I love music. I'm not so much about creating it, but about feeling it. I love lyrics and rhythm and the way my body moves when it catches just right. Sometimes I'll choose a machine at the gym over classes because I prefer my playlist over the instructor's choice of music.
But today...I was inspired.
I'm revising a new novel now and the themes are still floating around in my head. How do I want to make the reader feel? What do I want to think about as I'm writing?
Every word of every song matters when I am seeking an emotion to write about.
I nearly fell over in conditioning class today when one song started. The words swept me away. I knew what they were singing about and now I have to write about it too. So, this video is for you Rio. Thanks for sharing your back story with me today.
Showing posts with label Young Adult Novels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Young Adult Novels. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Book Review: CALEB'S WARS by DAVID DUDLEY
Caleb lives in a world at war. War news is on everyone’s mind, and Caleb’s older brother, Randall, is likely to be sent overseas. The presence of German POWs in Caleb’s rural Georgia community is a constant reminder of what’s happening in Europe. Locked in a power struggle with his domineering father and fighting to keep both his temper and his self-respect in dealing with whites, Caleb finds his loyalties shifting and his certainties slipping away. This coming-of-age story, set in a time before the civil rights movement emerged, traces one young man’s growing commitment to justice and to the courage needed to protect it.
Description: Caleb's Wars is a historical novel set in 1944, during World War II. David Dudley gives just the right amount of description to make the setting clear without overloading the reader. Many of the details are hidden in the narrative so I did not feel burdened or distracted. By the end of the first chapter, I felt like I was in rural Georgia with the heat and dust standing outside the Dixie Bell Cafe. (Score: 8/10)
Narrative: David Dudley chose first person to tell Caleb's story. This POV lead to a sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings of the main character. The narrative used was well organized, concise and interesting. A lot of detail was given in a way that helped move the story along. I really enjoyed seeing the world through Caleb's eyes. It was often I found myself lost to the emotion of Caleb's Wars. (Score: 8/10)
Dialogue: Okay, here is an area where Caleb's Wars is very unique. David Dudley uses dialects, rural southern and African American in a most talented way. It's part of the story and adds to the authenticity of the characters. What I found most interesting, was the way David Dudley shows the reader how the African Americans were forced to speak in a degrading way, even when they knew proper grammar. So, if you want an example of how to properly use dialect in a novel, Caleb's Wars is one I would recommend. (Score: 8/10)
Characterization: It's interesting to note that there's quite a few characters in Caleb's Wars. Many of them are minor or temporary. But to me, that adds to the realism of fiction. In real life, we have people who only serve one purpose. Many times as I've revised my novel, I've been encouraged to cut out ones that don't accomplish multiple tasks. But in Caleb's Wars, it works really well to establish timeline and sense of place. (Score: 8/10)
Resolution: I was pleasantly surprised and mildly disappointed in the ending of Caleb's Wars. I think I expected the usual wrap it up and neatly packaged ending. And that's a thought I can not explain. Maybe because it was a historical novel or possibly because I was enjoying it so much, but the book just sort of ended. OR MAYBE...I felt unsatisfied because I couldn't believe those final few scenes could be the truth. But it is. And I have a pretty strong feeling that is exactly how David Dudley wants us to feel. After all, it's how Caleb felt. (Score: 7/10)
As a reader, I enjoyed Caleb's Wars. It's not earth shattering or fast paced, but it's not meant to be. It's a snapshot glimpse into the life of someone else during a different time. And it's clear David Dudley is not only familiar but passionate about his characters. I think this book is a great addition to any library of history teachers, especially in middle or high schools. I'd recommend Caleb's Wars to lovers of history, haters of discrimination and supporters of standing up for your rights. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
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Narrative: David Dudley chose first person to tell Caleb's story. This POV lead to a sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings of the main character. The narrative used was well organized, concise and interesting. A lot of detail was given in a way that helped move the story along. I really enjoyed seeing the world through Caleb's eyes. It was often I found myself lost to the emotion of Caleb's Wars. (Score: 8/10)
Dialogue: Okay, here is an area where Caleb's Wars is very unique. David Dudley uses dialects, rural southern and African American in a most talented way. It's part of the story and adds to the authenticity of the characters. What I found most interesting, was the way David Dudley shows the reader how the African Americans were forced to speak in a degrading way, even when they knew proper grammar. So, if you want an example of how to properly use dialect in a novel, Caleb's Wars is one I would recommend. (Score: 8/10)
