FICTION: A Slow Fire Burning

SUMMARY

When Daniel is found brutally murdered on a houseboat, three women come under suspicion: his one night stand, Laura, his aunt, Carla, and his nosy neighbor, Miriam. Each woman has a motive. But which one - if any - of these women was capable of murder? 

EVALUATION

Paula Hawkins tells her story from multiple points of view, including all three women who have apparent motive for the murder, and adding Theo, Carla’s husband, and Irene, Daniel’s mom’s neighbor. Hawkins did an impressive job letting the reader into the minds of all five characters - including the killer’s - without giving anything away. At some point in the novel, I definitely thought each character was guilty. 

Although categorized as a “thriller” this book left a little to be desired in the “thrill” category. For example, there’s a scene where Irene wakes up in the night because she hears a noise. The suspenseful setup is there, but the reality of the situation is just that someone is next door. In a different apartment. Walking on the stairs. Having noisy neighbors can be annoying, but certainly not “thriller” material!

Although the “thriller” aspect flopped, this book was definitely an engaging, if somewhat unoriginal, “whodunnit.” Each character was well set up with motives, confusing alibis, and twisted connections to each other and to Daniel. 

Finally, I struggled a little with the whole part about Jeremy and the flashbacks to The One Who Got Away. I understand he was part of the story to help give Miriam motive and to outline how killers/victims might not always be what they seem, but I didn’t think it was a very satisfactory addition to the story, especially the way it was resolved. I think Hawkins tried to bite off more than she could chew with that added layer to the story.

CONCLUSION

While A Slow Fire Burning didn’t grab me as much as The Girl on the Train, it still showcased Paula Hawkins’ superb ability to keep her readers guessing the whole time. Overall, it was a lot of fun and I certainly didn’t want to put it down.

RATING 

Three stars, nothing spectacular but a good time nonetheless.

RECOMMENDATIONS based on what I’ve read:

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

INFO 5420: A Complete List of Titles Reviewed

FIRST GROUP
Informational Book: 
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

Biography: 
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Picture Books / Easy Readers:
The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Go, Dog. Go! by P. D. Eastman

Realistic Fiction:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 

Inspirational / Religious:
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, translated by J. Alison James

Mystery / Suspense:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Paper Towns by John Green

Multicultural & International: 
Islandborn by Junot Diaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa

Romance & Poetry: 
The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illustrated by Garth Williams
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Fantasy: 
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

SECOND GROUP
Graphic Novels: 
El Deafo by Cece Bell
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Awards: 
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez (TLA 2x2 Award)
Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech (TLA Texas Bluebonnet Award)
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall (Caldecott Medal Winner)
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (Caldecott Honor Book)
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (Newbery Medal Winner)
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson (Newbery Honor Book)
In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O'Brien (TLA Lone Star Award)
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover (TLA Tayshas Award)
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (Coretta Scott King Award Winner)

LGBTQIA+:
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole

Science Fiction: 
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Horror: 
The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake

Historical Fiction: 
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi 


Note: 
Throughout these thirty blog posts, I referred to two sources, one for the evaluation section and the second for the reader response questions. Below are the citations for these sources.

Tunnell, M. O., Jacobs, J. S., Young, T. A., & Bryan, G. (2016). Children's literature, briefly (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Williamson, O. M. (n.d.) How to write a reaction paper or reader response. Retrieved from www.utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm

Historical Fiction: Crispin: The Cross of Lead

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Evaluation of the book:

Unfortunately, although I know Crispin: The Cross of Lead has won the Newbery Medal and that Avi is a well-loved author, I found the language in this book to be particularly and painfully awkward. For example: “When his light finally retreated did I pick myself up and flee” (p. 9). I think Avi is trying to imitate how one might have talked in medieval times, but it misses the mark and makes the story difficult to get into a follow.

In addition, the book is narrated by Crispin in the first person who turns out to be a rather unreliable narrator. For example, he sees things he claims to have “never beheld before” and yet he knows they’re “Moscovy furs; Toledo daggers; Flemish hats; Italian gloves” (p. 166). It’s hard to believe a narrator who says he knows nothing and then goes on to say exactly what each item is.

