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Recommend this book:
Iphigenia Murphy
Sara Hosey
2020 Silver Medal
284 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Iphigenia Murphy by Sara Hosey is an edgy YA novel that you'll long remember. The main character is a young teenage girl named Iphigenia out to find a missing mother and escape things going on at home. But things go from bad to worse as she encounters homelessness, hunger, and dangerous strangers in Queens, New York. She trades troubles at home for troubles on the streets, and all she wants is peace and safety. She soon discovers that not all strangers are dangerous. Some are kindred spirits and want to help her survive and get by. Iphigenia's story shows that family isn't always about biology. It's about heart and compassion. The friends she meets in the park are a lot like her--looking for acceptance and the chance to belong. If she doesn't have enough problems, she might be having a baby too. Where will her search for her mother lead? More importantly, will she find herself or will she always be adrift?
Sara Hosey cuts to the chase in the life of a 15-year-old girl who has a lot to deal with at home, along with a mother she needs to find. Hosey's writing is tough but tender, and she treats the social issues with detail and respect. As you read, you won't get the feeling she's exploiting the situations or characters, because they ring very true. The friendships Iffy makes are flesh-and-bone realistic, and her bonding with the dog Angel is amazing. You really feel for the characters, and you want the best for them. This story opens your eyes to the reality of how it is at home for millions of teenagers, and why they run. We all yearn for acceptance and a way to fit in. This book takes you on an unflinching odyssey of heart and strength, and the ending will leave tears in your eyes. Sara Hosey is the new S.E. Hinton, and Iphigenia Murphy is a book that should be in the hands of every YA fan.
Iphigenia Murphy by Sara Hosey is an edgy YA novel that you'll long remember. The main character is a young teenage girl named Iphigenia out to find a missing mother and escape things going on at home. But things go from bad to worse as she encounters homelessness, hunger, and dangerous strangers in Queens, New York. She trades troubles at home for troubles on the streets, and all she wants is peace and safety. She soon discovers that not all strangers are dangerous. Some are kindred spirits and want to help her survive and get by. Iphigenia's story shows that family isn't always about biology. It's about heart and compassion. The friends she meets in the park are a lot like her--looking for acceptance and the chance to belong. If she doesn't have enough problems, she might be having a baby too. Where will her search for her mother lead? More importantly, will she find herself or will she always be adrift?
Sara Hosey cuts to the chase in the life of a 15-year-old girl who has a lot to deal with at home, along with a mother she needs to find. Hosey's writing is tough but tender, and she treats the social issues with detail and respect. As you read, you won't get the feeling she's exploiting the situations or characters, because they ring very true. The friendships Iffy makes are flesh-and-bone realistic, and her bonding with the dog Angel is amazing. You really feel for the characters, and you want the best for them. This story opens your eyes to the reality of how it is at home for millions of teenagers, and why they run. We all yearn for acceptance and a way to fit in. This book takes you on an unflinching odyssey of heart and strength, and the ending will leave tears in your eyes. Sara Hosey is the new S.E. Hinton, and Iphigenia Murphy is a book that should be in the hands of every YA fan.
Recommend this book:
Dear Jane
Marina DelVecchio
2020 Gold Medal
171 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
When Kit Kat is adopted by the middle-aged, childless Anna, what Kit Kat wants most, apart from love, is an identity...her own, including her sad past as the abandoned, unwanted Elektra, daughter of a Greek prostitute. But while Anna looks after all Kit Kat’s physical and intellectual needs, she ignores her mental need to be heard, understood and recognized for herself. In fact, Anna is so intent on eradicating Elektra’s past, she even renames her Kathryn and will not allow Kit Kat to speak of her past at all.
