Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Blind (394 Pages)

There are so many things about this book that I disliked, and   much that I liked.  Hats off to Rachel DeWoskin for tackling the problem of writing a book about this disability. I know the author spoke with some  "knowledgeable" people about issues concerning blindness, but I was horrified over some of the things Emma did that were just accepted. Not in my house! 1) I don't like blind people feeling people's faces. It is invasive and doesn't give good information anyway. 2) A pet dog posing as a guide dog?  Give me a break. Totally unacceptable! 3) The idea of "blackness." A blind person does not "see" black. A blind person doesn't see. Period. My daughter, who is blind,  explained it very well by asking a room of students to close their eyes; then she asked them what they see with their back! Finally, why in the world was it necessary to include a friend's suicide? Because she was gay? Because her parents found out? If this was an attempt to provide a unifying theme for the teens, it fell flat for me.
 OK, so I did like the fact that the book dealt with Emma  having a problem dealing with her newly blinded self. At fifteen, everything concerning the body is a problem. I liked the fact that the book included a positive message about psychological therapy. I liked the fact that the book showed how friendships can change and still remain solid. That's it, folks.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

H2O (327 Pages)

Virginia Bergin is a Brit who has written for TV, online, and various corporate projects. This is the first YA book of hers that I've read. I don't know if she's written more, but this one is a fascinating science fiction book. Suppose an asteroid was shot to pieces by NASA. Suppose all of the particles of the asteroid invade the air around earth. And suppose that these particles are carried about in rain drops. And if you can handle all of that, suppose the raindrops become deadly poisonous so that if one touches your skin, you die. This book lets readers know, without a doubt, the importance of water in their lives. They can't take a bath or shower. They can't drink any water. The main character is a teen named Ruby Morris. She lives with her mom, step father and and baby step brother. Her dad and brother live in London. Ruby had never been close to her step father- that it until her mom and baby brother die. Her experience from that point on is so interesting as she and the reader learn about necessary adaptations needed for survival. I think both girls and boys will enjoy this read. But it is weird! It is terrifying. And I didn't like the ending....