Finally, the rapid growth of Crispin’s character over the course of the rather short book is hard to keep up with. I agree wholeheartedly with Crispin’s friend, the Bear when he says: “‘Crispin . . . for one so unwilling to see the world when first we met, perhaps you notice too much now’” (p. 195). In the first few pages we learn that Crispin has no name and is shunned by those around him; two hundred short pages later, with not much action in the middle, Crispin has embraced his name, is the son of a Lord, and saves the day by facing the man who made him cower in fear in the beginning. Normally, I love some good character growth, but in this book it seems to happen a little too fast.

Response:

How did you learn, and how much were your views and opinions challenged or changed by this text, if at all?
This is a historical fiction novel, and I definitely felt it did a good job describing the horrors and injustice present in the medieval feudal system. Despite the other faults in character and language, the historical part was fascinating to me.

Critique?

My critique is fairly obvious from the evaluation of the text. I found the writing a little awkward, the narrator unreliable, and the characters a little unbelievable. While I did eventually get very invested in Crispin’s story, this book was, overall, not my favorite of the semester.

How well did you enjoy the text (or not) as entertainment or as a work of art?

Like I said above, I did eventually get into Crispin’s story and I wanted to see how it would end. I learned a bit about England’s feudal system and felt my heartstrings tugged by Bear’s love for little Crispin. I did enjoy the text, even if I didn’t love it.

Conclusion:

Despite its little flaws, I would still recommend this book to young historically minded readers because it does a good job talking about medieval England without being overly textbook-ish. A lover of medieval history and folklore will enjoy the text.... I could easily imagine Robin Hood living in the forests that Crispin runs through.

APA Style Reference:

Avi. (2002). Crispin: The cross of lead. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Horror: The Witches

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Evaluation of the book:

Quentin Blake’s illustrations and Roald Dahl’s stories are a match made in heaven. Blake’s illustrations in The Witches perfectly reinforce text by being just as creepy as written descriptions. Absurd sketches of bald, pimply, toe-less women make the idea of witches in real life even more horrific than simply reading about them.

The tone of The Witches is very matter of fact. Told from the point of view of a little boy whose grandmother knows all about witches, this little boy tells his story directly, without embellishing. Because of this tone, it makes the reader look twice at the women around them because, after all, witches are not ridiculous ideas, they’re very real.

This book touts the heroism of a little child. Even in the most horrific of situations and after suffering from horrific things, it’s the little boy protagonist who has the idea - and actually goes through with the idea - of how to abolish the witches once and for all. The protagonist of The Witches remains unnamed throughout, making it easy for any child to put themselves into his heroic shoes. Any child can be a hero.

Response:

Critique?

I honestly don’t know how Roald Dahl can get away with telling a story so creepy and yet it becomes a childhood favorite and classic. The little hero, his wise grandma, and the horrific witches are beloved to all readers of the book, new and old. There’s something about Roald Dahl’s writing that just captivates the reader, no matter the horrors he’s writing about.

How well did you enjoy the text (or not) as entertainment or as a work of art?

When I was a kid, I think this book gave me nightmares for a week. I might not have been able to finish it, I was too creeped out (and that’s a big deal because I finish everything I start reading). And yet, when faced with a list of horror titles to read for this class, I immediately chose to re-read The Witches because there is something about it that is bewitching (pardon the pun). Yes, I did enjoy the book as entertainment.

What is your overall reaction to the text?

Confusion. Disturbed. Amazed. These are a few reactions I have when I read this book. On the one hand, it is ridiculous enough to be a fun read. On the other hand, it’s just realistic enough to be horrifying. That’s the tension that I think Roald Dahl is master of, and the tension that keeps bringing readers back to him.

Conclusion:

I recommend this book to young readers of a strong mind and spirit, like the protagonist of the book itself. Little people who are able and willing to be brave should read this book; those who are more squeamish and prone to already seeing dangers around them? Maybe pick a different one.

APA Style Reference:

Dahl, R. & Blake, Q. (1985). The witches. New York, NY: Puffin Books. (Original work published 1983).