Bit by bit, Kit Kat gives up on having a closer, open and loving relationship with her adopted mother. She stays silent and eventually loses herself and memories of her past through books until she discovers Jane Eyre. Jane’s story hits her hard. She recognizes the similarity of Jane’s struggles to her own. But what she comes to understand most from Jane’s story is that when there is no-one else to rely on, you have to rely on yourself. By doing so, you become strong. Ultimately, Kit Kat finds her own strength through Jane’s story and Elektra surfaces again...feisty, self-sufficient and in control of her own life
Have you ever watched a movie or read a book that hit you so hard you could see yourself in the protagonist...a story with an impact so strong it ultimately altered your perceptions of yourself and of those involved in your upbringing? That’s what happens to Kit Kat in the young adult novel Dear Jane by Marina DelVecchio. Dear Jane is an engaging, very touching story told in an unusual way. Kit Kat finds solace by journaling. She journals through letters to Jane Eyre, pointing out the similarities and differences between them. She knows the only replies she will ever get from Jane are the insights she gets into herself but, in doing so, she becomes her own therapist. Kit Kat’s story of her past will make some readers squirm. It’s awful. But just as Kit Kat relates to Jane, the number of women worldwide today with similar stories is immeasurable. Perhaps some of them will discover Dear Jane and take back control of their lives. Well worth reading!
When Kit Kat is adopted by the middle-aged, childless Anna, what Kit Kat wants most, apart from love, is an identity...her own, including her sad past as the abandoned, unwanted Elektra, daughter of a Greek prostitute. But while Anna looks after all Kit Kat’s physical and intellectual needs, she ignores her mental need to be heard, understood and recognized for herself. In fact, Anna is so intent on eradicating Elektra’s past, she even renames her Kathryn and will not allow Kit Kat to speak of her past at all.
Bit by bit, Kit Kat gives up on having a closer, open and loving relationship with her adopted mother. She stays silent and eventually loses herself and memories of her past through books until she discovers Jane Eyre. Jane’s story hits her hard. She recognizes the similarity of Jane’s struggles to her own. But what she comes to understand most from Jane’s story is that when there is no-one else to rely on, you have to rely on yourself. By doing so, you become strong. Ultimately, Kit Kat finds her own strength through Jane’s story and Elektra surfaces again...feisty, self-sufficient and in control of her own life
Have you ever watched a movie or read a book that hit you so hard you could see yourself in the protagonist...a story with an impact so strong it ultimately altered your perceptions of yourself and of those involved in your upbringing? That’s what happens to Kit Kat in the young adult novel Dear Jane by Marina DelVecchio. Dear Jane is an engaging, very touching story told in an unusual way. Kit Kat finds solace by journaling. She journals through letters to Jane Eyre, pointing out the similarities and differences between them. She knows the only replies she will ever get from Jane are the insights she gets into herself but, in doing so, she becomes her own therapist. Kit Kat’s story of her past will make some readers squirm. It’s awful. But just as Kit Kat relates to Jane, the number of women worldwide today with similar stories is immeasurable. Perhaps some of them will discover Dear Jane and take back control of their lives. Well worth reading!
Recommend this book:
Perfect
Linda Heavner Gerald
2020 Bronze Medal
276 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Miriam Kriegsman was madly in love with the new boy in her class, Benjy Tafeen. She dreamed of being his wife someday and told her friend Abby that she would remain chaste for him. Lila Adell was the attractive one in class and a bit of a phenomenon in school. Benjy felt attracted to her even though he had not spoken to her much. By the time school closed, Benjy and Lila had become inseparable, yet at the same time, he flirted with Miriam, much to Lila's chagrin. Benjy found Miriam intellectually stimulating and thought Lila was beautiful and talented although she could not communicate well. However, then there was Arjana, the African maid his father had brought to work in their house. She still haunted Benjy. Benjy was still looking for that 'perfect love'. Would he be able to find it? Would the dream he had for the three of them work out?
Perfect by Linda Heavner Gerald captures the complexities and complications of a relationship between three people, Miriam Kriegman, a rich and lovely girl; Benjy Tafeen, a young man whom most women found attractive; and Lila Adell. As the story progresses, readers see the emotional side of Benjy as he struggles to find true love with the two women in his life and how living in a dysfunctional family made him the person he is today. The sub-plots about the parents segue into the main plot effortlessly and the portrayal of every character in the story is powerful, strong, and memorable. Their flaws, personalities, and individuality reflect how the children are affected and how that seems to be the root cause of their behavioral problems.
