Well, I just read two books in a row with where the main character’s mother was dead. I think that’s #12 on my list of most overused things and sometimes I wonder if it shouldn’t be moved up. I’m partly bugged by the dead mother syndrome because how many kids did you know when you were growing up whose mother was dead? I knew exactly zero. But mostly I’m bugged by it because it seems like authors are using it to try and be unique. It’s not unique. It’s #12 and on the rise.
However, in the case of both of these books, the authors get a pass from me (not that they probably care, actually!). The reason is because both of these books are about motherhood. Usually when the mother is dead in MG or YA, it’s simply to have gotten rid of her so the father can be the one raising the kids and clueless to the angst, or so the father can remarry and it’s not a case of just another divorce.
In Spinelli’s new book, EGGS, there’s not much…well…new. Still, I’m a big fan of Spinelli in general and certain books in particular. If you don’t mind a sort of tried and true story from him, then this is a good read. And he has such a way with words, he’s so poetic in the most uniquely Spinelli way, that really, it’s worth reading just for a few times where his prose really stuns you.
This book is what I think is usually referred to as a novella. It’s a read-in-one-short-sitting sort of book. I think it’s got a unique hook, although maybe teens might find it a little heavy handed with its message. Still, it’s not your typical girl gets pregnant book at all and I enjoyed it. I like Ryan’s other book, Rules For Life, better, but this is good too.
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