Book Review: 'Girl, Interrupted' by Susanna Kaysen

✰✰✰✰½ When does a person cross the line from normal teenager to mental patient? Back in 1967 Susanna Kaysen was put in a taxi and ended up at McLean Hospital. Under the impression she was just going there for a little “rest,” Susanna checked herself in at just eighteen years old and soon discovered that she couldn’t leave until the doctors said she could. While the hospital was progressive at the time and featured an A-list of patients including Sylvia Plath and Ray Charles, life at McLean Hospital was anything but a vacation.

A bewildered Susanna navigated the system while taking an endless supply of pills, attending therapy sessions, and following the rules. Along the way she met the other patients, each with their own mental health issues varying from anorexia to sociopathy. Susanna herself was dealing with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, which she is acutely aware of and yet voices her doubts. Nevertheless, she took advantage of the resources available to her and was eventually able to be released from the hospital.

The Bottom Line: Although Kaysen’s experience happened in 1967, her story is still relevant today. Kaysen included files from her case record, which adds to the veracity of her accounts. Supplemented with anecdotes and observations from her journal, Kaysen’s perception of mental illness and the treatment she received provides valuable insight into life as a patient in a mental hospital. Highly recommended for college students, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in mental health issues.

Book Club Notes: Similar to the late 1960s, the current world is a chaotic place overwhelmed by social issues, racism, and war. Adding in a pandemic and the pressures of economic instability have resulted in a mental health crisis. My hope in choosing this title was to open the door to discussing these issues.

Although this book is slim, it is not an easy read by any means and sensitive readers may want to skip this one. Nonetheless, those that read this book found it worthwhile. The author’s writing is genuine and vulnerable as she provided insight from firsthand experience. We appreciated the straightforwardness of her writing style. The movie, on the other hand, received mixed reviews. Those of us who had seen the movie when it first came out over twenty years ago had very different perspectives now. The experience was similar to the author describing Vermeer’s painting, Girl Interrupted at her Music. Sometimes perspectives change with the experience of living.

Overall, on a scale from 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, we rated the book an average of 4.75, and the movie received a 4. While the movie is well done, if you are looking for the real story, check out the book.

To help guide your discussion, check out this reading guide for thought provoking discussion questions: Penguin Random House, 

Details: Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. Paperback edition published by Vintage Books, A Division of Random House, Inc. in 1993. 192 p. ISBN: 978-0-679-74604-1 

Book Review: 'Ordinary People' by Judith Guest

✰✰✰✰✰ Cal and Beth Jarrett are the All-American dream couple. With successful careers and two outstanding teen sons, the Jarretts are comfortable in their lives. Unfortunately, life can change in an instant. After a tragedy leaves the family with only one son, the Jarretts must learn to move forward, but how? The loss of their oldest, Buck, is too much for them to process as each turns inwards. 

Without the support and attention of his parents, Conrad, the remaining son, attempts to take his life. The aftermath of this second tragedy is an even bigger struggle for Cal and Beth as they continue to deal with the loss of Buck. As Conrad returns to high school and tries to navigate his classes, Cal & Beth are at odds with how to help. Will they be able to find the support they need to heal as a family or will the aftermath of tragedy be too much for the Jarretts? Whether you are reading this book for the first time or the tenth time, the ending will haunt you.

The Bottom Line: Although first published in 1976, this novel still deserves a place on your bookshelf. It's a quick read that immediately connects and stays with the reader. Guest has an innate understanding of the internal dialogue people experience when faced with personal loss, grief, and depression. Each character expresses their grief differently, and Guest did a superb job tackling a tough subject. Highly recommended for teen, new adult, and adult readers. This novel would be perfect for discussion groups. Additionally, this book was made into a movie with a stellar cast you won't want to miss.

