Glimpse

This is not an easy book to read.

It’s a novel in verse, a format that has been known to put off many readers who aren’t used to it. Furthermore, the subject is a very difficult one emotionally, as it deals with child abuse, dysfunctional families, and trauma in a very raw, hands-on way.

The writing is rich and haunting, unpretentious, and really manages to put the reader in the mindset of a thirteen-year-old girl grappling with very adult questions, trying to understand why her beloved sister would hold a shotgun, fingering the trigger, thinking about leaving her.

I find the title very appropriate, as each poem is an episode, a glimpse that offers further clues as to how our protagonist feels, what she can remember, and the way she show more pieces together the clues so she can comprehend what’s happening to her and what happened to her sister.

Sometimes, a glimpse of these troubling issues is all we can stand, but even that can be enough to make us alert to those suffering, often before our own very eyes. show less

Told in verse, thirteen year old Lizzie is devastated when her older sister Hope attempts suicide and is hospitalized, and somewhere inside her Lizzie is certain she knows the reason behind her sister’s altered mental state, but is she prepared to face it?

I think most readers will figure out Hope’s devastating secret before Lizzie does, there’s still a great deal of suspense though in wondering when Lizzie will put together the pieces, and what, if anything she’d do about it.

This is not the happiest of stories, it’s upsetting and awful, your heart will hurt for these girls, it’s tough to read stuff like this, it’s tough to be reminded that this doesn’t just happen in fiction, so this is definitely not a book to turn to show more if you’re looking for something uplifting, but if you’re braced for the content, for feeling angry and sad, it’s truly well-written, emotional reading experience, with a tender, protective connection between the sisters. show less

It isn't often that I am so emotionally overwhelmed by a novel that I want to simultaneously hug it to my chest and throw it across the room. I was riveted by Hope and Lizzie's heartrending story and, even though it was difficult to read, I found that I was unable to tear my eyes from the pages.

I found it hard to determine if it was the book's content or the age of the narrator that called to my protective side, but it was there in full force. Williams' depiction was so vivid that I found myself completely invested in the characters, which caused many frustrated tears. I wanted to protect Hope and Lizzie from their awful, selfish mother and prevent the tragic events that I felt were sure to unfold.

I haven't read very many books show more written in verse, but, after GLIMPSE, I may have to. Williams' writing had a much more powerful impact written in blank verse than it would have in any other format. I'm astounded by how the deletion of superfluous words can hone text into a dangerous weapon that cuts straight to the reader's heart.

GLIMPSE is left me swollen-eyed and emotionally drained, but in no way regretting my soggy state. It's often the difficult reads that leave a permanent mark, opening the reader's eyes to an issue or situation that they'd rather avoid. My eyes are officially open. show less

This book is desperately sad, and part of me wishes I hadn't read it. The voice of the narrator, almost thirteen year old Hope, is painfully clear and realistic as she tries to comprehend what has caused her to lose her sister. At times I thought the story must be taking place at least 30 or 40 years ago because the girls seemed so isolated and naive, but it's a modern story of girls isolated by poverty and abuse.

Glimpse is a heartbreaking and powerful novel that had me turning the pages as fast as possible near the end just to find out what happened. It's told in verse, and it only took me about an hour and a half to read. Oh, how I love novels in verse. Every word is important, everything has to work together or you're left confused with no idea what's happening. Carol Lynch Williams understands that and this was an exceptional novel in verse.

The characters really make this book. Hope is a strong girl, especially considering the way she lives. Her mother is a prostitute, her father is dead, and her sister is all she has. Until she tries to kill herself. Then Lizzie is taken to a mental hospital and Hope is left to figure out what happened. I show more really felt for Hope. Thinking of her life makes me feel slightly sick. From the get go I didn't like Hope and Lizzie's mother, and by the end I despised her. We don't see much of Lizzie, but there are flashbacks and they visit her a few times. I'm in awe of her and what she endured.

This book isn't for the faint of heart. A lot of it horrified me, because I know that right now, somewhere, this could be happening. It breaks my heart. I really enjoyed the writing in this book, a lot of it was beautiful. The only complaint is that sometimes I was confused about whether it was the past or present.

Basically: Go read this! It will break your heart in the best way! show less

"Her voice
pierces me in the chest,
right under,
the breastbone
And my heart,
right then and there,
rips in half.
I can feel the weepy
tear in it."


That's right. It's another one of those books that is written in verse. This one is about two sisters, Hope and Lizzie. Lizzie tried to kill herself and Hope is trying to find out why. Her mother is a prostitute so they aren't living in the best living conditions. I've never absolutely loved a book in verse. Burned by Ellen Hopkins got close only because the book's ending made me want to scream and rip and tear out the father's eyes out.

I actually don't mind verse that much anymore. It's just that I haven't read a 5 star book with verse in it but I'm being too critical seeing as I've only read three show more like that so don't mind me too much. This book had a lot of potential and it was intense at some times. It's a really messed up family they've got here. I didn't like how Hope a lot of the time didn't seem to care about her sister. She would always go off to her friend's house. She would always do that before but it was like she was always laughing. She never really took the time to go visit her sister. If my brothers really needed me I don't care if I had to walk for a day I would go to them. I don't know. She is twelve but really... She would talk about missing her sister and how her sister would cry but at the climax I still couldn't feel for her and she's the main character!

Well I got all the negative out of there so now for the positive. The reveal was horrible... in a good way. It'll just pierce your heart just like she says (quote above). It's really bad why she wants to kill herself. Before the reveal they hint at it and you know. God you know. This isn't going to end well. You get a little panicky before because you know and when it becomes revealed you just die inside a little. So as you can see I did like the book I just didn't like how Hope acted most of the way during the book. Verse is catching on to me. One day I might even go out of my way to read it.

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I'm not a big fan of verse novels. The only exception was Sold by Patricia McCormick. That is, until now. I still don't like the fact that this book was written in free verse, but I was able to get past that and enjoy the story underneath.

Glimpse is about 12-year-old Hope and what happened after she found her older sister, Liz, in the bathroom with a gun in her hand. Liz becomes virtually silent and is sent off to a mental care facility. Meanwhile, Hope is trying to cope with things back home. Her mother isn't the best role model around. She's selfish and turn tricks to bring in cash. Hope suspects that her mother knows something as to why Liz almost killed herself that night, and resolves to bring Liz back to a safe home.

I definitely show more got caught up in the story. The mother is probably one of the worst fictional parents I ever encountered. I wanted to go in there and call DCF myself. I was just amazed at the atmosphere. At first I thought the book took place a few decades ago in the South, but I came to discover it took place in modern-day Florida. It made me realize how poverty and ill-treatment can really isolate someone.

The big secret as to why Liz was suicidal is pretty easy for the reader to figure out, but that doesn't lessen the emotional impact. Poor Hope and poor Liz.

I don't see why this book had to be in verse, though. Is it because they are in style? That the author thinks it makes the work seem more emotional? Original? I would have enjoyed it more if it was written in prose. But it was a quick, emotional read, nonetheless. show less