Nothing Earth-Shattering January 29, 2008

I’ve read a bunch, but nothing worth getting on to write about the second I put it down. So, here’s a run-down: Wait for Me by An Na, Incantation by Alice Hoffman, Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard, Rat Life by Tedd Arnold, The Seance by Joan Lowery Nixon, Thirsty by M.T. Anderson, and Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I will say that many of these had something worth sticking it out for. For instance, Rat Life is a great way to discuss the issue of Vietnam in the likeness of In Country by Bobbi Ann Mason because it’s not really about the direct Vietnam War, but it’s after effects, plus the book is pretty cheeky. The Seance had a great ending (who would have guessed?!) and was pretty thoughtful, but still didn’t bring the scare-power. Incantation is another great history lesson– discussing how Jews were hiding as Christians in Spain and how one girl discovers her family’s true history. Theories of Relativity is much like Can’t Get There from Here by Strasser, but to me, Haworth-Attard pulled more heartstrings.  So there’s the quick and dirty. Enjoy!