a long time to get to that point. Ma is ingenious in raising Jack to be healthy and smart. He can read. But he doesn't understand that there is anything outside of Room. When his Ma begins to describe the outside, Jack is very confused.

As I said at the beginning, the book is interesting. Jack is telling the story, so he has a backwards way of talking and describing, but it's easy enough to understand and adds to the realism. I guess it's too real for me.

This is not a book I would have picked up, had I not had a reason. I know what kinds of books I like -- and this isn't it. But, if you like this sort of story, then Room is a great one. I'm not going to give the book a rating, because my discomfort is purely a personal thing and has nothing to do with the quality of the literature.

Published by Little, Brown, & Co., 2010
Copy obtained from the library
321 pages

Rating: N/A

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Monday Memories - Speak

Welcome to my meme, Monday Memories, where I feature favorite books we've loved from the past. You can link to an old review, or write something new about a beloved book from your past. Really, what's important is not the book, but why it is memorable to you. So, have fun reminiscing, and leave a comment below, so we can all enjoy your memories.

Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak was one of my first forays into young adult literature. It was published in 1999, approximately the same time I became a librarian. I read it soon after it's publication. It seems when you read anything about this book, it's often categorized as a "must read" for teens. The book is not without controversy mostly due to the sexual content of the rape. Melinda doesn't speak after a traumatic event, and she is ostracized by her peers because she called 991 during a party, and the police come and break it up. It's been a while, but there's beautiful writing here. This is a story of recovery -- a very slow process, but for teens who like "problem novels," this one should be at the top of the list.

It's a book that has stuck with me -- and that's saying something, since much of what I've read, especially that long ago, I don't recall. It's pretty short, too, so if you've not experienced this one, I think you should find the time.

It was also made into a movie, which I haven't seen, so if you think I should see it, please let me know in the comments.



Share one of your cherished book memories!

You can do a Monday Memories post on your blog. Copy my button and link back here, so others can see all the other posts.  Leave a comment below with the link to your post.

Or, just leave one of your Monday Memories right here in the comments.

Be sure to visit some other blogs that have posted their links. Thanks!

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Book Review: Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman

I've seen many reviews of Want to Go Private  that suggest this book should be read by every teen girl. I do think that this is a book that will speak to many, as well as being an engaging story.

The book is divided into three parts. I really had trouble relating to the first part. This is where Abby develops a relationship with Luke online, believes everything he says, does everything he asks, and ends up in trouble. I was frustrated with Abby because she missed all the signs of an internet predator. I did understand her keeping everything a secret -- from her parents, sister, and even her best friend. You have to understand that I'm a loooooong way from 14 years old. I had a hard time putting myself in her position and understanding her stupidity. I'm not saying this wasn't accurately portrayed, I'm just saying I had a hard time relating. I was very frustrated--but that's not a bad thing.

The second part, which is told from the perspectives of her family and friends as they frantically try to figure out what happened to Abby was brilliant. I really could feel the frustration, anger, and anxiety of these characters.

The third part is from Abby's point of view again, and basically is her and her family's adjusting and recuperating. I'm really glad they sought out counselling -- I can't imagine having any kind of normal life after these events without it. I really understood her father's reaction -- even though he made me mad. I'm happy that things were at least hopeful, but nowhere near perfect, as the book ends.

If it's possible to teach 14-year-olds that some decisions they make today can be life changing, then this book has potential to do it. I'm just not sure it's possible.....

I WILL recommend this one widely, however. If it enlightens even one teen, then it is a masterpiece, as far as I'm concerned. Littman's writing is tight. The book is hard to put down. It's very emotional, at least for this adult, but I think it will be emotional for teens too. This is a wonderful contribution to contemporary teen fiction about an important and timely topic.

Published by Scholastic, August 1, 2011
Copy obtained from the library
330 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: Exposed, by Kimberly Marcus

Exposed is a fascinating novel about a situation that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Kate and Lizzie have been best friends forever. Once a month they have a Saturday Night Slumber, and never miss this. At one Saturday Night Slumber, Lizzie says things about Kate’s boyfriend that maybe she shouldn’t have, and they end up sleeping separately with Kate downstairs and Lizzie upstairs. After that Kate won’t have anything to do with Lizzie, no matter how much Lizzie apologizes.

Eventually, Kate tells Lizzie that Lizzie’s brother, Mike, raped her at Lizzie’s house that night. Of course Mike flatly denies that it was rape. So begins a story that the reader knows has no possibility of a happy ending.

Lizzie has aspirations of being a photographer and is assembling a portfolio to send to colleges. With this event, she has lost her best friend, her brother, and her will to take photographs. Her entire life has changed. She is treated differently at school and has difficulty with her boyfriend, Brian. 

I can’t tell you how the book ends, but as I said, I don’t think it’s possible to make everyone happy, and of course they aren’t. But there is hope and some healing is taking place.

The book is written in free verse, very sparse, but everything that needs to be said, is said. I’m not a big fan of free verse, but since I admire Ellen Hopkins’ books, I’ve been willing to give others a try, and Kimberly Marcus does an excellent job with this format. 

Give this to teens, particularly girls, who like realistic, edgy books. Also, fans of Ellen Hopkins or other free verse novels. It’s a very quick read—free verse and around 250 pages, so reluctant readers might enjoy this one.

Published by Random House, February 22, 2011
ARC obtained from Random Buzzers (Thanks!!)
255 pages


Rating: 4/5

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