Leni Zumas's writing crackles. Her books are sharp, bleak, funny, and possibly dangerous. When her collection of short stories, Farewell Navigator,...
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I first came across this book on the ALA's annual list of Banned or Challenged Books (one of my favorite sources for finding materials to read. This book has been listed for several years running and was initially drawn in by the title. Although it is considered a YA book, I defy adult readers who were a little less than popular as teenagers try not to relate to Virginia as she not only struggles with the atrocities of being an overweight teenage girl at a private high school but also as a member of a family composed of trim, athletic high achievers that includes two seemingly perfect older siblings. All but convinced she is adopted, it takes a stunning event in her family to lead Virginia to realize her own worth and to find her own voice. I highly recommend this book.
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This is the first George Pelecanos novel I’ve read. Based on the fact that I couldn’t put it down I will be reading his other novels. This compelling story begins with a dramatic event on a single day in the summer of 1972 then picks up 35 years later with the surviving participants. Not only are you able to follow the transformation of those involved on that pivotal day but you will also witness the history of Washington, D.C. itself a significant character in this novel.
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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msanders867 has commented on (2) products.
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
msanders867, October 12, 2009
I first came across this book on the ALA's annual list of Banned or Challenged Books (one of my favorite sources for finding materials to read. This book has been listed for several years running and was initially drawn in by the title. Although it is considered a YA book, I defy adult readers who were a little less than popular as teenagers try not to relate to Virginia as she not only struggles with the atrocities of being an overweight teenage girl at a private high school but also as a member of a family composed of trim, athletic high achievers that includes two seemingly perfect older siblings. All but convinced she is adopted, it takes a stunning event in her family to lead Virginia to realize her own worth and to find her own voice. I highly recommend this book.(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
The Turnaround by George Pelecanos
msanders867, August 5, 2008
This is the first George Pelecanos novel I’ve read. Based on the fact that I couldn’t put it down I will be reading his other novels. This compelling story begins with a dramatic event on a single day in the summer of 1972 then picks up 35 years later with the surviving participants. Not only are you able to follow the transformation of those involved on that pivotal day but you will also witness the history of Washington, D.C. itself a significant character in this novel.(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)