The plot has many dimensions that make it interesting and the author has executed all the layers with expertise. The narration is fluid and expressive and that gives a good pace and movement to the story. The story unfolds the complications, complexities, flaws, struggles, and problems in the lives of Miriam, Benjy, and Lila as they get tangled in the lies, deceit, unusual setup, brokenness, and secrets of their lives. I love the way the story ended; it was unexpected, emotional, and powerful.
Miriam Kriegsman was madly in love with the new boy in her class, Benjy Tafeen. She dreamed of being his wife someday and told her friend Abby that she would remain chaste for him. Lila Adell was the attractive one in class and a bit of a phenomenon in school. Benjy felt attracted to her even though he had not spoken to her much. By the time school closed, Benjy and Lila had become inseparable, yet at the same time, he flirted with Miriam, much to Lila's chagrin. Benjy found Miriam intellectually stimulating and thought Lila was beautiful and talented although she could not communicate well. However, then there was Arjana, the African maid his father had brought to work in their house. She still haunted Benjy. Benjy was still looking for that 'perfect love'. Would he be able to find it? Would the dream he had for the three of them work out?
Perfect by Linda Heavner Gerald captures the complexities and complications of a relationship between three people, Miriam Kriegman, a rich and lovely girl; Benjy Tafeen, a young man whom most women found attractive; and Lila Adell. As the story progresses, readers see the emotional side of Benjy as he struggles to find true love with the two women in his life and how living in a dysfunctional family made him the person he is today. The sub-plots about the parents segue into the main plot effortlessly and the portrayal of every character in the story is powerful, strong, and memorable. Their flaws, personalities, and individuality reflect how the children are affected and how that seems to be the root cause of their behavioral problems.
The plot has many dimensions that make it interesting and the author has executed all the layers with expertise. The narration is fluid and expressive and that gives a good pace and movement to the story. The story unfolds the complications, complexities, flaws, struggles, and problems in the lives of Miriam, Benjy, and Lila as they get tangled in the lies, deceit, unusual setup, brokenness, and secrets of their lives. I love the way the story ended; it was unexpected, emotional, and powerful.
Recommend this book:
 is led by James, an eighteen-year-old, eight-year veteran of street life and survival. This family’s story is narrated by James as a sad memoir of child abuse, trafficking, prostitutio...){kind=link}
Skids
Jeremy Houghton
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
Skids by Jeremy Houghton introduces a group of young castaways struggling to survive on the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada. A small group of street children (family) is led by James, an eighteen-year-old, eight-year veteran of street life and survival. This family’s story is narrated by James as a sad memoir of child abuse, trafficking, prostitution, and survival on the edges of civilization in a modern American city. Occupied with raising money through panhandling and prostitution for food and shelter, there’s little time or space for planning a better future. James, with far above average intelligence and maturity for his age, never stops working toward that goal. Acknowledging him as their leader, the family unites to follow his rules for keeping clean, drug-free and safe while the perpetrators of their lost innocence and family normalcy continually attempt to prey on their minds and bodies.
There is so much truth and reality in this story that I found it hard to remember that it is fiction. The stories of James and his family, past and present, are gut-wrenching in their authenticity—this is storytelling under Stephen King’s theme that “fiction is a lie; GOOD fiction is the truth within the lie…” This is by no means a fast-paced tale; rather, it is slow in its revelations of minutiae that, in this story, are necessary to capture the insight, the profundity within. The characters are, each in their own way, reminiscent of someone you may know or have seen in the media or read about in true stories. There are scenes that will haunt you for a long time; events that will disgust, terrify, and/or shock you. You’ll alternatively cry at the injustice and hurdles placed on these children. You’ll cheer their successes, small though they may be, and moan at their setbacks as you follow Houghton’s carefully and expertly woven story, mixing past with present events that constantly lead toward a conclusion that is both satisfying and plausible. If you read only one book this year, make it Skids by Jeremy Houghton and then go out and find a way you can help street people, the homeless, of all ages, race, and gender.
