From: Lynn Rutan <lynnrutan_at_charter.net>
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:13:34 -0500

Thank you Megan for a wonderfully eloquent post about the NBA books. I could probably just say ditto except that I haven't yet read Dark Water. I REALLY want to though - especially after reading your thoughts!

I appreciate Francesca Burgess's concerns but I have to say I am uncomfortable with such a sweeping statement as "this phenomenon would not have been occurring between 1959-1961." Perhaps so but do we know for certain that Cecile was following a pattern? I don't have the book to check this and I read the book a while ago. Is it possible that Cecile was setting her own path, making her own statement? She was certainly ahead of her time in many other aspects. Is there definitive evidence that this was Cecile doing what others were doing? I don't know and would appreciate help with this aspect.

One of the features that stood out for me the most for One Crazy Summer was the character development of Cecile. While I NEVER agreed with her actions toward her daughters, by the end of the book I felt that I had at least a glimmer of appreciation for what drove her and for why she did what she did. I think the author was incredibly courageous with this portrayal and equally incredible with her craftsmanship.

As a sf fan I am crazy about Ship Breaker! Far too many dystopian novels for teens rely on the world building to carry the story. Ship Breaker is a complete book - yes with remarkable world building but everything else is there - stellar character development, a skillful plot, memorable voice and rich and resonant thematic issues.

Thanks for everyone's very interesting posts on all these amazing books.

Lynn

Lynn Rutan Bookends - Booklist Online Youth Blog lynnrutan_at_charter.net
Received on Tue 23 Nov 2010 06:13:34 PM CST