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Glimpse
This stunning and PEN Award–winning novel of triumph over trauma is a “page-turner for Ellen Hopkins fans” ( Kirkus Reviews ).
In one moment
it is over.
In one moment
it is gone.
Twelve-year-old Hope’s life is turned upside down when her older sister, Lizzie, becomes an elective mute and is institutionalized after trying to kill herself. Hope and Lizzie have relied on each other from a young age, ever since their dad died. Their mother, who turns tricks to support her family, is a reluctant and unreliable parent—at best. During the course of this lyrical and heartbreaking narrative, told in blank verse from an exceptionally promising YA voice, readers will discover the chilling reason why Lizzie has stopped speaking—and why Hope is the only one who can bring the truth to light and save her sister.
In one moment
it is over.
In one moment
it is gone.
Twelve-year-old Hope’s life is turned upside down when her older sister, Lizzie, becomes an elective mute and is institutionalized after trying to kill herself. Hope and Lizzie have relied on each other from a young age, ever since their dad died. Their mother, who turns tricks to support her family, is a reluctant and unreliable parent—at best. During the course of this lyrical and heartbreaking narrative, told in blank verse from an exceptionally promising YA voice, readers will discover the chilling reason why Lizzie has stopped speaking—and why Hope is the only one who can bring the truth to light and save her sister.
512 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2010
49 people are currently reading
11417 people want to read
About the author
Carol Lynch Williams
40 books393 followersCarol Lynch Williams is the author of more than 30 books for middle grade and young adult readers. Her novels include The Chosen One, Never that Far, Messenger and Never Said. Her most recent book is the novelization of the movie Once I Was a Beehive. Carol has an MFA from Vermont College in Writing for Children and Young Adults and teaches creative writing at BYU. She runs Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, a week-long writing conference for the not-faint-of-heart writer (www.wifyr.com). As well she is a mentor for those who want to write for kids and teens. Her best creative effort, however, are her five daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
July 26, 2012
3.5 stars
Glimpse is the third Carol Lynch Williams book I’ve read, and my first experience with her verse. I had suspected from the eloquently spare style of The Chosen One and Miles From Ordinary that the author would handle verse effectively, and that theory was borne out by the pared back, sharp poetry used to tell the story in Glimpse.
It’s abundantly clear that Lynch Williams isn’t afraid of tackling complex, even controversial topics, having covered polygamy, child abuse and mental illness in my previous reads. However, to her credit – and again aptly demonstrated in Glimpse - the focus is kept firmly on the characters, preventing the story from getting mired down in the difficult subject matter.
That’s not to say that Glimpse isn’t a heavy book – because it is, in a way. There were sections of this story I found extremely hard to read and a couple of times I just had to close it for a moment and take a breather. But it’s always evident that the characters are foremost, and that Lynch Williams is telling the story that’s true to them.
The blurb of Gimpse references a big secret held by Hope’s older sister, Lizzie. This secret has resulted in Lizzie’s lock down in a mental health facility. Yet it’s not the reveal of this secret that wields the power of the novel, because it’s pretty clear early on in the story what the secret is and what’s really going on. I think most will quickly read between the lines of Hope’s narration, well before the novel makes a black and white statement on the subject.
The strength of Glimpse rather lies in the fact that as the reader, we are with Hope as she becomes cognizant of what has happened to Lizzie. This dissonance between our understanding and Hope’s is extremely powerful, as we carry the burden of truth for the majority of the story and have to watch as Hope (who is 12/13) has to shoulder it for herself. The scenes in which Hope’s comprehension of events click into place are actually harrowing to read. I felt sick on her behalf. And that’s where much of Lynch William’s skill as a writer lies – using her confronting topic to depict a brutal dual loss of innocence for the sisters: for Lizzie in the events themselves, for Hope in her dawning awareness and being pushed into a position no child should be forced to occupy.