Skids by Jeremy Houghton introduces a group of young castaways struggling to survive on the streets of Las Vegas, Nevada. A small group of street children (family) is led by James, an eighteen-year-old, eight-year veteran of street life and survival. This family’s story is narrated by James as a sad memoir of child abuse, trafficking, prostitution, and survival on the edges of civilization in a modern American city. Occupied with raising money through panhandling and prostitution for food and shelter, there’s little time or space for planning a better future. James, with far above average intelligence and maturity for his age, never stops working toward that goal. Acknowledging him as their leader, the family unites to follow his rules for keeping clean, drug-free and safe while the perpetrators of their lost innocence and family normalcy continually attempt to prey on their minds and bodies.
There is so much truth and reality in this story that I found it hard to remember that it is fiction. The stories of James and his family, past and present, are gut-wrenching in their authenticity—this is storytelling under Stephen King’s theme that “fiction is a lie; GOOD fiction is the truth within the lie…” This is by no means a fast-paced tale; rather, it is slow in its revelations of minutiae that, in this story, are necessary to capture the insight, the profundity within. The characters are, each in their own way, reminiscent of someone you may know or have seen in the media or read about in true stories. There are scenes that will haunt you for a long time; events that will disgust, terrify, and/or shock you. You’ll alternatively cry at the injustice and hurdles placed on these children. You’ll cheer their successes, small though they may be, and moan at their setbacks as you follow Houghton’s carefully and expertly woven story, mixing past with present events that constantly lead toward a conclusion that is both satisfying and plausible. If you read only one book this year, make it Skids by Jeremy Houghton and then go out and find a way you can help street people, the homeless, of all ages, race, and gender.
Recommend this book:
The Healing Room
A Young Adult Novel
Michaela James
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Healing Room is a work of fiction around social and emotional issues written by author Michaela James. Penned for young adult and adult audiences, the work does contain sensitive themes such as the termination of a pregnancy and some milder curse words. The conceptual background of the story surrounds the mysterious No Divide company, which claims to present peace and solace for those who have lost loved ones via The Healing Room. With the prospect of knowing that there is indeed a hereafter, our young protagonists Bronwyn and Mateo grow suspicious of No Divide’s motives and seek to investigate what’s really going on behind the scenes.
This was a really intriguing concept from the outlook and one which is sure to hook readers in and keep them invested as the mystery elements of the book unfold. Amid the set-up issues of grief and loss, there are also multi-genre elements going on in the plot such as romance, speculative fiction and plenty of interpersonal drama. I liked the switching points of view, which bring us closer to both central characters and allow author Michaela James to deliver some excellent character development in their thought and speech presentation. This makes for a compelling narrative with characters you can easily root for, and also gives a lot of food for thought when the conclusion of the mystery element is brought about. Overall, The Healing Room is a recommended read for fans of YA fiction looking for convincing teen drama and an interesting high concept mystery.
The Healing Room is a work of fiction around social and emotional issues written by author Michaela James. Penned for young adult and adult audiences, the work does contain sensitive themes such as the termination of a pregnancy and some milder curse words. The conceptual background of the story surrounds the mysterious No Divide company, which claims to present peace and solace for those who have lost loved ones via The Healing Room. With the prospect of knowing that there is indeed a hereafter, our young protagonists Bronwyn and Mateo grow suspicious of No Divide’s motives and seek to investigate what’s really going on behind the scenes.
This was a really intriguing concept from the outlook and one which is sure to hook readers in and keep them invested as the mystery elements of the book unfold. Amid the set-up issues of grief and loss, there are also multi-genre elements going on in the plot such as romance, speculative fiction and plenty of interpersonal drama. I liked the switching points of view, which bring us closer to both central characters and allow author Michaela James to deliver some excellent character development in their thought and speech presentation. This makes for a compelling narrative with characters you can easily root for, and also gives a lot of food for thought when the conclusion of the mystery element is brought about. Overall, The Healing Room is a recommended read for fans of YA fiction looking for convincing teen drama and an interesting high concept mystery.