Details: Ordinary People by Judith Guest. Paperback published by Penguin Books in 1982. 272 p. ISBN: 0-14-006517-2 

Book Review: 'The Freedom Writers Diary' by the Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell

✰✰✰✰½ When a rookie English teacher, Erin Gruwell, is faced with 150 Freshmen remedial students, it's time to sink or swim. Looking around her classroom on the first day, she is struck by the way they segregate themselves into groups based on race: Black, Asian, and Latino, with a lone Caucasian student lost in the crowd.

Gruwell, comes up with an idea to get the kids to write by having each keep a journal. They can write anything they want with no repercussions, and write, they do. Gruwell soon realizes that for many of these kids, just surviving the streets is an accomplishment. By listening carefully and creating interactive activities, Gruwell encourages the students to see how similar they are to one another rather than focusing on differences. And for the first time, many of these kids find an adult who is actually taking an interest in them.

As the students move through grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, something wonderful happens. They begin to believe there's more out there than just gang fights and the streets. They learn about respect and begin to have dreams. Together, they compiled this book, which covers a wide range of social issues. Together, they garnered world-wide attention and demonstrated tolerance. Together, they did what most adults thought they couldn't: graduate and go to college.

For a dose of inspiration, pick up this book and read what can happen with a little nurturing and respect. Since this is the 20th anniversary edition, it also includes both tenth-anniversary and twentieth-anniversary entries.

The Bottom Line: This is a story about transformation and coming of age during a time when riots in L.A. were common. Highly recommended reading for high school and college programs. Also, recommended reading for parents and educators. Even though this was written over twenty years ago, many of the topics are still relevant today, maybe even more so.

Book Club Notes: This was one of the titles we did not have the opportunity to discuss last year as we were learning how to Zoom. Now we are finally catching up. After a year of students learning remotely, it was interesting to read about the experiences these students had back in the 1990s. We discussed how different it is to learn in-person vs. remotely. We also discussed how the topics from more than twenty years ago are still hot button topics now.

About half of our group also watched the film. We were impressed that many of the key roles were played by teens with no formal training in acting. The combination of well-known celebrities with unknown actors and real Holocaust survivors made the film more authentic. Overall, this was an enjoyable transformation film. 

On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, we rated the book an average of 4.8, and the movie received 4.6. We appreciated the honesty of everyone as they told their compelling stories. Highly recommended for teens, teachers, aspiring teachers, and parents. [NOTE: This book contains some incidents which may be troubling for sensitive readers.] 

To help guide your book discussion, you can check out The Freedom Writers: Express Yourself Discussion Guide here. Also, check out how the movie differs from the book here.

Details: The Freedom Writers Diary (20th anniversary edition): How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell. Paperback published by Broadway Books in 2019. 448 p. ISBN: 978-0385494229 

Book Review: 'Library of Souls' by Ransom Riggs

✰✰✰✰ The third installment of the Miss Peregrine trilogy dives right back into the action. The situation is bleak as our heroes Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom along with Addison, a talking dog, continue to search for their beloved Miss Peregrine and the other missing ymbrynes. Their urgent quest transports the trio from modern-day London to Victorian England via a boat ride with the sinister boatman, Sharon, as their guide.

As the trio makes their way through the dark alleys of Devil's Acre, hallowgasts and wights are around every corner. Time to save Peculiardom is running out as Jacob struggles to understand and harness his special peculiar gift. The quest eventually leads them to a library in which the essences of peculiar souls are stored.

It doesn't look good for the Peculiars or the Ymbrynes as they bravely enter a final showdown against their evil nemesis, Caul. Will darkness take control of all Peculiardom or will goodness prevail? You'll be on the edge of your seat as the epic battle is fought.

The Bottom Line: Our peculiar friends are once again faced with adversity and loss. Despite all odds, they persevere and overcome by using their unique gifts and working as a team. This book was packed with adventure and action, while the ending of this trilogy was bittersweet. Riggs has created a hauntingly beautiful fictional world that I have enjoyed immensely. The story along with the vintage photos makes a lasting impression.