The contrast in their respective experiences of childhood/adolescence is thrown into sharp relief by Lynch Williams’ use of scenes depicting Hope’s friendship with Mari. While Hope’s home life is visibly dysfunctional, she and Mari spend their time talking about boys they like, dying their hair, idolising a male pop singer. It’s this almost halcyon view of Mari and Hope’s journey through puberty that makes the overarching story of Lizzie, Hope and their mother that much more gruelling. While Hope thinks about playing spin the bottle and kissing a boy, readers are uncomfortably aware of how this compares with Lizzie’s reality, and what has been taken from her.
I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to call this story chilling. The complete abuse of authority (and pretty much every other kind) is frighteningly not unrealistic. And while the characterisation of is less dimensional that of the other characters, I think that’s to be expected given the limitations of Hope’s viewpoint. She’s a young protagonist, who has somewhat normalised her situation. She’s occasionally shockingly nonchalant about , though it’s clear she is beginning to develop insight into her situation, especially as it impacts herself and, most horrifyingly, Lizzie.
Given the emotional toll this novel exacts from the reader, the ending is not exactly a triumph of epically heart-warming proportions. It left me feeling bruised. But that’s okay. Because it also feels real. It left like the right place to leave Hope and Lizzie, and it offers hope in its resolution. Just a glimpse of it.
* * * * *
Intense. Review to come..
Glimpse is the third Carol Lynch Williams book I’ve read, and my first experience with her verse. I had suspected from the eloquently spare style of The Chosen One and Miles From Ordinary that the author would handle verse effectively, and that theory was borne out by the pared back, sharp poetry used to tell the story in Glimpse.
It’s abundantly clear that Lynch Williams isn’t afraid of tackling complex, even controversial topics, having covered polygamy, child abuse and mental illness in my previous reads. However, to her credit – and again aptly demonstrated in Glimpse - the focus is kept firmly on the characters, preventing the story from getting mired down in the difficult subject matter.
That’s not to say that Glimpse isn’t a heavy book – because it is, in a way. There were sections of this story I found extremely hard to read and a couple of times I just had to close it for a moment and take a breather. But it’s always evident that the characters are foremost, and that Lynch Williams is telling the story that’s true to them.
The blurb of Gimpse references a big secret held by Hope’s older sister, Lizzie. This secret has resulted in Lizzie’s lock down in a mental health facility. Yet it’s not the reveal of this secret that wields the power of the novel, because it’s pretty clear early on in the story what the secret is and what’s really going on. I think most will quickly read between the lines of Hope’s narration, well before the novel makes a black and white statement on the subject.
The strength of Glimpse rather lies in the fact that as the reader, we are with Hope as she becomes cognizant of what has happened to Lizzie. This dissonance between our understanding and Hope’s is extremely powerful, as we carry the burden of truth for the majority of the story and have to watch as Hope (who is 12/13) has to shoulder it for herself. The scenes in which Hope’s comprehension of events click into place are actually harrowing to read. I felt sick on her behalf. And that’s where much of Lynch William’s skill as a writer lies – using her confronting topic to depict a brutal dual loss of innocence for the sisters: for Lizzie in the events themselves, for Hope in her dawning awareness and being pushed into a position no child should be forced to occupy.
The contrast in their respective experiences of childhood/adolescence is thrown into sharp relief by Lynch Williams’ use of scenes depicting Hope’s friendship with Mari. While Hope’s home life is visibly dysfunctional, she and Mari spend their time talking about boys they like, dying their hair, idolising a male pop singer. It’s this almost halcyon view of Mari and Hope’s journey through puberty that makes the overarching story of Lizzie, Hope and their mother that much more gruelling. While Hope thinks about playing spin the bottle and kissing a boy, readers are uncomfortably aware of how this compares with Lizzie’s reality, and what has been taken from her.
I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to call this story chilling. The complete abuse of authority (and pretty much every other kind) is frighteningly not unrealistic. And while the characterisation of is less dimensional that of the other characters, I think that’s to be expected given the limitations of Hope’s viewpoint. She’s a young protagonist, who has somewhat normalised her situation. She’s occasionally shockingly nonchalant about , though it’s clear she is beginning to develop insight into her situation, especially as it impacts herself and, most horrifyingly, Lizzie.
