Sarah's review
Bird Lake Moon
by Kevin Henkes
I don't think this is a book about children. I struggled to figure out why this book didn't captivate me like Olive's Ocean. Everything about the book seemed a bit too planned for me. I doubt that my younger self would have enjoyed the book one bit. It wasn't as much of a story being told, but it felt like someone just letting memories flow out. I liked the book, but I feel it could have been changed to make it better.
Sarah's review
Bird Lake Moon by Kevin Henkes
Sarah's review
rating:
recommended for: Children's lit devotees
My overriding question upon finishing Bird Lake Moon:
Is this really a book for children, or is it a book about them?
Of course, it's well-written. Kevin Henkes knows exactly how kids and their families react and interact in fragile situations, so the emotions and actions of the characters are believable, even insightful. But to me, the whole thing felt a bit like an out-of-body experience. There's just something awfully adult about the writing itself, something too insular and reflective to make me believe this is a story that will appeal to more than a handful of young readers.
Any other early readers care to weigh in?
Is this really a book for children, or is it a book about them?
Of course, it's well-written. Kevin Henkes knows exactly how kids and their families react and interact in fragile situations, so the emotions and actions of the characters are believable, even insightful. But to me, the whole thing felt a bit like an out-of-body experience. There's just something awfully adult about the writing itself, something too insular and reflective to make me believe this is a story that will appeal to more than a handful of young readers.
Any other early readers care to weigh in?
I don't think this is a book about children. I struggled to figure out why this book didn't captivate me like Olive's Ocean. Everything about the book seemed a bit too planned for me. I doubt that my younger self would have enjoyed the book one bit. It wasn't as much of a story being told, but it felt like someone just letting memories flow out. I liked the book, but I feel it could have been changed to make it better.