Sara Zarr just nailed it. She managed to write the book that many teenage girls have been waiting for.Deanna, 13 years old, gives in to an alliance with Tommy, a 17 year-old guy who coaxes her into sex. This mistake is going to ruin her life for the next three years. Her father cannot look into her eyes anymore, and Tommy spreads his own, exaggerated version of their sex story around town; Deanna is known as a slut. As if she had a contagious virus, conflicts reach out to the people around her. She feels unworthy, as if she doesn’t belong anywhere, until she finds the remedy for her pain; forgiveness.
Story of a Girl is about making mistakes and forgiving, about family conflicts and growing, about friendships, love, and loneliness. In other words, this book addresses the conflicts that all teenagers share (and adults). It would make a great addition to the high school English curriculum. Mostly girls can relate to this story, but also the big-brother-of-little-sisters type of guy can find a part of themselves in this story.
If I was a teen now, I would take the book, a can of peppermint tea, cookies, and candles to a private, cozy corner. I would wrap myself in a blanket and would not come out of there before I had finished the book, chuckling, with dried tears still on my cheek. A warm recommendation.
8 comments:
there are a few places where your wording is unusual. also just proofread again. i think you meant to type "tea" instead of 'tee'
oops tea, yes. Thanks!
This novel might be helpful in a sex ed or health class. It may help some preteens or teens see how emotions can be destroyed when engaging in a sexual relationship.
I really like your voice in this review, Mirja--comfortable and creative and enthusiastic--well done!
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Mirja,
I think this is a very thoughtful, well written summary of this novel. It makes me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea, too. Your writing shows a tenderness that proves relevant for the topic at hand. Forgiveness. Nice Job!
at first, i thought this novel would be like everything else in the discussion of teen sex, especially for girls, but it seems your review has proved otherwise. your enthusiasm for it-- demonstrated through your writing-- has gotten me interested in reading the novel. ( i especially enjoyed your recommendations for how to read it :) )
Tom, Lisa, and Shazia, expressed my sentiments of your review as well Mirja. Your passion for the text really shines through. I was able to visualize you sitting in a quiet spot with a blanket, tea and cookies.
Also, this isn't typically the type of book that I would read probably because the content may be too painful. However your review provides the urging that I may need in order to help young girls in my class deal with these issues by reading this book.
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