Book Description
After receiving a full-ride scholarship to Mills College for Girls, it appears Sarah’s future is all laid out before her … that is until she walks into a poetry class led by Mr. Haddings, a student teacher from the nearby University of Washington. Suddenly, life on the UW campus seems very appealing, and Sarah finds herself using her poetry journal to subtly declare her feelings for Haddings. Convinced Mr. Haddings is flirting back, she sets off for school in the rain with a poem in her back pocket—one that will declare her feelings once and for all.
Mr. Haddings has noticed Sarah’s attention; the fallout from any perceived relationship with a student is too great a risk, and he has decided to end all speculation that morning.
But everything changes when Mr. Haddings feels a thud on his front bumper when he glances away from the road, and finds Sarah in the street with blood pooling beneath her.
About the Author
Lorie Ann Grover is a co-founder of the influential site readergirlz, where she is a visible advocate for teen literacy and activism. In addition, she is the author of three acclaimed novels: Hold Me Tight, a VOYA pick; On Pointe, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year; and Loose Threads, a Booklist Top 10 Youth First Novel, and a 2003 Washington State Book Award Finalist. Lorie Ann lives in Washington State with her husband.
My Review:
This book was one I selected for review from BookLookBloggers and it is published by Blink, which is YA publisher from Harper Collins. This book has the feel of a secular book. There is absolutely nothing that would make this a Christian book, other than brief hints of talking about forgiveness. While Blink does publish more books that tend to push the envelope, this book was interesting to me. From the description, I was expecting a bit more. The book takes place over three days time and switches back and forth between the older teacher whom is only 21, but a teacher and the high school student. While they were not that far apart in age, which is mentioned, the premise of the story, I believe encourages something that is not something young people should be encouraged in. The story doesn’t have plots that were finished, it is written in a choppy pattern that leaves a lot to the imagination, which can be good and can also be bad.
There was some beautiful, classic poetry discussed in the story, which is great. I love it when we can infiltrate YA reading with some high level literature. Overall though, this is not a book I would recommend at all, sadly. I feel bad even saying that, but I was honestly surprised by it and don’t want to leave my readers of my blog thinking that I might recommend it. The only thing I would recommend it for, is if you want a book that you will be able to have some discussions with your teen about attractions, crushes and looking at your phone in the car, this has some valuable lesson material in it. I hate writing negative reviews as I know authors work very hard on their work. I am sure some people may enjoy this book, but it was not for me.
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers and the opinions contained herein are my own.
