Rating: Additional
HarperTeen, 2008, $15.99
HarperTeen, 2008, $15.99
ISBN: 978-0060763848
Age/Grade Level: Teen
Age/Grade Level: Teen
This novel is comprised of nine short stories that are loosely connected by a handful of recurring characters. The highly artistic blend of fantasy and reality will appeal to a niche audience that enjoy's Block's characteristic writing style. Each of the stories centers around an adolescent girl and delves into heavy themes such as death, love, and sex. The dark tone to the novel is sometimes disturbing, with dream-like references to abuse and suicide. But the drama will no doubt appeal to teenagers interested in the depressive and raw nature of adolescence. This might also be a good suggested read for teenagers who enjoy poetry, since much of the writing is poetic in its imagery. The inside cover reads, "What shall we do, all of us? All of us passionate girls who fear crushing the boys we love with our mouths like caverns of teeth, our mushrooming brains, our watermelon hearts?" In general, this book is better suited for older teen readers--definitely not for children. In addition to the mature topics discussed, there is also adult language. While this book will not have broad appeal, there is sufficient social commentary and literary merit to make it a good book for the right reader.
Reviewer: Sarah Stimson, Orange County Public Library/Irvine University Park
