Book Review: South of Broad by Pat Conroy

I've been told by several people that I should read a Pat Conroy novel. I finally got around to it and was not disappointed. I chose South of Broad because I own it -- by "hand-me-down." Not sure who gave it to me.

Our narrator, Leo, loves his home town of Charleston, South Carolina. Leo had a traumatic childhood. He finds his older brother dead from a suicide, wrists slit open, in the bathtub. His life spirals after that. His mother seems to not care about Leo, he ends up being arrested for a crime he didn't commit, he spends some time in a mental institution, and he does his community service by taking care of a cantankerous old man.

His mother is the principal at the high school Leo attends, and in the 1960s desegregation is just beginning. Leo becomes friends with an unlikely group of kids. New neighbors, Trevor and Sheba, who live with there alcoholic mother. Starla, Niles, and Betty live in an orphanage in town. Ike is the son of the new (African American) football coach. And Chad, Molly, and Fraser are from rich, upperclass families from South of Broad, who got in trouble at their private school and must now attend Leo's school.

South of Broad switches back and forth from the 60s to the 80s, as Leo outlines the progression of the relationships within this mismatched group. There seem to be more "downs" than "ups" for most of them. From the racial tensions of the 1960s South, to the aids epidemic in 1980s San Francisco, to Hurrican Hugo in 1989, the story is a saga, as well as an homage to Charleston.

Conroy's writing draws you into the lives of these people and the atmosphere of Charleston in the 60s. If you haven't read any of his novels, I will recommend him -- as he was recommended to me. South of Broad was not one of his better-received novels, although certainly a best-seller, so I'll be sure to seek out another of his novels soon.

Published by Nan A. Telese, 2009
Copy obtained from a gift
514 pages

Rating: 5/5

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Audiobook Review: A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman

Ove is such an interesting character that I couldn't help thoroughly enjoy his story, A Man Called Ove.

Not much happens. But everything happens. The story takes place in Sweden (and is a translation). Ove is an older man who recently lost his wife and then was forced to retire. He doesn't think he has anything left to live for, so he tries to commit suicide. Several times. But always, he gets interrupted by something that becomes important to him.

That's the whole point. That this cantankerous, unpleasant man can end up finding joy. Even if he can't admit it.

As the story progresses, we also learn about Ove's past. His childhood, how he met his wife, and their life together. Especially one particular tragedy.

The people (and cat) that enter Ove's life are flawed themselves. All the more reason Ove needs to assist them.

The narrator, George Newbern, was just too slow for me. I listened at 1.25x speed. Not that he didn't do a good job. I always think if I can't think of anything to say about the narrator, that's a good thing. The story should shine through. And it does.

The story made me laugh and cry. The writing is exceptional, and that's what makes A Man Called Ove compelling and well...brilliant. This isn't a story you can really explain. You can only experience it. And you should.

Published by Washington Square, 2013, audio: Dreamscape, 2014
Audiobook obtained from the library
337 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

Bad Romance made me so uncomfortable; I couldn't wait to get finished with it!

Grace is literally in a Bad Romance. But at 17 years old, she can't see that.  At least not a first.  Gavin, the boyfriend, is too good to be true and Grace can't believe he actually is interested in her.  He's very attentive.  Soon, his attention turns weird.  He makes her promise not to ever be alone with another guy.  She's not allowed to touch or be touched by another male. And that's just the beginning.  You can see where this is going.

Gavin has a history.  He's tried to commit suicide before, so eventually, when Grace comes to her senses, she still can't break up with him because she's worried about him.

But, even with all that, I could have handled the story.  But to top it all off, Grace's mom and stepfather have provided her with a nearly impossible living situation.  Her mother is OCD about cleanliness and makes Grace clean the house over and over.  Her chores get to the point where they keep her from being able to function normally.  She is constantly grounded, so she has to sneak out, then get's caught.  It's a vicious cycle and her mother is a lunatic.  And her stepfather refuses to support her financially in any way.

Grace has very supportive friends, thankfully.  This helps.  But from the beginning, you can see the inevitable crash coming.

The sexual situations are more descriptive than I'm used to in YA, so be warned that this one is for mature teens only.  Demetrios has apparently based this story on past experiences.  That's probably why Grace's situations seem so realistic.  And so possible.  As a parent, this is pretty scary.

Bad Romance is a good story for teens that may help them navigate the uncertainties of romantic relationships.

Published by Henry Holt BYR, June 13, 2017
eARC obtained from NetGalley
368 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Audio Book Review: Love May Fail, by Matthew Quick @MatthewQuick21

I loved Love May Fail. It's the right combination of characters and plot that kept me invested in the story.

