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[CCBC-Net] What I loved about Criss Cross
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From: Judith Ridge <Judith.Ridge>
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:07:33 +1100
On 20/2/06 2:36 AM, "Beth Wright" <bethlibrarian at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> So here is my question, and I apologize for asking it so
> late in the discussion, but it has taken me this long to
> formulate my thoughts: a lot of CCBC-Net subscribers, and
> a lot of other adults too, do LOVE this book. Is it
> because you love the craft and construction of this
> immensely innovative novel, or because the characters and
> their stories have moved you?
It was both for me. The craft of the novel?for me it wasn't at all without plot, but perhaps I have a broader definition of plot than is usual?and I loved the intersection of events, characters and language. But the characters definitely appealed to me and I became very involved with and could "relate to" their stories.
Like Monica, I have been passionate in my support of the novel on the adbooks listserve, where it has strongly divided opinion. Although many readers apparently dislike the fact that "nothing happens", for me that was the point. Debbie "wishes something would happen"?as many 14 year olds do. My feeling about this is that, when you're 14 nothing does much happen?if you're very bloody lucky. But Perkins understand also how the things that do happen?going to a music concert, meeting a boy, hanging out with friends in the driveway?these small moments in a young teenager's life are deeply imbued with meaning. They were for me, and I felt Debbie was a character whose experiences of life at that age were entirely comparable to my own
(and I certainly didn't grow up in a mid-western US town!).
I've just this weekend read "All Alone in the Universe", which was charming, but has nowhere near the craft nor the sensibility of Criss Cross, although like it's successor, it shows a deep understanding of the internal life of its characters. That for me is the power, and the plot, of Criss Cross.
Judith
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:07:33 +1100
On 20/2/06 2:36 AM, "Beth Wright" <bethlibrarian at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> So here is my question, and I apologize for asking it so
> late in the discussion, but it has taken me this long to
> formulate my thoughts: a lot of CCBC-Net subscribers, and
> a lot of other adults too, do LOVE this book. Is it
> because you love the craft and construction of this
> immensely innovative novel, or because the characters and
> their stories have moved you?
It was both for me. The craft of the novel?for me it wasn't at all without plot, but perhaps I have a broader definition of plot than is usual?and I loved the intersection of events, characters and language. But the characters definitely appealed to me and I became very involved with and could "relate to" their stories.
Like Monica, I have been passionate in my support of the novel on the adbooks listserve, where it has strongly divided opinion. Although many readers apparently dislike the fact that "nothing happens", for me that was the point. Debbie "wishes something would happen"?as many 14 year olds do. My feeling about this is that, when you're 14 nothing does much happen?if you're very bloody lucky. But Perkins understand also how the things that do happen?going to a music concert, meeting a boy, hanging out with friends in the driveway?these small moments in a young teenager's life are deeply imbued with meaning. They were for me, and I felt Debbie was a character whose experiences of life at that age were entirely comparable to my own
(and I certainly didn't grow up in a mid-western US town!).
I've just this weekend read "All Alone in the Universe", which was charming, but has nowhere near the craft nor the sensibility of Criss Cross, although like it's successor, it shows a deep understanding of the internal life of its characters. That for me is the power, and the plot, of Criss Cross.
Judith
-- Judith Ridge Assistant Editor (Acting) The School Magazine Curriculum K-12 Directorate NSW Department of Education and Training PO Box 1928 Macquarie Centre NSW 2113 AUSTRALIA +61 2 9889 0044 +61 2 9889 0040 (fax) ********************************************************************** This message is intended for the addressee named and may contain privileged information or confidential information or both. If you are not the intended recipient please delete it and notify the sender. **********************************************************************Received on Sun 19 Feb 2006 05:07:33 PM CST
