Reflections

Anish Kapoor, ‘Tall Tree and the Eye’, London, England 2009

Day 7 – 30 Day Book Challenge

This book was published by MTV originally when I was in middle school. It was a word on the street book. Passed in the halls in between classes my friends and I poured over the words as a written version of our souls. Now, more than ten years down the road it’s finally getting its recognition with a movie coming out! An updated version of The Catcher in the Rye, it’s a book for a new generation. It made me felt infinite and you will too!

Day 6 – 30 Day Book Challenge

Oct6

Was this the first book that made me cry? No, I don’t think so but it was the first book that I read that didn’t have a happy resolved ending. The loss has stuck with me even as an adult. Is it important as a child to read books that stretch your emotions? Definitely. I don’t dislike books that make me sad but I don’t go to the bookstore or library in search of them. This book is a child’s level tale of life and everyone should read it at least once.

Day 2 – 30 Day Book Challenge

Oct2

To this day I still don’t have any idea how this book fell into my hands. I was in elementary (primary) school when I first read it and if you haven’t, well you surely have heard about Flowers in the Attic. What’s the best part about this book? That fact that it’s the first in a series so there’s countless train wreck action! I will always reread this book and the first collections by V.C. Andrews. They’re my dirty little secrets that I’ve started since I was young and the writing is something you can’t forget. It’s shocking. I probably wasn’t at an ok age to read them, but I certainly would never, EVER let any child I know read these until they’re older. Just because I got away with the drama doesn’t mean I think it’s acceptable for others. Nevertheless I still love this classic horror novel. Here’s to the hushed behind the hands secret of the book world.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Aug9

Victoria Jones grew up in the foster care system. On her eighteen birthday she’s finally free and is set up in a halfway home. Ignoring her social worker she runs away from the safe house, and creates a garden for which she hides in the local park. Flowers have always been her safe haven as the Victorians used flowers to communicate secret messages. They also don’t talk back or tell her how she should be living her life.

When Victoria impresses a florist with her natural talent of flowers, she finds herself living an almost normal life. Yet with positive step, the past creeps up as horrible secrets threaten her sanity. Unable to trust the world she throws herself into the flowers looking for answers. When someone bursts back into her life, Victoria must come face to face with her regrets to find her future.

The Language of Flowers is simply stunning. The chapters alternate between the past and the present, creating an itch that can only be soothed by turning the page. Victoria’s voice is loud and clear no matter what age she’s being written about. The deepest fears a foster child feels is astoundingly expressed through the novel with simplistic realism that makes the book hard to put down. Diffenbaugh has down her research and it clearly shows, bringing a dead language new life giving this tale a sweet sadness.

Although perhaps not practical, the story is so engrossing it can’t be helped but enjoyed and relished. The drama of Victoria’s life is a different sort to relate to, with her issues being deeply rooted. The story is told beautifully as a young girl grows from a troubled teen to a strong sunflower. You don’t have to know anything about the Victorian period to appreciate the charm and care that this book provides, and it might even make you look at flowers just a bit differently.

Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Jul26

312 pages

Published 2006

USA Publisher: Warner Books (Right)

UK Publisher: John Murray (Left)

Twelve-year-old Veronica Swan comes from a loving Mormon family. Living in Utah she adores taking care of her two little sisters. Witnessing their murder is an event that forever changes Veronica, her family and the entire community.

As ‘Ronnie’ grows up and processes the grief whilst welcoming the birth of a new sibling, she looks to her faith for guidance. As her life begins to regain normality, she plans her future with best friend Clare and falls in love with the tough neighbour boy Miko. Everything she knows and trusts is tested when her parents choose to publicly forgive their daughter’s murderer, Scott Early. Unable to accept what her parents have done, Ronnie carves a path that will shape her life than more she ever expected.

Mitchard is able to capture the true voice of a teen in tragedy whilst able to blend the complex Mormon faith for readers to understand. Although not directly considered a YA novel, I believe due to the age of Ronnie throughout most of the book that it can be placed in this category. Blending adult issues and themes with teenage angst of true love that’s dampened by different faiths, Cage of Stars is a complex story of forgiveness.

Capturing grace and honestly, Mitchard is able to portray intense tragedy and how people move on. At the same time she’s able to keep Ronnie’s voice true. The tone and language used never falters from the teenage context, even as she becomes a young adult. Slow paced but powerful, Cage of Stars is a great novel to nurse the heart through a difficult time. Ronnie’s strength will inspire, whereas her daring will provide an open channel to process those ‘what if’s?’ we all feel when tragedy hits home. Lastly, her resolve creates peace and sets an example that no mater bad things are, it’s important to hang on for just a little longer.