Each section in Love May Fail is narrated by a different person.  They each tell a different part of the story, and it works well.  Portia is recovering from a rough breakup with her husband.  She goes back to visit her mother, who is an extreme hoarder (among other problems) and finds out that her favorite high school English teacher has run into some hard times.  Portia ends up wanting to help him get back on his feet.

She also meets Chuck Bass who lives with his sister and her son, Tommy.  All of these characters end up playing a huge part in the story, and they each take turns telling their part.  There are several coincidences -- almost too many to believe -- but I fell for it. I guess it makes you believe in fate.

I don't want to say too much more about how things play out.  The discovery of the story is part of the fun. Quick is a good writer, as most of you probably know, and Love My Fail is a wonderful ride.

The audio narrators are each excellent and add to the atmosphere created by the text. I actually checked this one out from the library, and when it was automatically checked in, I still had 1.5 hours to go! I couldn't check it out again (there was a wait) so I read the rest of the book. I would recommend either version.

Love May Fail is an adult book but would be suitable for mature teens.

Published by Harper, 2015
Audiobook (and eBook) obtained from the library
416 pages

Rating: 5/5

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Book Review: The Fall by James Preller

I'm not sure how to stop bullying and I know schools are trying very hard to do so, but reading The Fall by James Preller can't hurt.

I think the problem sometimes is that kids don't think they are bullying. They don't realize it until maybe it's too late. In The Fall we have Sam looking back on his relationship with a friend, Morgan, who has committed suicide after being bullied.

Sam was a reluctant friend. He wanted to keep his friendship a secret. After all, who wants everyone to know you are friends with the person that everyone is bullying. There is one girl who is the instigator. No one knows why she hates Morgan so much, but that doesn't matter. She gives her "minions" assignments to post mean and hurtful messages to Morgan's online account. Sam is a participant because he fears the consequences if he refuses.

Our narrator is a bit unreliable. Who wouldn't have a hard time writing down in a journal the ways in which he contributed to someone's ending their own life? But he gets there.

Is The Fall the best book about bullying? I don't know. I've read quite a few. They all make you think -- at least they make me think. There is a powerful message here, and I hope a lot of teens get it.  The Fall is a very short and easy read. It's appropriate for boys or girls. This one should be widely recommended and would be a great classroom read.

Published by Feiwel & Friends, 2015
Copy obtained from the library
208 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Audio Book Review: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

While The Sense of an Ending really isn't my type of book, I enjoyed it for the most part.

The Sense of an Ending is narrated by Tony, and it's basically his life story you're going to hear. The novel is a character study -- not much of a plot, although there is an entertaining twist at the end.

Tony tells us about his friendship with three other boys, but in particular a boy named Adrian. They each go their own separate ways during college, and Tony starts up a romantic relationship, which eventually ends. And then Adrian and the ex begin a relationship and Tony loses touch with them. And then Adrian commits suicide.

So, Tony has "come of age" and we've heard a lot of details that seem a bit irrelevant. Once we hurry through Tony's progression to middle age, he begins to look back on his youth and try to make sense of some things. It's a short book, which is good, because I don't think I could have listened to much more.

I can see why this book is award winning. The writing is beautiful. If I hadn't been listening to the audio version, I'm sure I would have had to include some philosophical quotes -- of which there are many.

The narrator, Richard Morant, does a great job and lends authenticity to Tony's voice.

Definitely an adult book, but if you enjoy a meandering, philosophical, introspective look at one man's life (and don't' forget about that twist), then you should try The Sense of an Ending.

Published by Borzoi, 2011
Audiobook obtained from the library
176 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

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Book Review: When Reason Breaks, by Cindy L. Rodriguez

While When Reason Breaks is yet another book that explores teen suicide, it does so in a unique way.

The story is about two teens, Emily and Elizabeth, that both have problems, although very different kinds of problems. Seemingly pretty big problems, since we know at the beginning that one of them is going to attempt to commit suicide. We aren't sure if the attempt is successful, or which girl it is, until the end.

What I found compelling is that it could have been either of these girls. They're both messed up, and teens have become suicidal over a lot less. It's impossible for someone on the outside to know what will drive a person, especially a teen, over that edge. I did suspect one girl throughout the book, and I won't tell you why. I was correct, but it really isn't a contest. Is it the one that seems OK, but inside is being torn apart? Or, is it the one that is volatile and wears her problems for all to see?