Given the emotional toll this novel exacts from the reader, the ending is not exactly a triumph of epically heart-warming proportions. It left me feeling bruised. But that’s okay. Because it also feels real. It left like the right place to leave Hope and Lizzie, and it offers hope in its resolution. Just a glimpse of it.
* * * * *
Intense. Review to come..
March 18, 2020
This is a tough book to read. Important, but painful. Lizzie, Hope’s older sister, has been hospitalised after a suicide attempt. She’s not talking so no one knows why she did it. Well, almost no one.
Hope can’t understand what was causing her sister so much pain and she’s at a loss when her sister’s psychiatrist seeks her insight. It doesn’t help that their mother is doing everything in her power to silence both of her daughters.
While it would have been heartening to read a happily ever after ending, I found the actual ending realistic. Although I’m certain there’s still plenty of therapy to come for the Chapman girls I was also hopeful that, with ongoing support and their individual and combined strength, they would begin to heal. While it’s not necessary for the story I would like to read what happens next, probably from Lizzie’s point of view.
I became a fan of novels in verse because of Ellen Hopkins. While the format worked for this book at times, I felt a lot of the time as though I was essentially reading prose where someone had added random line breaks. I’d like to read one of this author’s novels that’s not in verse for comparison as she really got inside the characters and swept me along for the entire journey.
I was upset that no one did anything to help . Other content warnings include .
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. If you are experiencing sexual assault or have in the past, please know that you are not alone. There is help available, which you are worthy of. If you need to talk to someone about this and you don’t know who to contact in your country a good place to start is http://www.hotpeachpages.net.
Hope can’t understand what was causing her sister so much pain and she’s at a loss when her sister’s psychiatrist seeks her insight. It doesn’t help that their mother is doing everything in her power to silence both of her daughters.
ShameLizzie’s psychiatrist thinks there may be clues about what was happening in Lizzie’s life and mind in the lead up to her hospitalisation in her diary, but they don’t know where it is.
makes a person
keep their lips pressed
tight together.
I know.
Never tell no one,
Momma says.
And I
don’t.
We ChapmansThis book’s content, while I found it predictable, was so painful to read, yet at times I was overwhelmed by gratitude that these sisters had Miss Freeman to love them and Hope had her best friend (other than her sister), Mari.
stick together.
We don’t tell
nothing about our
lives.
Not to doctors or nurses.
While it would have been heartening to read a happily ever after ending, I found the actual ending realistic. Although I’m certain there’s still plenty of therapy to come for the Chapman girls I was also hopeful that, with ongoing support and their individual and combined strength, they would begin to heal. While it’s not necessary for the story I would like to read what happens next, probably from Lizzie’s point of view.
I became a fan of novels in verse because of Ellen Hopkins. While the format worked for this book at times, I felt a lot of the time as though I was essentially reading prose where someone had added random line breaks. I’d like to read one of this author’s novels that’s not in verse for comparison as she really got inside the characters and swept me along for the entire journey.
I was upset that no one did anything to help . Other content warnings include .
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. If you are experiencing sexual assault or have in the past, please know that you are not alone. There is help available, which you are worthy of. If you need to talk to someone about this and you don’t know who to contact in your country a good place to start is http://www.hotpeachpages.net.
March 30, 2012
I have been a fan of Carol Lynch Williams' books for a while now but, though I think Glimpse is a decent story, I still believe it to be the weakest I've read so far.
I would be the first to say that the author has a fantastic talent for getting inside the mind of her protagonist and dragging the reader with her along a tumultuous and usually painful journey. Williams' books are all about the characters, the relationships, the emotions and the darkest depths of the human mind. They are not propelled along by plots zooming at the speed of light, nor are they about the world or place in which the novel is set. Some people will most definitely see this as a fault, but I am not one of them.
