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Recently, my children have fallen for Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie books, and I enjoy these fun stories just as much as they do. I love how the words are printed to reflect how the characters are feeling–bold, large, all capital letters when angry or excited, teeny italicized letters when feeling hesitant, etc. So with the inspiration of this series in mind, I’m declaring here, I LOVE MY BOOKS! I do love my books, so much. As Carrie of Normal Level of Crazy shared in our last discussion, The Cottingley Secret Book Club, summer was a tough time for us to keep up with our reading. I’m glad to say that with Fall’s routine (and hey, a special thank you shout-out to my chronic insomnia!), I’ve met back up with my book pile and we’re going hard. One of my latest reads was our last book club pick, Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin, so let’s get to it, friends; it’s time for our Young Jane Young book club discussion!
Young Jane Young Book Club Discussion
The primary reason we chose this book is because both Carrie and I were so taken with Zevin’s earlier novel, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. We figured this one was bound to be a hit too, but…it was okay.
What I liked about this book:
- Zevin’s simple, straightforward storytelling style. She doesn’t embellish long on emotions, letting the reader surmise as the tale unfolds.
- The way she moves the story forward by alternating between the voices of multiple characters. What a cool way to shed perspective! Which character’s voice did you most enjoy? I loathed the politician’s, but really liked hearing from the grandmother.
- That Aviva loves her daughter and fully assumes the responsibility of parenthood in a classy way. She was a good mom.
- The story did shed very interesting light on slut-shaming and the fallout effect of this into adult life. Can you think of any real-life stories, or experiences of which you are personally aware that have been similar or had a likewise lifelong impact on someone?
What I did not like about the book:
- Aviva’s actions as a young adult were so wholly stupid on multiple levels that it made respecting her challenging, even after she began a new life. I was irritated that while she wallowed post-scandal, there was no slap-in-the-face self-reckoning, so to speak; it seemed as though she just fell into a new life because it was easier. Again, allowing circumstances to guide her instead of choosing a course. It just so happened this course was a smart one. I personally place a high value on strength of character, so this also made it difficult to respect Aviva. Am I the only one who was annoyed by this? How did you feel about her transition?
- The concept of moving to a different part of a country and assuming a different identity in this day-in-age felt far-fetched. Yes, Aviva acknowledged people might find out who she was, and yes, some did, but…the internet makes the world very, very close. It was hard to believe her mother had no contact with Aviva. It was hard to believe she was able to separate her past life so wholly. Do you believe can move to start over? Do you think it’s possible to just assume a new identity by choice?
- While I said I liked the switching of voices, I also didn’t like it because I wanted to hear more from some characters. I so very much wanted to know the grandmother’s thoughts at the end! What do you think of this style of storytelling? Take it or leave it?
So that’s my scoop on Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin, but if you’ve read it, please share your thoughts! We love to hear your ideas and questions and know what you’re thinking!
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Next up…Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. This new book is getting A LOT of buzz! Check out the description:
From the bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You, a riveting novel that traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives.
In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the colors of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules.
Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother – who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenaged daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community.
When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town–and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs.
Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster.
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Janine Huldie says
I have been so slacking again and had another crazy week here. So, this one is still sitting on my night table. I began reading it two weeks ago and have yet to come back to it or any reading for that fact of the matter. Hanging my reading head in shame right now! But still thank you for the awesome review and hopefully I will get back to this one soon now 😉
Meredith says
No shame! This life gets crazy! I go through periods where I read a ton, and then where I just forget about it all together. Come back around when you can and let me know what you think when you do. xo
Cori R. says
I got halfway through this and then I had no desire to read more. I agree, I couldn’t relate to or sympathize with Aviva. Looking forward to Little Fires Everywhere . I might listen to that one on Audible the narrator has been given praise for this one. Mo Willems is a favorite at with my children at home and with my students at school.
Meredith says
Oh yay! Glad I’m not the only who felt this way–she just made such darn stupid choices, time after time. Good to know about the narrator–thanks for the scoop. And I love that you share this with your students 🙂 My daughter’s 1st grade teacher was the one who turned her on to the books, and now our whole family loves them! Keep sharing the smiles with your kiddos, Cori 🙂
Dani says
Pick me! Pick me! You are the only person I take book recos from because they are ALWAYS spot on. xoxoxo
Meredith says
I love that we have the same taste in books, Dani! 🙂
Meredith says
My daughter loves the Knuffle Bunny series by Mo Willem; you should check them out!
Is it my turn to win a book again?!? 😉
Meredith says
I never even heard of this! Going to check it out right now! And yes, high time you did win again! 😉