Book Review – ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689858205
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Ruby, originally a 15-year-old Bostonian, reluctantly moved “thousands of miles away” to Los Angeles to live with her dad after her mother’s untimely death. Resentful of her absentee movie-star father, Ruby is faced with this life changing event, forced to live with a man she barely knows. All the comforts of home like her boyfriend, friends, and her aunt were left behind as she is challenged to form a new relationship with her father. This novel in verse chronicles the now new life of the young Ms. Milliken in a poignant and unforgettable adolescent perspective.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This form of poetry is written in free verse format. Ruby’s conversational style narration, as if she is speaking to the reader through an online journal, along with subtitles makes it easy to read and well-organized. The story begins with her account of the plane ride to L.A., moves further to meeting her father and settling into her new home, and transitions to her finding out life changing surprises. Throughout the dialogue, she communicates with her boyfriend, best friend, and even her dead mother through email. Italics and change of font to distinguish between the emails of different characters adds to the organization. Although there are no illustrations or photographs in this type of verse, Sones’ effective use of sound and language convey the character’s thoughts and create imagery.
Sarcasm, profanity, sexuality, and drugs are among some things included that may be inappropriate for young readers. However, these themes along with references to up-to-date celebrities (i.e. Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, Eminem, etc.) and events (Payless, Nike, MTV Cribs) are some aspects in pop culture some young adults may identify with. The conclusion does not exactly give a “fairy tale” ending, but gives readers some type of resolve to build upon. While this is a work of fiction, young adults may enjoy this book for its parallel to some ugly issues their cohort face.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS 2005
IRA 2006 YOUNG ADULT’S CHOICES LIST
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Ruby's voice conveys genuine emotions.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This is not just another one of those gimmicky novels written in poetry. It's solid and well written.”
5. CONNECTIONS
· Reading aloud excerpts and discussions are always good ways to help facilitate learning. Visit the Dallas Public Library Catalog for suggested “Book Discussion Guides” which introduces the author, have sample questions, and other suggested books for follow-up reading at the following website link:
(Note: You must select the book title, then click on the “Book Discussion Guides” link located on the right once you enter the site.)
Other resources used:
This book review was created as an assignment for a course at
Texas Woman’s University.
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