It’s been a while
since I’ve dipped into my ALAN box, and I’ve read several books since the last
one I read as part of my “project.” I finished this book a couple of weeks ago,
and to be honest, I sort of feel inadequate to review it.
Anderson is amazing.
Not just an amazing author but an amazing person. I can honestly say this after
reading many of her books, seeing her speak at many functions, and meeting her
in person several times. Beginning with Speak,
Anderson’s influence on the field of young adult literature, in my opinion, is
tremendous. As is her dedication to her readers and their teachers (check out
her blog where she offers advice for writing—I would love to use this with
students.
But onto her latest
book (released in January).
Hayley lives with
her father, who suffers from PTSD. After spending five years with him on the
road as he drove a truck, they finally settle down so she can finish high
school. She meets a boy, drama ensues, with many arguments and adults who can’t
handle their own lives, thereby requiring their teenage children to take care
of them, sort of sounds like half a dozen other books I’ve just read. So, what
makes this one any different?
First, if the
boyfriend had “saved” Hayley, like in the other books (I won’t mention names) I
was going to be furious. Thankfully, he doesn’t, exactly. Second, Anderson
doesn’t write down to her readers; her language is sparse, full of imagery, and
her dialogue is believable. Her protagonists suck you into their worlds. Oh,
and she deals with issues that could easily be poorly represented in books—rape,
eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder—topics that she treats
thoroughly and thoughtfully. In fact, this is the only book I can think of that
discusses PTSD. And, I’m just waiting for someone to submit a scholarly essay
on “impossible knife of memory” for Hayley and her father.
Her stories touch
readers.
I can say that
after reading her novels with students and I have had some of the hardest classroom
discussions I have ever had.
But that won’t make
me stop reading and recommending her books.
I read this about a month ago and couldn't agree more - it was absolutely brilliant. I really appreciated that Hayley's relationship with Finn wasn't easy and that it stemmed from issues in BOTH of their lives. The father was both frightening and sympathetic. The language and the dialogue, as you mentioned, were both tremendous.Just a great, great book.
ReplyDeleteYou're right--I did focus quite a bit on Hayley, but Finn and his family's story is just as important.
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