Week 7

Books in Verse

Each book in this weeks list was written in verse, which in my opinion, made the reading smooth and easy while feeling the poetry run through the story. I enjoy these types of books because I find that the words are almost melodic and I can read through them  with easy and I seem to absorb the feeling and meaning to the story. I know that others find that they are hard to get into and that they can be somewhat less of a story because of the format. This again, points to the fact that there is a style out there for everyone and everyone doesn't have to like every style. So, it's ok if books in verse are not your favorite style. Try it though, because you may find that you like it. 

After the Kiss

Bibliography:
McVoy, T.E. (2011).  After the kiss. New York: Simon & Shuster.

Camille moves to a new town and isn't happy with being moved -again - because of her fathers job. She misses home and a boy she left behind and just wants to get through school. At a party she is kissed by a boy named Alec, and it changes everything. Becca has a boyfriend she is totally into. He is perfect for her and she spends every minute she can with him. She believes they are perfect until at a party, she sees him kiss another girl - his name is Alec.  The lives of each of these characters in this triangle will change after the kiss. Camille is confused and Becca is hurt and angry. The story alternated between the characters so the reader is able to discover each characters reflection of who they were up until the party and then where they will go with this new direction that has been handed to each of them. It is a journey of discovering themselves and the reader is pulled in as the characters discover themselves. The reader will root for both girls as they assimilate the feeling and discovery of their journey and see the similarities of both characters. This is a book about not only the kiss and romance, but of self discovery.

All the Broken Pieces

Bibliography:

Burg, A. E. (2009). All the broken pieces. New York: Scholastic.

Matt Pin came from Vietnam where his mother gave him up to soldiers to save his life while his village was being ravaged by war. He is in the United States and has been adopted by a great family. Matt is haunted by his real mother and the brother that he left behind. His American parents love him and support him, but he is having difficulties fitting in. He tries out for baseball and is chosen to be part of the team. There Matt discovers a coach who understands what he must be going through and works to help the rest of the team be less judgmental. Matt is taken to a Veterans group where he meets Veterans, some disabled and most emotionally scarred by the war. After hearing their stories and eventually sharing his own, there is some peace and understanding that develops amongst the group. I would recommend this book.

 Crank

Bibliography:
Hopkins, E. (2004). Crank. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

After Kristina spends some time visiting her father (drug addict), she returns home pregnant and addicted to meth. Kristina cleans up for her baby's sake but after the birth, the "monster" starts to call her back. This story takes you on the turbulent road of Kristina and her journey with drug addiction. She has a great mother and step father, she has a baby, but the story demonstrates the power of the drug. She makes poor choices,  believes she can control her addiction and even gets herself into some dangerous situations. The story is believable and sad and I would hope would frighten anyone who hasn't messed with the monster, which is what I believe the book is intended to do with this powerful story. This story demonstrated that once addicted, a person will say and do ANYTHING to get what they need, whether they have to steal from their family, or others, lie, or give "favors" to get what they need. This is a sad, eye-opening story that everyone should read.

Glimpse

Bibliography:

Williams, C. L. (2010). Glimpse. New York: Simon & Shuster.

Lizzie and Hope are sisters only a year apart in age and the best of friends.  Lizzie was older and always looked out for Hope but Hope always looked out for Lizzie too. After awhile, Lizzie began to change, she cried at night and became withdrawn and distant and is frightened Hope. When Hope found Lizzie with a shotgun, Lizzie was taken to a hospital to get some help and to find out why she is so sad. Hope visits with her mother and finds that there is a secret between them. When their mother is around, Lizzie seems unresponsive and when Hope is alone she responds. The Doctor asks Hope if there is something she knows that could help them with Lizzie and Hope has no idea. He tells her that she has a diary and that it may have the secret in it. Her mother tears the house apart trying to find the diary, but Hope knows where it is. She gets the diary and heads to the river to read it. Hope finds the most horrific information there about what her mother does to Lizzie. Her mother hunts her down when she finds out that she has the diary, but Hope contacts the doctor from Lizzie's hospital and tells him what it says. Their mother takes off and Lizzie can now get the help that she needs to get her life back on track and Hope can get help also. This is a great book and I would recommend it.