Life ain't easy

Shivana is 15, living on Chicago’s South Side, has no father, and has no ambition in life. She has a job as a babysitter, which gives her a little money. It also ends up getting her pregnant because she is having an affair with the children’s father. Shivana can’t tell her mother what has happened. Her mother would be upset. Shivana must keep her secret. And she does, for a while. Soon things hit the fan and everyone knows what she has been up to. Added into the mix is a neighbor boy. Shivana wants nothing to do with him at first, but then she starts to like him.

Weaved into the story is Shivana’s unborn child who has a narrative of its own. The fetus talks about its previous lives with other mothers. It’s a unique concept that I haven’t seen, but at times it can be long winded, and I wanted to get back to Shivana’s story. I enjoyed this novel, but if you are looking for a feel good ending, then keep browsing because this book isn’t for you.

However, I think the author does a wonderful job of keeping the novel realistic. While not every teen can relate to all aspects Shivana's life I believe the character's voice draws the reader in. We feel her helplessness and we also want to shout at the book and tell her that she’s making bad choices.

Teens who are looking for something realistic with an urban feel will enjoy this book.

Upcoming Review: Anna's World

I recently recived a copy of Anna's World by Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin. The main character is a Shaker, which is interesting because I cannot recall any historical fiction books about the Shakers.

Here is a little summary about the book:

It’s the late 1840s. The United States is fighting a bloody war with Mexico. The nation is tainted by the terrible crime of slavery. Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn is barely aware of these momentous issues. She only knows is that she hates living with the people called Shakers. Too many rules, too little fun! And yet, Anna's life with them sends her on a sometimes dangerous journey of self-discovery.

A decent enough read

Joseph is the sad, but realistic story about a fifteen year old boy who struggles to overcome his troubled past. While most teens are dealing with the typical issues Joseph is living in a shelter with his crack addicted mother. Betty, Joseph's mother, abuses the welfare system, scams people and when she is in desperate need of cash she becomes a whore. But not everything is bad for Joseph. The school he is at is good and could help turn his life around, if his friend's don't find out he lives in a shelter. The teachers seem willing to help; and Joseph has his father, who loves him very much, but is currently fighting in Iraq. Aunt Shirley also wants to help Joseph grow up into a fine young man, despite his troubled past. But can Joseph leave his demons behind?

The story is fast paced and will quickly engage the reader. It's a gritty story without using foul language that tends to litter most young adult novels. While I did enjoy the story I found the writing lacking in some aspects. It was very simplistic, and almost too simplistic in my opinion. The characters are also one dimensional. They are all good or all bad. There is nothing in between. And I wish that Joseph's friends could have been explored a little more.

For students looking for an interesting novel about a young man struggling to find his identity then this is the novel for them. For students who want something edgy, this may not be for them. While it is a good story the usual in your face are not in this novel. Still, I think students will enjoy it.