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.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Imprint: Clarion Books Pub Date: 10/24/2011

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint: Clarion Books
Pub Date: 10/24/2011

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.

Book Review: IN TROUBLE by ELLEN LEVINE

Photo Property of Lerner Publishing

Title:

In Trouble

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Imprint:

Carolrhoda Lab

Pub Date:

09/01/2011

Author:

Ellen Levine

Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they’re finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one—if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"—something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble?


In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine’s interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice. In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman "in trouble" had very few options—and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse. Jamie and Elaine's stories are just two among the thousands of stories of teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.

Description:  Confession: I read In Trouble in one sitting.  I couldn't put it down.  Ellen Levine had me captivated from the start.  The description was light, interesting and never distracting.  Actually, I barely noticed it and felt as if I knew everything intuitively.  And to me, that's great description.  It flowed but didn't flood. (Score: 9/10)  

Narrative:  I found Ellen Levine's style of narrative clean and simple.  A lot of the story comes from within Jamie-which lends very well to the intimacy of the book.  The tension and passion are both clear to me as a reader and inspiring as a writer.  There's a lot of emotion packed into  what felt like a very short novel. (Score: 9/10)

Dialogue:  Unfortunately, dialogue was not one one of my favorites for In Trouble.  A lot of it felt predictable and dry.  I liked how it helped the story unfold, but in some ways it felt relied upon a little too much for me.  Now the inner dialogue of Jamie, however, is different.  The book starts with it and carries it to the end.  For me, that was the grabber. (Score: 6/10)

Characterization:  As much as I loved the book, I felt characterization lacked a little too.  Though I could tell everyone apart, they all sort of felt, well...simple.  But it did fit the type of story, so overall it worked.  Honestly, I think I'd have liked to know Grandma a little more-she seemed feisty and smart.  In the end, the characters stayed true to themselves and the time setting.  (Score: 7/10)  

Resolution:  The ending of the book was perfect for my tastes.  A lot of things happened, leading to high emotions and an ending that satisfied.  But most of all, I LOVED the Author's Note at the end.  I'm a true-blue back story girl and Ellen Levine's thoughts are clearly heartfelt.  It's hard for writers to expose themselves, especially with hot topics like abortion.  But she took the time to explain to her readers where her inspiration came from.  And she makes some very valid points. One in particular: "Although the historical setting is different, the pressures on young women remain the same". AMEN to that I say. (Score 9/10)

My friend and fellow NetGalley user, Sera Rivers suggested I review In Trouble.  I thanked her a bunch of times.  As a woman, a mother of a daughter, a nurse and writer, this book moved me.  As I said above, I read it in one sitting-a matter of hours.  And yes, I cried.  I cheered.  I felt inspired.  It's the type of book that should be read in schools and discussed at length. (Though I have no doubt it'll be banned.) History need not repeat itself.  We should, as women, be supporting each other-even if we don't agree.  I really hope this book makes it onto at least a few required reading lists for young adults 13-14 years and older.  I know it's on mine forever. Though I didn't love everything about how the book was crafted, I still rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.