Weekend Reads

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan

While Duncan loves his school, he is dreading returning for his senior year. A lot of issues loomed large in his mind as he entered the grounds of the Irving School: which room would he get? What would his "treasure" be? What was he going to do about his Tragedy Paper? His worries were not immediately laid to rest as he discovered where he would be living this school year; he was in the smallest room, previously occupied by Tim Macbeth, a now-graduate who he would rather forget about. Instead, Tim sets the tone for his senior year with the treasure he has left behind. 

LaBan does a wonderful job of building her tale. Her use of flashback builds suspense, and her pacing is enthralling both for the reader and for Duncan. She writes part of the story in first person, which creates a strong connection between the narrator and the reader. The Tragedy Paper is an enjoyable read, and one that highlights the author's style and elements of craft.

Find it in Fiction under F LAB

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

I almost didn't finish this book. The first few pages were so harrowing that I wasn't sure that I could get through the rest of it - although Gaiman did a beautiful job of creating a spare description of extreme violence, the image was vivid enough that I wasn't sure that I could palate what might come next. I'm so glad I did persevere, however, because that imagery quickly turned from gruesome to haunting (but in the best possible way). The Graveyard Book follows the life of a young child named Nobody Owen, or Bod for short. It is a beautiful example of taking a precept that is normally ugly or scary and making it instead poignant and beautiful. Gaiman's style is quiet and understated, and his characters have a depth that makes them fascinating. He implies rather than reveals, and over the course of the novel the reader pieces together what is unsaid to reveal an immense and detailed world. While the first few pages are difficult to read, Gaiman ushers readers through this episode and delivers them to the other side where a beautiful and enchanting story awaits.

Find it in Fiction under F GAI

Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac

Code Talkers is a fantastic read and one that offers a new perspective on the events of World War II. The story is told by Ned Begay, a Navajo boy who comes of age just as World War II breaks out. Ned is quietly but powerfully connected to his people and their culture, despite being sent to a mission school that tells him repeatedly how useless both are to the outside world. When it turns out that the Marines have developed a code based on the Navajo language, Ned sees his opportunity to see the world while also holding onto the most important parts of his culture. The tone of this book is conversational, and the use of a storytelling structure is engaging and feels authentic. It also helps to give the readers context, since Ned is able to explain the events of the time with the understanding of hindsight. Although many readers are familiar with the events of World War II, Ned's experiences represent a story not often told. 

Find it in Fiction under F BRU