The two girls have some overlapping friends, but they really aren't close. I got a vibe from their relationship that they had some history. Almost like they used to be close, but something happened. That didn't turn out to be the case. And that's the number one problem I had with When Reason Breaks. I just didn't think some of the teen behaviors were authentic. The reactions and voices didn't ring true. I'll give you a vague example, so as not to spoil anything. The part about the possible lesbian feelings. Just .... no. The reaction from the other teens is unexpected and illogical. I can't see that happening. There were other times when I just felt like, "that's not what he would have said." Or, "she wouldn't have done that." Not that I'm an expert on teens, but I deal with them every day, and I just thought some reactions were a bit staged.

There is some romance which is subtle and adds to the story without overpowering it.

The girls and most of their friends are in an English class that is studying the poetry of Emily Dickinson. I'm not very familiar with her poetry or her life, but it was interesting how Rodriguez wove the story around this poetry. It was quite beautifully done. The author lists all the book's connections to Dickinson's life and work in her note at the end, which makes it even better.

The suicidal teen is writing a journal throughout the narrative, which gives the book a 13 Reasons Why vibe, and it was well done. I really appreciated the ending. Not all rosy, but hopeful and realistic.

Teens who want an edgy contemporary story that is very easy to read but also beautifully told should be pointed to When Reason Breaks.

Published by Bloomsbury USA, February 10, 2015
eARC obtained from NetGalley
304 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: All the Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven

Teenage angst, attempted suicide, and the feeling of impending doom. That's my impression of All the Bright Places.

Violet is suffering because she lost her older sister (and best friend) less than a year ago in a car accident. She blames herself. Finch has spent much of his life contemplating suicide. At times, he goes to "sleep," basically hiding from the world for weeks at a time. When he's not having one of these episodes, he's thinking about taking his own life.

When Finch saves Violet from falling (or jumping) off the bell tower at their school, everyone thinks Violet saves Finch. But it's the start of an interesting relationship.

I loved how the relationship slowly built. There isn't any "insta-love" here. The book is wonderfully lyrical, and easy to read. Each of these characters come to life, and you can't help but root for their eventual happiness. However, throughout the whole book, I kept feeling like things were NOT going to end happily. As much as I wished for it. And I was correct. Blaaahhhh.

I get the comparison to Eleanor and Park. The romance is really sweet and genuine. I'm not so sure about The Fault in Our Stars. I didn't get that vibe from All the Bright Places.

Kids with problems, digging holes and trying to help each other out of those holes. It's an interesting, if familiar, premise. It was well done, but I guess I'm just tired of it.

I've read mostly rave reviews of All the Bright Places, so you should look some of those up. If this is your type of book, then it's very well done and I would recommend it.

Published by Knopf BFYR, January 6, 2015
eARC obtained from NetGalley
400 pages

Rating: 3/5

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Book Review: Glory O'Brien's History of the Future by A.S. King @AS_King

A.S. King novels are unique, and Glory O'Brien's History of the Future is no exception. She comes up with unusual situations, but her characters are so well done, nothing seems that strange.

Glory is going to graduate from high school. Her best friend, Ellie, isn't because she's home schooled by her mother at the commune right across the street from Glory's house.

Glory lives with her father. They have some issues. Her mother committed suicide by putting her head in the oven when Glory was four years old. Her dad quit painting after that and also got rid of the oven. They only have a microwave, and they don't speak of Glory's mother.

Glory and Ellie found a dead bat that they put in a jar a couple of years ago. Ellie's mother finds the jar in a shed, and shakes it until the bat literally becomes powder. Glory and Ellie are staring at the stars one night, drinking beer, and they decide to pour the powder in their beer and drink it.

After they drink the bat, they can see things about people when they make eye contact. Sometimes it's things about the person's past. Sometimes it's the future. Glory seems to see bad things, but the things Ellie sees are fun and happy.

Glory begins to urge her dad to talk about her mom, and she finds some old scrapbooks of her mother's. Glory loves photography, just like her mom, but she can't figure out what to do with her life. She feels doomed to repeat what her mother did. No one talks about her mom, so she doesn't know if they are alike or not.

That's a pretty convoluted and non-detailed description that doesn't sound like much. I just can't go into every detail that makes Glory O'Brien's History of the Future special--there are too many of them. But the book is very emotional and dramatic. There are many side stories that contribute to Glory's trying to find her way. Suffice it to say, if you have read A. S. King before, you will want to read Glory O'Brien's History of the Future. If you haven't, this is as good a place to start as any. If you've read Ask the Passengers (probably my favorite one) this book has the same feelings and emotions as that one. And, Gerald, the main character from Reality Boy, gets a mention.

What a talented author. King will always be one of my favorites, and I'll make sure to read anything she writes. I love putting her books in the hands of my teens. You should try it.

Published by Little, Brown BFYR (October 14, 2014)
eARCobtained from Edelweiss
320 pages

Rating: 5/5

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