Enthusiastically recommended for young adults and adults who enjoy fast-paced adventures with a supernatural twist. To get the most out of this trilogy, I highly recommend reading the books in order. For those of you who long for more stories of the peculiar, Tales of the Peculiar is due out in September, and I can't wait to read it. Enjoy!

Details: Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Hardcover published by Quirk Books in 2015. 464 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-758-8

Book Review: 'The Lotus Caves' by John Christopher

✰✰✰✰✰ The year is 2068, and life in the moon's Bubble is boring. When Marty's best friend is forced to move back to Earth earlier than planned, fifteen-year-old Marty is left alone. Everything changes when Marty befriends a classmate named Steve. As an orphan, Steve is used to being an outcast and a loner. It isn't long before Steve and Marty's new friendship leads to trouble. Having skipped school, the pair takes a crawler out to the abandoned First Station. 

What starts out as a quick and harmless adventure quickly goes awry when the crawler skids out of control. The friends awake to find themselves in a cave beneath the moon's surface. Much to their surprise they find food, oxygen, plants, another human, and alien life. At first the place seems magical, but the more they consume, the more obedient they become to the alien creature in charge. As the days go by, it becomes harder and harder to resist submitting to the creature. Before forgetting who they are, Marty and Steve make a plan for their escape. However, the creature just might have other plans for them.

The Bottom Line: This is classic science fiction at its best. I remember reading and rereading this book in grade school during the 1970s, and I have been searching for a copy to own ever since. I'm happy to write that the book has retained its magic. The themes of friendship and believing in yourself are just as current today as when it was written. Very highly recommended for kids in middle school. Also, highly recommended for adults interested in sci-fi.

Details: The Lotus Caves by John Christopher. Paperback reissue edition published by Aladdin in 2014. 288 p. ISBN: 9781481418379

Book Review: 'Cy in Chains' by David L. Dudley

✰✰✰✰✰ The 1890s were a difficult time in American history. After slavery had ended, African Americans were free; however, they were still expected to obey the white men. Punishments for disobedience in rural Georgia at the time included being whipped, abused, and killed. Thirteen-year-old Cy Williams has grown up with this unsavory fact of life. He lives with his father on the Strong plantation. He, also, knows how to stay out of trouble and mind his own business. However, when the plantation owner's son, Travis, runs away, Cy goes after his young friend. The result is a tragedy that is unfairly blamed on Cy.

Cy is promptly sent to a chain gang, where the challenges he faced before pale in comparison to life in the labor camp. Conditions at the camp are horrific and leave little hope for freedom or joy. Faced with brutal beatings and sexual abuse over four years, Cy changes from an innocent young boy into an angry young man and finally into a leader the others look up to. Before the story is finished, Cy will risk everything for his friends, himself, and freedom.

The Bottom Line: I received an advance reading copy from the publisher while I was attending the 2013 ALA conference. When I finally got around to reading it, I was hesitant at first. To be honest, I don't read a lot of historical fiction. That being said, Cy in Chains drew me in from the very first page. In fact, I couldn't put it down. Author David L. Dudley has a talent for making the reader feel as if she is right there witnessing the atrocities of the era. The images were so vivid, and the characters were so believable. With each chapter, I just had to know what would happen next. Although the bittersweet ending brought me to tears, I will remember this book for a long time to come.

Highly recommended for mature young adult readers and adults interested in historical fiction. This fast-paced and compelling book explores justice, race relations, and what it means to be free. This would be an excellent pick for a book club as well. NOTE: This book includes graphic depictions of abuse which may not be appropriate for younger readers.

Details: Cy in Chains by David L. Dudley. Advance reading copy published by Clarion Books in 2013. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-547-91068-0 NOTE: I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for nothing.

Book Review: 'Doll Bones' by Holly Black

✰✰✰✰ Poppy, Zach, and Alice have been friends since they were just little kids. Together they have always played elaborate fantasy games with the girls using their favorite dolls and Zach using action figures. However, now that the trio is in middle school, things are changing rapidly. Zach is involved in sports, and Alice has theatre leaving little time for fantasy play. As they try to finish one last game with their toys before they grow up, Zach suddenly stops playing. He won’t even give the girls a reason.