Science Fiction: Cinder

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Evaluation of the book:

The plot of Cinder by Marissa Meyer is, you guessed it, a retelling of the story of Cinderella. Ish. This book takes the familiar storyline of orphaned-servant-girl-turned-princess and gives it a science fiction and dystopian twist. Cinder the character is hated because she’s cyborg, part robot and, in the end, she becomes a princess not because she marries the prince (though their romance is as juicy as you’d want) but because she finds out she’s the niece of the moon queen and the moon’s rightful heir. Cinderella is a lot less predictable when you throw in the dystopian plague and hovercrafts.

Although the narration of this book is told in the third person, the point of view is uniquely Cinder’s (with a few glimpses into Prince Kai’s world). Because of Cinder’s perspective, we’re given a firsthand glimpse into what it’s like to be hated simply because you’re different. We see, through the POV, that Cinder is just a normal teenage girl and yet, for some reason, those around her hate her simply because she’s cyborg, part robot. This point of view helps us see the injustice of it all and to stand by Cinder as she makes each of her decisions.

Not only is this book science fiction in nature - cyborgs, hovercrafts, androids, oh my! - but it also has a dystopian setting. It’s set in a city called New Beijing in a country called the Commonwealth. The Earth has been divided into four allied ruling countries after the end of World War IV. People live on the moon because they fled that war. By setting her story in the real, though futuristic world, Meyer adds the finishing touch on our empathy for Cinder. She lives on earth, just as we live on earth. Even after we discover she’s from the moon, it’s too late for our loyalties to change. We see ourselves in Cinder.

Response:

How well does it address things that you, personally, care about and consider important to the world?

This book does a good job showing that hatred or fear of differences - cyborg or Lunar, in Cinder’s case- is wrong. As readers, we like Cinder, we empathize with her, and yet everyone around her hates what she is. We know that there is nothing hateful about her, but all her fellow countrymen can see is her differences. We feel this injustice just as Cinder feels it; hopefully we will take that feeling outside of our reading and make the world a better place by being more empathetic and inclusive.

Critique?

Cinder is a very fun book. It’s a clever take on the Cinderella story that is made more exciting by science fiction and dystopian elements. Despite its familiar storyline, the book’s plot is unpredictable and enjoyable due to new elements like space travel, moon-dwellers, cyborgs, and more. Overall, a very well-crafted novel.

What is your overall reaction to the text?

I wish this book existed when I was younger, it’s exactly the type of book I loved to read - fairy tales with a twist. Reading it now, as an adult, brought back that former love of fairy tales and made me want to re-read all of my favorites (and the rest of the Lunar Chronicles!).

Conclusion:

I recommend this book to any teenager who, like me, can’t get enough of fairy tale remixes. I’d also recommend this book to any science fiction or dystopia fans who want a fresh take from those genres. With its fairy tale, science fiction, and dystopian elements, this book is sure to please a wide variety of readers. Add in Cinder’s relatable plight and there’s no one who can (or should) resist this fun story.

APA Style Reference:

Meyer, M. (2012). Cinder: The Lunar chronicles. New York, NY: Feiwel and Friends.

LGBTQIA+: And Tango Makes Three

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Evaluation of the book:
The illustrations in And Tango Makes Three are made of soft watercolor paintings. On the pages with people in Central Park and the Zoo, the illustrations are very colorful, showing families of different sizes, shapes, and ethnicity. These colorful illustrations silently express that diversity is a good thing, even though that theme is never directly addressed in the book.

The theme that is directly addressed in the book is that of same-sex relationships and their families and how they are not very different from other families. This theme is addressed through the story of two male penguins who are attracted to each other. The illustrations on the pages that contain penguins show that all of the penguin couples - both the “normal” male and female couples, and the same-sex couple of Roy and Silo - look exactly the same. Roy and Silo are indistinguishable from the rest of the penguins; this reinforces the text that says that there is nothing different about Roy and Silo.

Although the book is primarily focused on the theme of same sex attraction, it also contains cute little lessons on penguin behavior and mating rituals. These lessons on penguin behavior help the book not seem overly didactic and in-your-face with regard to the controversial theme. In addition to defending same-sex relationships, this book teaches children how penguins meet, mate, and sit on their eggs.

Response:

How much does the text agree or clash with your view of the world, and what you consider right and wrong?

