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Tenderness
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From: KATIE ODELL JONES <kmadison>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 09:57:35 -0700 (MST)
I was starting to worry about myself after reading so many readers' reactions to Tenderness. I wasn't shocked or horrified or even that impressed. It could be too many mysteries read late at night or too many viewings of Prime Suspect. So I asked my favorite YA library regular to read this novel over the weekend and share his impressions with me. I thought some of you may be interested as well.
This YA is a 14-year-old male who is exceptionally bright and mature. He typically reads adult novels and is into Shakespeare and "college bound" material. He is not a big fan of Cormier but has read several other books written by him.
His called the ending of the book "poetic justice" and was happy that Eric died. He said he sihed Lori had not died, but in the same breath thought that Lori was a "real whore" (we talk quite openly as you can see). I asked if he knew other girls like Lori and if he could see from her upbringing how Lori acted the way she did. He agreed that he did know several girls like her and cited her neglectful mother and abusive boyfriends as the reasons . . .
He did not interpret any incest happening between Eric and his mother and even read that passage aloud and said he thought Eric was younger in these portions and that his mom was just being "motherly." I found this very interesting in light of our discussion over whether the incest in the book was too subtle for YA's to pick up on.
He said it didn't bother him at all that this book featured a serial killer who was also a teenager. He said his friends and other "older" YA's could handle it but he wouldn't recommend it to anyone younger than 13. He also added that he would not voluntarily recommend this book with enthusiasm. Instead he's still telling them about RATS SAW GOD by Rob Thomas.
I hope some of you found this interesting. I am interested in what others have heared from YA's about this title. I also want to throw out another question: What is your impression of the word "tenderness." I think it's a perfect title. The word has so many meanings that a lot of different interpretations may surface. When looking at the dictionary I was struck with all of the variations on the word "tender": Soft, delicate Young, immautre Acutely painful An off of something for acceptance.
What are your impressions?
Katie O'Dell Madison Youth Services Librarian Tempe Public Library kmadison at aztec.asu.edu
Received on Mon 11 Aug 1997 11:57:35 AM CDT
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 09:57:35 -0700 (MST)
I was starting to worry about myself after reading so many readers' reactions to Tenderness. I wasn't shocked or horrified or even that impressed. It could be too many mysteries read late at night or too many viewings of Prime Suspect. So I asked my favorite YA library regular to read this novel over the weekend and share his impressions with me. I thought some of you may be interested as well.
This YA is a 14-year-old male who is exceptionally bright and mature. He typically reads adult novels and is into Shakespeare and "college bound" material. He is not a big fan of Cormier but has read several other books written by him.
His called the ending of the book "poetic justice" and was happy that Eric died. He said he sihed Lori had not died, but in the same breath thought that Lori was a "real whore" (we talk quite openly as you can see). I asked if he knew other girls like Lori and if he could see from her upbringing how Lori acted the way she did. He agreed that he did know several girls like her and cited her neglectful mother and abusive boyfriends as the reasons . . .
He did not interpret any incest happening between Eric and his mother and even read that passage aloud and said he thought Eric was younger in these portions and that his mom was just being "motherly." I found this very interesting in light of our discussion over whether the incest in the book was too subtle for YA's to pick up on.
He said it didn't bother him at all that this book featured a serial killer who was also a teenager. He said his friends and other "older" YA's could handle it but he wouldn't recommend it to anyone younger than 13. He also added that he would not voluntarily recommend this book with enthusiasm. Instead he's still telling them about RATS SAW GOD by Rob Thomas.
I hope some of you found this interesting. I am interested in what others have heared from YA's about this title. I also want to throw out another question: What is your impression of the word "tenderness." I think it's a perfect title. The word has so many meanings that a lot of different interpretations may surface. When looking at the dictionary I was struck with all of the variations on the word "tender": Soft, delicate Young, immautre Acutely painful An off of something for acceptance.
What are your impressions?
Katie O'Dell Madison Youth Services Librarian Tempe Public Library kmadison at aztec.asu.edu
Received on Mon 11 Aug 1997 11:57:35 AM CDT
