This was a terrific book.I’ve been wanting to read it for so long, but wasn’t sure if I was going to cry, so I saved for a time where I was ready to tear up and could be alone. I didn’t cry, but the book was definitely heart-wrenching, and worthy of the Printz award. I’m looking forward to reading the other nominees.
In my last book review, I mentioned how didn’t care for books about destiny. What drew me to this book was that Vera is all about not following what she perceives as hers. The broken love and friendship between Charlie and Vera was beautifully expressed–both terrible and wonderful and so much in between. It just all rang so true, how kids that grow up to one another find their differences and struggle against them.
The other element that I enjoyed was that Vera’s father had a voice in the book. The relationship between Vera and her father was as interesting and nearly as heart-breaking as one the between Vera and Charlie. It must be hard to pull off because I don’t think its done very often. Seems like YA authors are so busy trying to get the parents out of the way so that they can showcase the teen experience. But, I really love how much attention the father was given in this book.
I’m not a fan of ghosts in stories, so I tolerated this one. It’s just a preference thing. I think King did what she set out to do. And I admire her for it.
I was looking over my book reviews list and it definitely looks like it’s time to read some sci fi, fantasy, or middle grade. Maybe I’ll tackle the Wolves of Mercy Falls series.
*And, an off-topic note: I did a guest post over at Compendium. I’m kind of proud of it. It applies to all writers, and talks about satisfying readers, a notion I first heard of from Peter Jacobi, which changed me. And changed my writing.
Jody Sparks Mugele 
This sounds good. I agree most YA books focus on getting rid of the parents so this is refreshing. And the ghost story would appeal to me.
That sounds great if you review a fantasy (know you don’t love them) or middle grade. I really recommend the Wolves of Mercy series. And I got to meet Maggie!
This was an interesting book. It felt so contemporary, that I didn’t know how to categorize it! Hope you like it!