Where this book, I felt, didn't achieve it's full potential was in the fact that the author chose to write it in verse. Why?? To be edgy?? Because, frankly, I love novels in verse when they add something to the story, make it more beautiful, more meaningful, just give it that something extra that will justify the decision to write it in this way... but I cannot understand why Glimpse was written in verse at all. I actually thought it took something away from the story, a certain depth of understanding that Williams achieves in all her other novels.
Also, the ending was moving, but not quite as much as was intended because I thought it entirely obvious what was going on about 25% into the book. Sure, it was still horrifying, but the "big reveal" near the end didn't shock me one bit.
This is worth a read for fans of novels in verse, for fans of Williams' other novels, and for fans of nasty realistic fiction. But, especially if you are an astute reader and possibly if you are not (like me), just be ready to be a little underwhelmed by the "shocking" ending.
August 5, 2010
I'm not a big fan of verse novels. The only exception was Sold by Patricia McCormick. That is, until now. I still don't like the fact that this book was written in free verse, but I was able to get past that and enjoy the story underneath.
Glimpse is about 12-year-old Hope and what happened after she found her older sister, Liz, in the bathroom with a gun in her hand. Liz becomes virtually silent and is sent off to a mental care facility. Meanwhile, Hope is trying to cope with things back home. Her mother isn't the best role model around. She's selfish and turn tricks to bring in cash. Hope suspects that her mother knows something as to why Liz almost killed herself that night, and resolves to bring Liz back to a safe home.
I definitely got caught up in the story. The mother is probably one of the worst fictional parents I ever encountered. I wanted to go in there and call DCF myself. I was just amazed at the atmosphere. At first I thought the book took place a few decades ago in the South, but I came to discover it took place in modern-day Florida. It made me realize how poverty and ill-treatment can really isolate someone.
The big secret as to why Liz was suicidal is pretty easy for the reader to figure out, but that doesn't lessen the emotional impact. Poor Hope and poor Liz.
I don't see why this book had to be in verse, though. Is it because they are in style? That the author thinks it makes the work seem more emotional? Original? I would have enjoyed it more if it was written in prose. But it was a quick, emotional read, nonetheless.
Glimpse is about 12-year-old Hope and what happened after she found her older sister, Liz, in the bathroom with a gun in her hand. Liz becomes virtually silent and is sent off to a mental care facility. Meanwhile, Hope is trying to cope with things back home. Her mother isn't the best role model around. She's selfish and turn tricks to bring in cash. Hope suspects that her mother knows something as to why Liz almost killed herself that night, and resolves to bring Liz back to a safe home.
I definitely got caught up in the story. The mother is probably one of the worst fictional parents I ever encountered. I wanted to go in there and call DCF myself. I was just amazed at the atmosphere. At first I thought the book took place a few decades ago in the South, but I came to discover it took place in modern-day Florida. It made me realize how poverty and ill-treatment can really isolate someone.
The big secret as to why Liz was suicidal is pretty easy for the reader to figure out, but that doesn't lessen the emotional impact. Poor Hope and poor Liz.
I don't see why this book had to be in verse, though. Is it because they are in style? That the author thinks it makes the work seem more emotional? Original? I would have enjoyed it more if it was written in prose. But it was a quick, emotional read, nonetheless.
September 3, 2014
It isn't often that I am so emotionally overwhelmed by a novel that I want to simultaneously hug it to my chest and throw it across the room. I was riveted by Hope and Lizzie's heartrending story and, even though it was difficult to read, I found that I was unable to tear my eyes from the pages.
I found it hard to determine if it was the book's content or the age of the narrator that called to my protective side, but it was there in full force. Williams' depiction was so vivid that I found myself completely invested in the characters, which caused many frustrated tears. I wanted to protect Hope and Lizzie from their awful, selfish mother and prevent the tragic events that I felt were sure to unfold.
I haven't read very many books written in verse, but, after GLIMPSE, I may have to. Williams' writing had a much more powerful impact written in blank verse than it would have in any other format. I'm astounded by how the deletion of superfluous words can hone text into a dangerous weapon that cuts straight to the reader's heart.