Recommend this book:
, depression, anorexia, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS),...){kind=link}
A Journey to Health
a body does not define you
Lauren Minicozzi
2020 Honorable Mention
234 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
A Journey to Health by Lauren Minicozzi is an engaging book that addresses the issue of having that perfect body and gives glimpses of the author's journey that will empower youngsters to look beyond their bodies. The author speaks about her struggles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), depression, anorexia, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and her current battle with a chronic illness. The book is a good tool for readers to help them change the way they look at themselves and get out of the dark cycle of trying to reshape their bodies.
A Journey to Health reaches out to youngsters who are starving themselves to achieve that perfect body and get stuck in a toxic cycle from which they cannot escape. The author's personal experiences make it easy for readers to connect with her words and follow the processes she used so that they can get out of the dark cycle. The book will motivate everyone to look beyond their body and share their flaws and show their self-love and self-acceptance. Lauren Minicozzi's words will encourage readers to be proud of who they are, show their cellulite, rolls, and see themselves as beautiful. Her personal story will make readers look into themselves and use their power to practice self-love. Lauren Minicozzi makes readers understand that there is nothing wrong with talking about health and mental health.
A Journey to Health by Lauren Minicozzi is an engaging book that addresses the issue of having that perfect body and gives glimpses of the author's journey that will empower youngsters to look beyond their bodies. The author speaks about her struggles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), depression, anorexia, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and her current battle with a chronic illness. The book is a good tool for readers to help them change the way they look at themselves and get out of the dark cycle of trying to reshape their bodies.
A Journey to Health reaches out to youngsters who are starving themselves to achieve that perfect body and get stuck in a toxic cycle from which they cannot escape. The author's personal experiences make it easy for readers to connect with her words and follow the processes she used so that they can get out of the dark cycle. The book will motivate everyone to look beyond their body and share their flaws and show their self-love and self-acceptance. Lauren Minicozzi's words will encourage readers to be proud of who they are, show their cellulite, rolls, and see themselves as beautiful. Her personal story will make readers look into themselves and use their power to practice self-love. Lauren Minicozzi makes readers understand that there is nothing wrong with talking about health and mental health.
Recommend this book:
At Daddy's Hands
Courage Knows No Age
Jacob Paul Patchen
2020 Finalist
151 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
At Daddy's Hands: Courage Knows No Age by Jacob Paul Patchen is a novel that is poignantly written and one that deftly handles the theme of child abuse in its different forms. While people hail Jim Handler as the hero of their town for solving a homicide, his family is plunged into a cycle of child abuse. The homicide detective puts his family through sexual, physical and psychological abuse. With the abuse growing more and more, the three teenage children know they can't rely on the weak justice system. It's up to Nikki, Tyler, and Ally to end the vicious cycle of abuse. Do they have the courage to continue their plan to the end?
A beautifully written story with powerful lessons. It is what can be termed protest literature. In this novel, Jacob Paul Patchen castigates the evil that millions of children suffer in silence, one that leaves some of them shattered and broken as they grow up. The book is written in prose that is beautiful and I enjoyed the author's ability to lay bare the emotions of the young characters, their pain, and desperate need to be free from the abusive hands of a father. The novel also castigates a legal system that is often lacking when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable. It is intense and written with suspense. I kept on reading, turning the pages, and wanting to know what happens next. The characters evolve through the story and I enjoyed how they developed from the role of victims to those taking responsibility to end an evil. A great read, indeed!
At Daddy's Hands: Courage Knows No Age by Jacob Paul Patchen is a novel that is poignantly written and one that deftly handles the theme of child abuse in its different forms. While people hail Jim Handler as the hero of their town for solving a homicide, his family is plunged into a cycle of child abuse. The homicide detective puts his family through sexual, physical and psychological abuse. With the abuse growing more and more, the three teenage children know they can't rely on the weak justice system. It's up to Nikki, Tyler, and Ally to end the vicious cycle of abuse. Do they have the courage to continue their plan to the end?
