So today I thought I'd give you my review of the book! I've said many times in videos before that Chessie was compared through our Indianapolis newspaper to John Green, so I had high expectations for this book. And I was very pleasantly surprised! Check out my review below:
- Standalone novel
- Realistic fiction
Starting at a new high school is difficult for students, but it is especially difficult for Alex. She is a high school paranoid schizophrenic, and she's switching schools because of a graffiti incident at her last school. But keeping schizophrenia a secret from new classmates is not easy when you aren't even sure what's real in the world. Readers simply can't trust Alex, because she can't even trust herself.
What I Loved:
- The premise of this is so fascinating--an unreliable narrator who literally doesn't know what is real or made up in her world.
- This book was written so well! It was an easy read for my students, yet not fluff material. Zappia's writing style is advanced and engrossing.
- I selfishly loved the Indiana setting--Meijer stores, highway trips...my students appreciated it, too!
- There was a great depth to Zappia's characters. I wanted to know more about each and every one of them.
- Of course it wouldn't be a book about schizophrenia without a surprise ending!
- I did figure out a big spoiler before it was revealed. However, I only discovered this based on some book artwork, and NONE of my students caught it. So I think I'm in the minority on this one.
- There were still a few questions in my mind when the book was over, especially involving Mr. McCoy and Celia. I might have to go do some re-reading.
Tomorrow I'll feature an outfit based on Alex!
No comments:
Post a Comment