I do not personally agree with same-sex relationships and the idea that they should raise children of their own, despite the fact that nature has not allowed them to procreate. That being said, it is important for children to learn at a young age to be accepting of all different people, including those who might have same-sex attraction or who might have same-sex parents. This book is a cute way to show that we all have more similarities than differences, and that’s what should be focused on in life.

Critique?

And Tango Makes Three is well written and has beautiful illustrations; it’s lesson on same-sex relationships, although contrary to my own personal beliefs, is well-expressed and not overly in-your-face. Overall, I found it to be a cute children’s book with adorable pictures.

How well did you enjoy the text (or not) as entertainment or as a work of art?

I really liked the illustrations in this book. I found the soft colors and adorable penguins very pleasing to look at, and I lingered on each page to soak them in. The story itself is cute as well and it’s cool to know that it’s a true story. I enjoyed the book, even if I might not read it to my own children.

Conclusion:

In an effort not to practice self-censorship, I would definitely have this book on the shelves of my children’s library. It expresses beautifully the differences and similarities in same-sex marriages and relationships, as well as teaches about penguins and illustrating diversity among people. It’s a good book and does not shove ideas down your throat, as some books on similar themes do.

APA Style Reference:

Richardson, J., Parnell, P., & Cole, H. (2005). And Tango makes three. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Awards: One Crazy Summer

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Award: Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Evaluation of the book:

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia addresses a few heavy and important themes in its short 215 pages. The two main themes are those of racial equality and motherly love. Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, the three sister-protagonists of the book, are surrounded by evidence of racial inequality - their grandmother is constantly afraid that they might stand out among white people, tourists in California take pictures of them instead of the sights, their mother prints posters and poems for the Black Panthers, etc. Racial issues are everywhere in this book. In addition, the sisters are in California in the first place in order that they might meet their mother. The book explores the bond between daughters and mothers and the importance of motherly love. The girls’ mother already has a love for her “black nation” children, but this book shows her learning to love her very own flesh-and-blood daughters.

The characters Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern also share with the readers the beauty of a sisterly bond. This bond between the three of them is never spoken of outright, it is simply shown and taken as fact. “When my sisters and I speak, one after the other, it’s like a song we sing, a game we play. We never pass signals. We just fire off rat-a-tat-tat-tat. Delphine. Vonetta. Fern” (p. 77). Race and mothers might be in question, but sisters are never doubted.

Finally, this book of important themes shares one equally important, though unexpected, insight: it’s OK for Delphine to be a child even in the midst of the grown up themes that make up her daily life. As the oldest sister, and abandoned by her mother, she feels responsible for her sisters and doesn’t let herself have fun or be a child. The unexpected insight comes at the end when Delphine’s mother says, “Be eleven, Delphine. Be eleven while you can” (p. 210). Although racial inequality and an absent mother have made Delphine’s life hard and made her grow up fast, it’s OK for her to be a child and to enjoy the simpler times in life.

Response:

What does the text have to do with you, personally?

I am the oldest of three sisters and Delphine’s struggle with being the responsible, sometimes hated, oldest sister resonated with me. Although I don’t deal with racial inequality and an absent mother, I certainly relate to feeling bossy and knowing what’s best for my younger sisters. I also relate to the closeness between the sisters; my sisters are my best friends.

How well does it address things that you, personally, care about and consider important to the world?

The themes that this book address - racial inequality, motherly love, enjoying childhood - are all themes that I consider important in this world. One Crazy Summer does an excellent job expressing these heavy themes in a way that a child can read and relate to. Williams-Garcia does not simplify these issues; she makes them approachable and understandable to her young readers.

What is your overall reaction to the text?

This book does a really good job depicting important themes on a level that children can both understand and relate too. My overall reaction to the text was one of awe that a book so short and for such a young audience could express so well these important issues. This book truly helps you see those who are different than you in a new light.

Conclusion:

I’d recommend this book to just about anyone - child or adult. It expresses important themes and instills empathy for different struggles that we and others go through in life. For children, it’s an important reminder that even though life is filled with struggles, it’s OK to just be a child. For adults, it’s an important reminder that even though children are young, they can handle difficult themes and topics.

APA Style Reference:

Williams-Garcia, R. (2010). One crazy summer. New York, NY: Amistad.