A beautifully written story with powerful lessons. It is what can be termed protest literature. In this novel, Jacob Paul Patchen castigates the evil that millions of children suffer in silence, one that leaves some of them shattered and broken as they grow up. The book is written in prose that is beautiful and I enjoyed the author's ability to lay bare the emotions of the young characters, their pain, and desperate need to be free from the abusive hands of a father. The novel also castigates a legal system that is often lacking when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable. It is intense and written with suspense. I kept on reading, turning the pages, and wanting to know what happens next. The characters evolve through the story and I enjoyed how they developed from the role of victims to those taking responsibility to end an evil. A great read, indeed!
Recommend this book:
Till it Stops Beating
Hannah R. Goodman
2019 Silver Medal
215 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Till it Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman is the fourth book in a series. Maddie Hickman is 17 and is about to enter her senior year. An old flame turns up, a member of her family is diagnosed with cancer, and she’s hit with anxiety and panic attacks. In the midst of all this, Maddie is trying to live a normal life, trying to keep up with all her friends and get her college applications in. The stress is proving too much for her though and, eventually, it all comes to a head. Her heart is beating fast and it’s time she listened. A road trip offers her the chance to see that if she really wants to live her life, she must risk everything.
Till it Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman is a mixed bag of emotion! I haven’t read any of the others in the series but I found myself falling into this book as though I had. There is plenty of laughter, tears, shock, and surprise in this book and no reader will be able to stop themselves running through almost every emotion known. It is the perfect story of teenage angst and emotion and the characters are both funny and very vulnerable; relatable and people that we can all identify with. It’s a fun story with plenty of ups, downs and sideways moves that will keep you reading until the end. I feel that Hannah has done a great job at dealing with all that teens have to face these days. Loved it and I think it’s a great book, not just for teens but for adults too.
Till it Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman is the fourth book in a series. Maddie Hickman is 17 and is about to enter her senior year. An old flame turns up, a member of her family is diagnosed with cancer, and she’s hit with anxiety and panic attacks. In the midst of all this, Maddie is trying to live a normal life, trying to keep up with all her friends and get her college applications in. The stress is proving too much for her though and, eventually, it all comes to a head. Her heart is beating fast and it’s time she listened. A road trip offers her the chance to see that if she really wants to live her life, she must risk everything.
Till it Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman is a mixed bag of emotion! I haven’t read any of the others in the series but I found myself falling into this book as though I had. There is plenty of laughter, tears, shock, and surprise in this book and no reader will be able to stop themselves running through almost every emotion known. It is the perfect story of teenage angst and emotion and the characters are both funny and very vulnerable; relatable and people that we can all identify with. It’s a fun story with plenty of ups, downs and sideways moves that will keep you reading until the end. I feel that Hannah has done a great job at dealing with all that teens have to face these days. Loved it and I think it’s a great book, not just for teens but for adults too.
Recommend this book:
Spoken
A Novel
Melanie Weiss
2019 Bronze Medal
200 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
Roman is living the good life and he knows it, but it isn’t any different than the lives of all of his friends. Backyard swimming pools, indoor screening rooms, and expensive sports cars for everyone are a common thing. It is a good life. And then it happens. Roman’s mother pulls another famous stunt and Roman finds himself thrust back to Chicago to live with his grandparents in their average, ordinary neighborhood. As Roman dreams of returning to California, he is surprised to realize that average and ordinary are actually not bad. When he learns about Spoken Word, he finds his niche. He is a natural born poet. As his mother begins to evolve into a better, grown-up version of herself, Roman finds his birth father, helping her to resolve a past that will impact Roman’s life forever.