In a last ditch effort to finish the game and get Zach to play, Poppy kidnaps a doll called the Queen. The Queen is an antique china doll that is integral to all their stories. She sits in a locked glass cabinet and is strictly off limits. However, as soon as she is released, the Queen appears in one of Poppy’s dreams as a ghost girl. It seems that the doll is made from the bones of a real little girl who died a tragic death. According to Poppy, the ghost wants her bones to be buried properly. If Poppy doesn't help her, the Queen promises to make her sorry. While Alice and Zach aren’t entirely convinced of the ghost story, they agree to help Poppy. Sneaking away during the night, they set off to discover the ghost’s true story and find her grave. With clues to guide their journey, they find themselves on a real quest instead of a fantasy. The friends discover that they must work together as a team to overcome several obstacles and see the quest through to the end to give the Queen the eternal rest she yearns for.

The Bottom Line: After a slow start, Doll Bones turned into a real page-turner; it’s a tale of adventure, friendship, and growing up. The story is filled with middle school tension as the characters face the uneasy transition from childhood to adolescence. The friends argue with and challenge each other, as they try to work together to complete the task. As with all quests, the participants change along the way. The characters learn that they don’t need to fear growing up, and even when things look bleak, they still have their friendship.

I have never been a fan of antique china dolls, and Black’s story justifies this dislike. These dolls are just plain creepy, and the Queen in this story is eerie and a bit sinister. This is a quick read that ends rather abruptly. Nonetheless, it’s a spooky tale that middle grade readers will enjoy.

Details: Doll Bones by Holly Black. Hardcover published by Margaret K. McElderry Books in 2013. 256 p. ISBN: 978-1-4169-6398-1

Book Review: 'Prisoner 88' by Leah Pileggi

✰✰✰✰ Life hasn't been easy for ten year old Jake Evans. There's never enough food on the table, and his father doesn't even care about him. After committing a crime, Jake finds himself locked up in a prison for adult offenders, since juvenile facilities did not exist back in the 1880s. Although being locked up is frightening at first, Jake makes a few friends. One of the men begins to teach him to read, and Jake even gets a job on the outside helping a pig farmer. Little by little the prison becomes Jake's home. As the days turn into months, Jake begins to grow up. He reaches a turning point when he must decide between doing the right thing at personal risk to himself or looking the other way. Jake shares his story simply, and we are left to wonder what ever happened to him.

The Bottom Line: Writing in the voice of a ten year old boy, author Leah Pileggi's debut novel is a very quick and engaging read. The theme of friendship shines through this sad, yet hopeful, story. Prisoner 88 is loosely based around the true account of James Oscar Baker, the real prisoner 88, who was sent to the Idaho Territorial Penitentiary back in 1885 at the age of ten. While there is no information about Baker's daily life in prison, Pileggi does a fantastic job of describing what life might have been like for him in this novel. Teachers looking for a book of historical fiction to read and discuss in class should check out this out. This would be an appropriate choice for kids in grades 4 - 8.

Details: Prisoner 88 written by Leah Pileggi. Published by Charlesbridge in 2013. 142 p. ISBN: 978-158089-560-6 NOTE: I received an Advance Reading Copy from Charlesbridge at the 2013 ALA Conference in exchange for nothing.

Book Review: 'The Puppeteer's Apprentice' by D. Anne Love

✰✰✰½ As the scullery maid at Dunston Manor, an eleven year old girl called Mouse struggles to survive. Orphaned at birth, Mouse is used to a life of constant work, hunger, and abuse; it’s the only life she has ever known. Mouse has nothing, not even a proper name. Many times she has dreamed of running away, but she has always returned. Always…until one day when it all became too much. Beaten and accused of stealing, Mouse starts to run and doesn’t stop. Having never set foot outside of the manor before, Mouse has no idea where she is going. As luck would have it, she is rescued by a group of travelers, who all too soon go their separate ways.