Characterization: It's interesting to note that there's quite a few characters in Caleb's Wars. Many of them are minor or temporary. But to me, that adds to the realism of fiction. In real life, we have people who only serve one purpose. Many times as I've revised my novel, I've been encouraged to cut out ones that don't accomplish multiple tasks. But in Caleb's Wars, it works really well to establish timeline and sense of place. (Score: 8/10)
Resolution: I was pleasantly surprised and mildly disappointed in the ending of Caleb's Wars. I think I expected the usual wrap it up and neatly packaged ending. And that's a thought I can not explain. Maybe because it was a historical novel or possibly because I was enjoying it so much, but the book just sort of ended. OR MAYBE...I felt unsatisfied because I couldn't believe those final few scenes could be the truth. But it is. And I have a pretty strong feeling that is exactly how David Dudley wants us to feel. After all, it's how Caleb felt. (Score: 7/10)
As a reader, I enjoyed Caleb's Wars. It's not earth shattering or fast paced, but it's not meant to be. It's a snapshot glimpse into the life of someone else during a different time. And it's clear David Dudley is not only familiar but passionate about his characters. I think this book is a great addition to any library of history teachers, especially in middle or high schools. I'd recommend Caleb's Wars to lovers of history, haters of discrimination and supporters of standing up for your rights. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Book Review: HOW TO SAVE A LIFE by SARA ZARR
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| Photo Property of Hachette Book Group |
Published by: LITTLE BROWN BKS YOUNG READERS
Genre: JUVENILE FICTION
Published on: 10/18/2011
Subformat: YOUNG ADULT
Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she's somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.
Mandy Kalinowski understands what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she's sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It's harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?
As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy--or as difficult--as it seems.
Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about the many roads that can lead us home.
Narrative: Jill and Mandy are teens from different backgrounds brought together because of their own individual circumstances. How to Save a Life is told from alternating perspectives of the two girls. To accomplish this, Sara Zarr utilized quite a bit of narrative. This lead to a lot of background information presented per character. And it's done beautifully. I felt I was able to really know both girls. True fact: I couldn't read this book in public due to inability to control spontaneous tearful outbursts. Yup-the narrative in this story was every thing a great book should be. (Score: 10/10)
Dialogue: I think Sara Zarr is really a teen hiding behind an adult. The dialogue in this book is so authentic I could hear the voices in my head. (Okay, maybe I shouldn't admit that, but it's TRUE. lol) Sometimes in books, though, it's tough to tell the grown up speech from the teen speech; but not in How to Save a Life. Even without tags, it was easy to pick up who was speaking when. (Score: 9/10)
Characterization: The characters in How to Save a Life stay in my mind even though I finished the book weeks ago. To me, they were real people who shared their stories only with me. I wonder how things are working out, and then laugh at myself because it's all made up. That's great characterization and I can only hope to be that talented one day. (Score: 9/10)
Resolution: Sara Zarr's book endings always make me sad because the experience is over. Other than that, the resolutions are always perfect for me in every way: conclusive yet open ended enough to think for myself. I want more. I need more. It's rare that I read a book over again, but ALL of Sara Zarr's books are on my bookshelf to be pilfered through when I need a fix. I guess I'd say her books never end for me and that's the greatest resolution of all. (Score: 9/10)
I'm not going to lie. I'm biased. I've loved Sara Zarr's books since I first stumbled upon Story of a Girl while doing research for my own YA novel. Oh, and yeah, I took a workshop with her in June, but besides THAT I really think she is one of the greatest writers of realistic fiction out there. ALL of her books have touched upon issues of my heart-personal things that I really don't think I can talk about here.
But, How to Save a Life's impact I can discuss. My father died suddenly seven years ago. I'm an adult and was an adult when I lost him, but Jill's expression of grief was SO VERY close to mine that it felt like I lost him yesterday. This summer, after reading How to Save a Life I grieved his loss all over again. Even writing this blog has tears forming in my eyes. Sara Zarr put thoughts into words that I can't verbalize. Better yet, she gave me tools to share with others what it feels like to lose a parent. And that's only ONE of the issues she touches upon in this book.
How to Save a Life is a great read for anyone who enjoys heart wrenching, inspiring and beautiful stories all wrapped up in one. It's genre is Young Adult, but I believe it's much broader than that. The topics are applicable to most age groups. I'm thinking this one, much like her others, will be up for many different awards. I'd rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
For a great review with a discussion of a different issue, check out Sera River's blog.