Spoken, a novel by Melanie Weiss, is a true rite of passage in the life of a fifteen-year-old boy. In this world of broken relationships and unresolved family issues, Weiss finds a way to successfully alter the life of the main character, but also bring a secondary character to her own epiphany. The language is fresh and the theme of Spoken is an interesting addition to YA fiction. While a story of self-discovery, Spoken lends itself to a different curricular option for teachers, a world of possibilities to young readers, and a special inspiration to biological parents. I really enjoyed Spoken and look forward to future storytelling from Melanie Weiss.
Roman is living the good life and he knows it, but it isn’t any different than the lives of all of his friends. Backyard swimming pools, indoor screening rooms, and expensive sports cars for everyone are a common thing. It is a good life. And then it happens. Roman’s mother pulls another famous stunt and Roman finds himself thrust back to Chicago to live with his grandparents in their average, ordinary neighborhood. As Roman dreams of returning to California, he is surprised to realize that average and ordinary are actually not bad. When he learns about Spoken Word, he finds his niche. He is a natural born poet. As his mother begins to evolve into a better, grown-up version of herself, Roman finds his birth father, helping her to resolve a past that will impact Roman’s life forever.
Spoken, a novel by Melanie Weiss, is a true rite of passage in the life of a fifteen-year-old boy. In this world of broken relationships and unresolved family issues, Weiss finds a way to successfully alter the life of the main character, but also bring a secondary character to her own epiphany. The language is fresh and the theme of Spoken is an interesting addition to YA fiction. While a story of self-discovery, Spoken lends itself to a different curricular option for teachers, a world of possibilities to young readers, and a special inspiration to biological parents. I really enjoyed Spoken and look forward to future storytelling from Melanie Weiss.
Recommend this book:
Born This Way
Tammy Ferebee
2019 Honorable Mention
133 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Born This Way by Tammy Ferebee is a heart-wrenching novella about a boy that's not allowed to be who he really is. The son of a pastor in a religious southern American small town, Joseph realized that he was attracted to people of the same sex. This is not a choice that is available to him and he always knew that it was taboo in his family and community. Desperate for acceptance and support, he finds solace on the internet in the person of Bruce, but things do not turn out the way he had always dreamed they would.
Tammy Ferebee's Born This Way is a unique coming of age story that focuses on a highly relevant social issue. Narrated in the first person voice, it is emotionally gripping to the point that it could even feel physically exhausting for sensitive readers. And this is what makes the story unforgettable and one of a kind. What is more disturbing is that Joseph's painful struggles are not that unique really. These are repeated countless times in more ways than one in thousands of communities all over the world.
Tammy Ferebee's commentary on an all-pervasive social issue definitely touches a sensitive nerve and so it should. Melancholic but straight to the point, we follow Joseph's story and it is dark and saddening but through it all, there is always a hint of some kind of hope. Hope that there are friends around you that will accept you, warts and all, and for this acceptance, life is worth living. Born this Way is a gripping short story that will stay in readers' hearts forever.
Born This Way by Tammy Ferebee is a heart-wrenching novella about a boy that's not allowed to be who he really is. The son of a pastor in a religious southern American small town, Joseph realized that he was attracted to people of the same sex. This is not a choice that is available to him and he always knew that it was taboo in his family and community. Desperate for acceptance and support, he finds solace on the internet in the person of Bruce, but things do not turn out the way he had always dreamed they would.
Tammy Ferebee's Born This Way is a unique coming of age story that focuses on a highly relevant social issue. Narrated in the first person voice, it is emotionally gripping to the point that it could even feel physically exhausting for sensitive readers. And this is what makes the story unforgettable and one of a kind. What is more disturbing is that Joseph's painful struggles are not that unique really. These are repeated countless times in more ways than one in thousands of communities all over the world.
Tammy Ferebee's commentary on an all-pervasive social issue definitely touches a sensitive nerve and so it should. Melancholic but straight to the point, we follow Joseph's story and it is dark and saddening but through it all, there is always a hint of some kind of hope. Hope that there are friends around you that will accept you, warts and all, and for this acceptance, life is worth living. Born this Way is a gripping short story that will stay in readers' hearts forever.
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