When I read The Glass Field, I noticed how well Burt describes how 15 year olds experience fear. Scott and Jody take on the threat of nuclear war and add it to their every thought. I have observed this same behavior among my own students as well. So when I read that, it felt disturbingly familiar.
I found myself going back to Scott. He holds onto his grief at an emotional distance. His daily routines are filled with distractions and he has no intention of acknowledging anything he has lost. The dinner scene halfway through the book is also a strong point, a rare display of affection; that makes the rest of the book feel cold by comparison.
Although I would have liked to see the adults play a larger role in the story, I can appreciate why Burt chose not to do so. This is primarily Scott and Jody's world and they do a great job creating an interesting world.
Relevant today. Relevant tomorrow.
I found myself going back to Scott. He holds onto his grief at an emotional distance. His daily routines are filled with distractions and he has no intention of acknowledging anything he has lost. The dinner scene halfway through the book is also a strong point, a rare display of affection; that makes the rest of the book feel cold by comparison.
Although I would have liked to see the adults play a larger role in the story, I can appreciate why Burt chose not to do so. This is primarily Scott and Jody's world and they do a great job creating an interesting world.
Relevant today. Relevant tomorrow.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Reading Jaguars and Other Game was an absolute breath of fresh air. I walked into this book looking for 19th century Brazil (which didn't disappoint) but left with a ton of energy from the three main female leads. The lead characters' interactions are honestly what carry the entire story; each one feels like her own person trying to navigate a chaotic changing world as opposed to simply being 'action heroes'.
The pacing of the book is quite fast. I found myself reading the chapter's quickly in order to keep up with their close calls. Although the mystery plot points were somewhat predictable, there was enough enjoyment while reading along with the many historical tidbits included in the story that easily made up for it. This is a well-crafted, fun-filled adventure that never takes anything too serious yet will always leave you pondering.
The pacing of the book is quite fast. I found myself reading the chapter's quickly in order to keep up with their close calls. Although the mystery plot points were somewhat predictable, there was enough enjoyment while reading along with the many historical tidbits included in the story that easily made up for it. This is a well-crafted, fun-filled adventure that never takes anything too serious yet will always leave you pondering.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Ancilla is ambitious and you feel that on every page. Sometimes the symbolism leans a bit heavy and a few sections could have used a sharper trim. The pacing wobbles here and there. It’s not flawless.
But it’s sincere in its intensity. The spiritual structure really shapes the story instead of decorating it, and the central relationship carries emotional weight. It’s meant to crack you open and let in light.
I flew through it. Dense at times, yes, but gripping.
Imperfect, daring and not easy to forget.
But it’s sincere in its intensity. The spiritual structure really shapes the story instead of decorating it, and the central relationship carries emotional weight. It’s meant to crack you open and let in light.
I flew through it. Dense at times, yes, but gripping.
Imperfect, daring and not easy to forget.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.