AND for an inspiring interview of Sara Zarr click on over to Thalo Magazine.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Book Review: BROOKLYN BURNING by STEVE BREZENOFF
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| Photo property of Lerner Publishing Group |
When you’re sixteen and no one understands who you are, sometimes the only choice left is to run. If you’re lucky, you find a place that accepts you, no questions asked. And if you’re really lucky, that place has a drum set, a place to practice, and a place to sleep. For Kid, the streets of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, are that place. Over the course of two scorching summers, Kid falls hopelessly in love and then loses nearly everything and everyone worth caring about. But as summer draws to a close, Kid finally finds someone who can last beyond the sunset.
Description: I am not from Brooklyn, but I've been there once. That said, Steve Brezonff did an amazing job of putting me right in the heart of the borough without boring me. I loved his use of description all throughout Brooklyn Burning. It feels weird to say, but his description was conversational. What I mean: is I felt spoken to, part of the story, drawn in. Often description makes me stop and think to figure out what I'm supposed to know. But not in this book. I felt in the story right from the start. (Score 8.5/10)
Narrative: Brooklyn Burning was written from first person Point of View (POV). There's quite a large amount of narrative, which works really well for this story. Yet, my very favorite and most amazing aspect of the story is when the main character, Kid, has inner thoughts in SECOND person POV. At first, it's startling, but not in a bad way-it's attention grabbing. And it held me. But not only that, I felt hugged by it-meaning it gave the book a VERY intimate feeling. In ALL I've learned about writing, second person is difficult to use and generally frowned upon. BUT, Steve Brezenoff makes it work beautifully. If you are considering writing using second person POV, I recommend you take at look at this book for direction. (Score: 9/10)
Dialogue: When I think about conversation in Brooklyn Burning I realize I barely noticed it. The characters speaking to each other flowed in a natural and easy way. Steve Brezenoff's writing style is very conversational so the dialogue matched it well. I didn't feel as if I were an outsider looking in-I felt involved. I really think the use of second person POV added to that feeling. It also added to the mystery/tension of the story. Sorry, no spoilers here. You'll have to read it to see what I mean. (Score: 9/10)
Characterization: Brooklin Burning contains a cast of diverse characters. The main character, Kid, felt very real, down to earth and not at all stereotyped. Actually, I felt very free, as the reader, to apply my own interpretation of the characters and THAT is hard to find in literature. Kid clearly had issues but the story wasn't overtly "dark" or"sexual" and I loved the themes it enveloped. There was one point where I found myself confused, but that was close to the beginning. There are two characters: Jonny and Konny. The similarities in their names led me to believe, at first, this was a typo (it happens sometimes in Advanced Reader Copies/ARCs), but over time, I saw realized they were different people. It worked, but I really wished for a little more variety in name choices. Personalities, however, were a very different story. Each character was unique, multi-dimensional and real feeling. By the end, I felt I knew everyone and cared enough to be sad the book was ending. (Score: 8/10)
Resolution: I really liked the way Steve Brezenoff told Kid's story of Brooklyn Burning. The back story unfolded alongside the current events which led to a build up of tension and release as the resolution. And to be honest, I most definitely prefer reading this type of novel. It feels more real to life and less contrived. I also believe this time of resolution is the hardest to achieve because the writer only has reality on his side...and we ALL know, reality never really ends or resolves. S0-YES! I loved the resolution. (Score: 9/10)
One of the last things I'd ever want to do is spoil this book for the readers. I despise telling people what to think or how to feel. So, I'm going to make this section short and vague. Brooklyn Burning is a coming of age story about a teen on the streets of NYC. To be honest, I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading the ARC I received via NetGalley.com. But once I got started, I was pleasantly surprised. I read the book in one day. Brooklyn Burning, for me, was a little about self-discovery, love, friendship, trust, and finally self-acceptance. It has a component of romance, but I wouldn't call it a love story. It's so much more. And to categorize it as anything other than a very readable Young Adult Novel would go against, what I believe, the author would want. I'd rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
One of the last things I'd ever want to do is spoil this book for the readers. I despise telling people what to think or how to feel. So, I'm going to make this section short and vague. Brooklyn Burning is a coming of age story about a teen on the streets of NYC. To be honest, I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading the ARC I received via NetGalley.com. But once I got started, I was pleasantly surprised. I read the book in one day. Brooklyn Burning, for me, was a little about self-discovery, love, friendship, trust, and finally self-acceptance. It has a component of romance, but I wouldn't call it a love story. It's so much more. And to categorize it as anything other than a very readable Young Adult Novel would go against, what I believe, the author would want. I'd rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
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