One day Mouse is enchanted by the most wonderful performance. The puppets are magical, colorful, and almost seem alive. Believing her destiny is to make the puppets dance, Mouse hatches a plan to hitch a ride on the puppeteer’s wagon. But Mouse soon discovers that the life of a puppeteer is filled with hard work, practice, and danger. While young Mouse struggles to find the determination to pursue her dream and create a life, her beloved puppeteer has a secret to hide that could put them both in danger. Mouse’s adventure of a lifetime takes her on a journey filled with startling revelations and secrets; mayhap Mouse will even find a real name for herself someday.

The Bottom Line: This is a charming tale about a plucky young girl determined to find her way in the world. As she struggles to learn the trade, Mouse grows up from a scared little girl into an independent, strong, young woman. Along the way she learns about friendship, determination, and believing in oneself. This short and enjoyable read is recommended for girls in grades 5 – 8 who enjoy reading historical fiction with strong female characters. A few scenes contain some violence.

If you like The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne Love, be sure to check out The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman.

Details: The Puppeteer’s Apprentice by D. Anne Love. Hardcover published by Margaret K. McElderry Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division) in 2003. 185 p. ISBN: 978-0-689-84424-9

Book Review: 'Becoming Holmes' by Shane Peacock

✰✰✰½ The Boy Sherlock Holmes is growing up, but growing up isn't easy. The year is 1870, and the place is London. Holmes finds the world rapidly changing around him. He has just suffered the loss of his father, and the great author Charles Dickens has died. Irene Doyle now lives in America, and Beatrice Leckie has found another suitor.

At 16, Holmes suffers from bouts of melancholy. He struggles as he searches to find himself and define a role for his future. So he is only too happy when he reconnects with his older brother, Mycroft. However, it is during one of these visits that Holmes spies Grimsby, who is now employed by the government and uses the alias Ronald Loveland. Suddenly Holmes realizes that only Malefactor can be behind this. As people start to turn up dead and another is blackmailed, Holmes resolves to get to the bottom of it.

Meanwhile, Holmes is still living at Sigerson Bell's apothecary. Bell has been his mentor in recent years, but Holmes knows this chapter of his life may soon come to a close as well. Bell is very ill, but despite his limitations, he continues to guide Holmes to adulthood. It is with Bell's help that Holmes begins to using disguises in order get around London unnoticed. Soon Holmes finds himself being catapulted through a series of events that will shape him into Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous character. Before this case is solved Holmes will have tied up many loose ends with people from his past and will have found his mission in life.

The Bottom Line: As the last book in the series, Becoming Holmes is both an end and a beginning. Although the first few chapters start slowly, the pace picks up quickly. The Boy Sherlock Holmes has grown up along with his readers. I've enjoyed reading along as the character of Holmes has faced many trials and tribulations that have molded him into the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This final installment is dark and moody and filled with teenage angst which young adults can relate to. The adventure includes many twists and turns and a surprise ending that I didn't see coming. Both young adult and adult mystery fans will enjoy the last case of the Boy Sherlock Holmes. The Boy Sherlock Holmes series is a great introduction for those interested in reading the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

Details: Becoming Homes: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Final Case by Shane Peacock. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2012. 264 p. ISBN: 978-1770492325 NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

✰✰✰ Peter Nimble is a blind orphan who must steal to survive. Despite his disability, he has honed his lock picking skills to perfection and earned a reputation as the best thief in the land. On one fateful day Peter steals a box, and as luck would have it, the contents change his life forever. As Peter tries to discover the purpose of the six magical eggs contained within the box, he is suddenly thrust into a quest to solve a riddle and save a town from an evil king.

Along the way to the Vanished Kingdom, Peter and his faithful companion, Sir Tode, must battle many obstacles and overcome challenges. Together they embark on an adventure of a lifetime and discover the values of friendship and trust.

