One of the most absolute hardest books I've read and couldn't put down, all at the same time. Danny is a sophomore and a gymnast. He's actually pretty good, and hopes that a gymnastics scholarship is his ticket to college and away. He's pretty scrawny (a good thing for gymnasts), gets along with his teammates, and loves his sport.
Kurt is a senior football player and a pretty big guy. He's been in the foster care system for a while, and as a survivor of child sexual abuse, he's especially had a hard time after his best friend was killed. He's determined never to be a victim again, and takes the coach's "vitamins" to help with that goal.
What the two of these guys are witness to is horrendous. Three of Kurt's teammates gang-raping a freshman teammate of Danny's. Both too scared to talk about it, they have to decide whether to stay victims, or find the courage to stand up to bullies.
The story is told in Danny and Kurt's alternating voices. Like I said, this was a hard book to get through. The rape scene could have been described in more detail, but it could have been described in less. The author did a fantastic job of hitting just the right notes with both characters and the horrible, horrible action they witness. Everyone should read this book.
Showing posts with label foster care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foster care. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, December 6, 2010
Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
I've been wanting to read this book since it came out, and I finally got a chance!
Alcatraz is prone to breaking things. Not like you and I would think--big things. In the first few pages, he breaks the stove and sets his foster mother's kitchen on fire! That kind of breaking things.
Then he gets a strange package filled with sand. An old man shows up, claiming to be his grandfather. Alcatraz doesn't believe him...not until another man appears with a gun and tries to shoot him and his grandfather.
Alcatraz soon learns he lives in a world controlled almost entirely by Librarians. The lands they control are called Hushland (like the United States). The Librarians control everything, including information. His ability to break things is actually his Talent--and a powerful one. He'll need it to break into the Librarian's headquarters (the Library) and steal back the sands they stole. He just needs a plan and a little help.
There is action and humor here. The author or narrator intervenes a lot with comments or sidebars as the book goes on, but it doesn't get too distracting.
Alcatraz is prone to breaking things. Not like you and I would think--big things. In the first few pages, he breaks the stove and sets his foster mother's kitchen on fire! That kind of breaking things.
Then he gets a strange package filled with sand. An old man shows up, claiming to be his grandfather. Alcatraz doesn't believe him...not until another man appears with a gun and tries to shoot him and his grandfather.
Alcatraz soon learns he lives in a world controlled almost entirely by Librarians. The lands they control are called Hushland (like the United States). The Librarians control everything, including information. His ability to break things is actually his Talent--and a powerful one. He'll need it to break into the Librarian's headquarters (the Library) and steal back the sands they stole. He just needs a plan and a little help.
There is action and humor here. The author or narrator intervenes a lot with comments or sidebars as the book goes on, but it doesn't get too distracting.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
They Never Came Back by Caroline B Cooney
Cathy never expected Tommy to see his cousin Murielle in her face. But he does. In the middle of a crowded lunchroom during summer school.
His outburst causes an avalanche. His parents--mom especially--are convinced Cathy is Murielle. Five years ago, Murielle's parents fled the country before they were arrested for stealing money from their clients, and Murielle was left behind. Murielle was then placed in foster care, and that was the last Tommy and his parents saw of her.
Cathy is adamant that she is not Murielle, but Tommy, his parents, and their classmates aren't so sure. Then the FBI gets involved and suddenly all secrets must be told.
The book is told from Cathy and Murielle's points of view. Cathy's takes place in present tense, and Murielle's takes place in the past. The story is deep and heartfelt.
His outburst causes an avalanche. His parents--mom especially--are convinced Cathy is Murielle. Five years ago, Murielle's parents fled the country before they were arrested for stealing money from their clients, and Murielle was left behind. Murielle was then placed in foster care, and that was the last Tommy and his parents saw of her.
Cathy is adamant that she is not Murielle, but Tommy, his parents, and their classmates aren't so sure. Then the FBI gets involved and suddenly all secrets must be told.
The book is told from Cathy and Murielle's points of view. Cathy's takes place in present tense, and Murielle's takes place in the past. The story is deep and heartfelt.
Traitor by Andy McNabb
Danny Watts has always wanted to be in the British army. He's gotten through all the trials, sure he's going to pass, when they reject him. The reason? Danny's grandfather is a traitor to the country. Fergus Watts turned his back on Britain to work for drug runners in Columbia. Danny decides he's going to find Fergus and make him pay for ruining his life.
Fergus is not what Danny expected, when he tracks him down. And Fergus knows Danny was just a pawn to find him for Fergus' enemies--the real traitor. Now the two of them are on a mission to clear Fergus' name and avoid the MI-6 agents that are out to get them out of the way--by any means necessary.
A lot of spy jargon goes into this book, but it all fits. Lots of action, adventure, suspense, and espionage. Fans of Alex Rider and James Bond will eat this book up!
Fergus is not what Danny expected, when he tracks him down. And Fergus knows Danny was just a pawn to find him for Fergus' enemies--the real traitor. Now the two of them are on a mission to clear Fergus' name and avoid the MI-6 agents that are out to get them out of the way--by any means necessary.
A lot of spy jargon goes into this book, but it all fits. Lots of action, adventure, suspense, and espionage. Fans of Alex Rider and James Bond will eat this book up!
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Liesel is a young German girl during World War II. Left in foster care after her brother's death, she steals books when she wants to feel better. Hans, her foster father, teaches her how to read and makes her feel welcome in her new home.
Hans has a few secrets as well. He owed a favor to a Jewish family and must keep his promise.
Max is a Jewish man on the run from the concentration camps. His life intertwines with Liesel and Hans as the war continues, and Liesel learns more about the war than she ever thought possible.
This is a moving story narrated by Death as he moves throughout Liesel's life. Provides a different perspective on World War II and the poorer Germans who had no say in what happened in their own country.
Hans has a few secrets as well. He owed a favor to a Jewish family and must keep his promise.
Max is a Jewish man on the run from the concentration camps. His life intertwines with Liesel and Hans as the war continues, and Liesel learns more about the war than she ever thought possible.
This is a moving story narrated by Death as he moves throughout Liesel's life. Provides a different perspective on World War II and the poorer Germans who had no say in what happened in their own country.
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