Angry: A Novel - eBook
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Effect of Divorce on Teenage Children
I looked forward to reading this book as divorce is so rampant in our current culture, and teenagers are not immune to the ravages of family separation. In fact, many times they are wounded nearly beyond measure. As a counselor, I am always interested in books that will be realistic, yet offer hope and means of coping.
The story line of escaping the realities of life by living the life of another character on stage was a good release mechanism and cleverly done.
However, I was sincerely appalled at the utter selfishness of the main character, a teenage girl who was the "second mother" for her siblings. She shows no thought for them and how the separation would affect their lives. Also, her self-centeredness even prevented any true concern for her mother who had been deserted. I felt the family dynamics were not those that would help readers find their way in a similar situation. I was depressed by them-I can't imagine what a teenage reader might feel.
August 17, 2012
Thrust into the center of her parentsâ bitter divorce, Emma Monaghan is surrounded by pure anger and confusion, in Laura L. SmithâÂÂs Angry: a Novel. Being the oldest of six children, she has the weighty responsibility of caring for her siblings. Things only get more intense as her father seems to spontaneously have an affair and leave their family. Emma feels as if everyone is blaming her for the divorce. Her only escape comes from the theatre as she assumes the role of Eponine for Victor HugoâÂÂs Les Misérables. The play serves as metaphor for EmmaâÂÂs own life.
Many teenagers will be able to easily relate to EmmaâÂÂs experiences. In addition to divorce, the short novel addresses many other serious issues such as adultery, alcoholism, eating disorders and teenage pregnancy. Mixed into these issues are the average teenage concerns of fashion, cars, friends and gossip. Although religion does eventually play a large role in the novel, it does not dominate the text. Emma finds herself turning to God during hard times, but does not seem to devoutly believe in Him. Her conversations with God gradually move from casual comments to heartfelt exchanges. Angry is a great novel that accurately describes what it is like to be a teenage girl. I highly recommend this book to teenagers looking for a novel to identify with. Adults wanting insight into the teenage girl mind will also benefit from this great novel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
December 24, 2010
Realistic teen read
Written from the perspective of 16 year-old Emma, "Angry" by Laura L. Smith is a perfect book for teenagers to read. Emma is struggling with her parents getting divorced, her dad's new girlfriend, her mother's drinking problem and caring for her younger siblings. Along with this, Emma is involved with the school play and "drama" with friends and boyfriends. Emma prays to God throughout the book when she is in the midst of crisis, however she does not really appear to have a real relationship with God or really rely on Him. However, she is on a journey to really placing her trust in God.
This is the third book in a series that deals with teen issues. I thought this book was a quick, easy read and would hold the attention of a teenager. This book could be a great resource to use with a youth group, probably with the girls, as I felt like I was part of a group of teenage girls as I was privy to their thoughts and conversations. I think that by using this book, great discussions could result. Emma deals with real issues and her reaction to everything going on in her life is typical, teen girls would be able to really relate or know someone who could.
*I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
December 7, 2010
Grat young adult fiction!
I chose Angry by Laura L. Smith to see what young adult fiction looks like these days. I was pleasantly surprised!
Angry is a short, quick read. The third book in the THINK series, readers follow Emma as she learns of her parents' divorce. Struggling with taking care of her five younger siblings, dealing with her anger at her dad and his new girlfriend, wondering why her mom is drinking so much, and fighting to fit in with her friends, Emma is generally angry. (Hence, the title of the book.) Things begin to look up when she makes the school play, but will she figure out that God is in control of everything and look to Him for guidance?
This book read a lot more realistically than much of the high school fiction I read back in the day. It addresses difficult issues and reveals feelings that most youth can identify with. This series is probably for a more mature teen reader as this book alone mentions/addresses teen pregnancy, eating disorders, divorce, adultery, and alcoholism. An involved parent or youth leader would be useful in discussing the issues brought up. The writing style of the author is in-tune with teenagers. Told from the perspective of Emma, I felt like I was in the midst of a high school girls conversation for most of the book. Well done! The only complaint I really had about this book is that it wraps up a little fast. Emma suddenly recognizes her need for God and jumps to the conclusion that everything is going to work out in the last two very short chapters. Just seemed a bit quick and neat for me. Overall, though, this was a great read! Check out the first two books in the series if you like this one: Hot and Skinny.
I received a free copy of this book from NavPress in exchange for my fair and honest review.
November 30, 2010
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