The Bottom Line: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes is an epic tale filled with adventure and action. Young Peter never lets his disability stand in the way of his goals, and along the way he learns to trust in both himself and his friends. Jonathan Auxier's debut novel is an enjoyable read; however, there is a distinct shift in tone and voice that occurs in part three. Due to some scenes of violence depicted in the book and some challenging vocabulary words, it might not be appropriate for younger readers. Also, the book is nearly 400 pages long and perhaps could have been tightened up a little. Thus, I would recommend this novel for both middle grade readers and young adults.

Details: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier. Hardcover published by Amulet Books in 2011. 400 p. ISBN: 978-1-4197-0025-5

Book Review: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

✰✰✰✰½ Ransom Riggs masterfully weaves together the strange tale of an abandoned orphanage on a mysterious island with a collection of peculiar vintage photographs.

As a boy Jacob "Jake" Portman's grandfather used to show him fantastical photos of kids doing extraordinary things. The stories his grandfather told of the photos were like fairy tales to Jake. But as Jake grows up he becomes disillusioned his grandfather's ramblings.

All that changes when Jake finds his grandfather after he has been attacked. As he lies dying he whispers, "Find the bird. In the loop. On the other side of the old man's grave. September 3, 1940." Jake has no idea what those words mean, but after his grandfather's horrific death, he is plagued by the type of nightmares that make one scream. In an effort to try to make sense of his dreams and his grandfather's last request, Jake convinces his parents to let him visit the remote island off the coast of Wales where his grandfather once lived before World War II.

Once there Jake explores an abandoned orphanage, where he comes face to face with some of the mysteries from his grandfather's life. Jake's search to make sense of his grandfather's last words becomes an adventure you won't easily forget.

The Bottom Line: Ransom Riggs' first novel is hauntingly beautiful and deliciously creepy. It will draw you in and leave you wanting more. The text and photographs work fascinatingly well together in this strange coming-of-age story featuring friendship, the supernatural, and time travel. Very highly recommended for both young adults and adults looking for something a little bit different to read.

Details: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Hardcover published by Quirk Books in 2011. 352 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-476-1

Book Review: Amaryllis in Blueberry by Christina Meldrum

✰✰✰½ "Dick is dead." Thus, begins Meldrum's latest novel, Amaryllis in Blueberry. Set mostly in the 1970s, we follow the Slepy family as they escape their secrets and head off to Africa. The Slepys aren't your average family. There's Seena, who is self-absorbed and doesn't pay much attention to her family. Dick, the father, is obsessed with Seena to the point where he must have total control over her. Then there are the three daughters all named Mary, each with their own secrets and rebellions. The youngest, Amaryllis, is different from all the rest. Not only is she dark complected with blueberry eyes, but as a synesthete she sees things the others don't.

As the family grows accustomed to their new life in Africa, each member begins to unravel. Follow the twists and turns of this story to discover how Dick ends up dead as the story begins with the end. This is a book with a little bit of everything: murder, infidelity, secrets, lies, an unplanned pregnancy, and inter-racial relationships. In fact, it's the secrets that propel this story forward.

The Bottom Line: This book moves back and forth between two worlds, Michigan and Africa, and seems to shift time and space with ample flashbacks. It is told from multiple points of view; as the narrators change, the story builds. Each person adds a little piece of the puzzle. At times I found this dysfunctional family to be both fascinating and repelling. While the imagery is vivid and beautiful, I found it difficult to like the Slepy family. This is a challenging read, but worth the effort for those who enjoy contemporary, literary fiction and coming of age tales. There is a strong use of symbolism with references to both religion and mythology. This book was different from anything else I've read, which made it interesting. It would be a great pick for a book club; a reading guide is included with discussion questions and a conversation with the author.

Details: Amaryllis in Blueberry by Christina Meldrum. Paperback published by Gallery Books in 2011. 384 p. ISBN: 978-1439156896 Note: I received a free copy from the publisher for review purposes.