The House On Mango Street

The House On Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros is the story of a young girl in search of home, both literally and figuratively. Esperanza looks to the women in and around the life she has in her small neighborhood in search of the person she wants to become. From her mother to the neighbor who never leaves her house, there are different types of women everywhere she looks. As she observes their lives, she learns what she wants and what she doesn't want in her own life. But can she ever find a sense of home in an environment where there is no one to show her how to be the woman she wants to become?

This is a complex story, told in a way that makes it possible to flip to any chapter and understand what is happening. The focus in this story is all about the women. Some women are shown positively, but most are shown in a negative manner. This could be the intent of the story. Esperanza sees what characteristics are important in life and explains them in a very honest manner. This is a novel worth delving into a discussion over.

Here are two links about the book. The first is an interview with Sandra Cisneros. The second is a link directly to the author's website for more information on her and her works.

Interview with Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros Website


And finally, a video interview with Sandra Cisneros about the book itself:

If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman begins with a rare snow day in a small town in Oregon. A family of four, all home together, decide to take a short road trip to visit some relatives when the unthinkable happens. A car accident takes the lives of both parents, leaving the children in critical condition. The oldest, Mia, is thrust from her body and walks around in a state of limbo while watching the events of the day unfold around her. She overhears a nurse explain to her family that she, Mia, will decide if she wants to wake up. She has a bright future ahead of her at Julliard, a loving boyfriend and a wonderful best friend who is there for her through everything. But is it enough?

This is a story full of emotion. The main story is artfully intertwined with Mia's memories about her life and family throughout the novel. Mia is placed on a path that can take her to the afterlife, something wholly unknown, or to a life filled with pain and grief. After losing the people she cares the most about, she can't decide which she would prefer. The journey is an emotional roller coaster from the unique perspective of a girl in limbo. The women in this story are all placed into roles of strong personalities; some even classified outright as feminists. From the very beginning of this novel, the voice of the adolescent is present which gives the story the feel of none I have read to date.

This is a tear-jerker that I, personally, highly recommend.

For this novel I have included two links. The first is from Gayle Forman's website (which has more information on this book and others). This story references music most of the time and is full of people who are musicians. As such, I've included the link to the playlist for the songs that are referenced within this novel. The second is a link to an interview with Gayle Forman about the novel.

If I Stay Playlist

Interview with Gayle Forman


And here is a teaser for the book:

Cut

Cut by Patricia McCormick is a book about a girl who has been placed into a residential treatment program for self-mutilating, also known as cutting. Her name is Callie and she refuses to say a word. There are several other girls in her therapy group, most of which have anorexia. The group of girls does their best to support each other in their treatment, but Callie chooses not to participate. In one of her solo therapy sessions, the on-site psychiatrist asks her to do an exercise that changes her thinking. From that evening on, she starts to put effort into her recovery. What is behind her silence and self-mutilation?

This is a very fast read that addresses a very real issue. The author does a wonderful job of casting Callie in her broken role without making her a victim. In Callie's flashbacks we see a very caring, nurturing role; in her time within the treatment facility we also see her vulnerability. This is a novel I would recommend for all, especially those who have struggled with insecurities in their lifetime.

Below are some resources with further information on the author and this subject. The first is the author's official website. The second is information on how the author is able to write in different voices.

Patricia McCormick

About the Voices of Patricia McCormick

Finally, a trailer about the book.

If you or someone you know is suffering and releasing your pain through cutting, please visit this site for information on treatment.

S.A.F.E. Alternatives

Jump Into the Sky

Jump Into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall is a story about a thirteen year old boy who is sent on a cross-country journey in search of his absentee father. Levi is used to people leaving him but he never expected his aunt to oust him into the world at such a young age. After little preparation, he is sent south on a train into an entirely new culture. The year is 1945 and segregation is the way of life in the south. Upon reaching a U.S. Army post in North Carolina, Levi discovers his father received orders only days before to ship out to another post. Still unsure that his father is even serving in the military, he meets another soldier in the 555th Infantry who takes him in and promises he will help deliver him to his father. Will Levi ever find his father and if reunited, will he only be left behind again?

This book is centered around mostly men and their interactions. Based on the time period it is set in, I expected women to be place in the background and into a demeaning role. Fortunately, the author does a great job of placing women into a role of respect. Levi's aunt appears mostly in the beginning of the story and is shown as nurturing but stern; exactly how one would picture a "typical mother." Later in the story, Peaches is depicted in the same way. Both are placed in roles that give a good representation of the time. This is a story full of possibility. There are lessons that can be learned both in the classroom and out. This story shows the level of hope possible in teenagers, even in situations where hope has been dashed.

Below are some resources for further research and information. The first is the website for Shelley Pearsall listing other books and information on those books. She writes only historical fiction at this time. The second is more information on the Triple Nickels (555th Infantry).

Shelley Pearsall Website

Triple Nickels

This is a documentary style video with a man who joined the Triple Nickels.