GLIMPSE is left me swollen-eyed and emotionally drained, but in no way regretting my soggy state. It's often the difficult reads that leave a permanent mark, opening the reader's eyes to an issue or situation that they'd rather avoid. My eyes are officially open.
I found it hard to determine if it was the book's content or the age of the narrator that called to my protective side, but it was there in full force. Williams' depiction was so vivid that I found myself completely invested in the characters, which caused many frustrated tears. I wanted to protect Hope and Lizzie from their awful, selfish mother and prevent the tragic events that I felt were sure to unfold.
I haven't read very many books written in verse, but, after GLIMPSE, I may have to. Williams' writing had a much more powerful impact written in blank verse than it would have in any other format. I'm astounded by how the deletion of superfluous words can hone text into a dangerous weapon that cuts straight to the reader's heart.
GLIMPSE is left me swollen-eyed and emotionally drained, but in no way regretting my soggy state. It's often the difficult reads that leave a permanent mark, opening the reader's eyes to an issue or situation that they'd rather avoid. My eyes are officially open.
June 9, 2014
*4.5 stars*
Carol Lynch Williams is one amazing author. Her words captivate me and reading her books through poetry is the best experience that a reader can have. A lot of people don't enjoy poetry in YA books and think that grammar and spelling is important to captivate readers but I think the opposite: reading YA books through poetry is amazing! Better yet, reading this book through poetry is amazing. The concept and plot matches perfectly with the words and this author is great at making me cry, as well. :)
"There's an animal in my throat that wants to scream its way out. It could tear my throat apart, I think."
This is a very difficult book to read. You have to have the feeling and you need to be able to go through the vibe that this author creates. It is mixed with many concepts that are combined in one-- suicide, depression, abuse, and seeing all of that happening to one family is so sad and tears me up when thinking about it.
This is about fourteen year old Lizzie who tries to commit suicide, but her sister catches her about to do it, and Liz is suddenly taken into the hospital where she is looked after. Hope, her sister, is trying to figure out what's the mystery behind her crazy mother and her sister's action... and why she's the one that no one loves.
I'm just going to say that this is the type of story that you're going to cry for because of how the emotions are written so deeply and beautifully and because how bad you will feel for Hope. Her scenario is truly heart-breaking and I seriously don't know what I would do in her situation. It's the type of situation that you just cannot put yourself in because it's so horrible and destructive.
This plot was very moving and fast paced. So much was happening and every chapter left us wanting more. It was very difficult for me to leave this book down for even the slightest minute. It was so beautiful all throughout and so captivating.
My only slight problem was Hope. She was too easy and too loving to her mother when she was practically verbally abusing her, and this made me so sad because she was letting her mother act this way to her and she didn't do anything about it! If she got that boost up maybe she would've been more confident and would've known what to do.
Overall, the book was amazing. The ending was very light and open, although I do wish that we found out what happened to the sisters later on because we all want to see them happy and free!
Carol Lynch Williams is one amazing author. Her words captivate me and reading her books through poetry is the best experience that a reader can have. A lot of people don't enjoy poetry in YA books and think that grammar and spelling is important to captivate readers but I think the opposite: reading YA books through poetry is amazing! Better yet, reading this book through poetry is amazing. The concept and plot matches perfectly with the words and this author is great at making me cry, as well. :)
"There's an animal in my throat that wants to scream its way out. It could tear my throat apart, I think."
This is a very difficult book to read. You have to have the feeling and you need to be able to go through the vibe that this author creates. It is mixed with many concepts that are combined in one-- suicide, depression, abuse, and seeing all of that happening to one family is so sad and tears me up when thinking about it.
This is about fourteen year old Lizzie who tries to commit suicide, but her sister catches her about to do it, and Liz is suddenly taken into the hospital where she is looked after. Hope, her sister, is trying to figure out what's the mystery behind her crazy mother and her sister's action... and why she's the one that no one loves.
I'm just going to say that this is the type of story that you're going to cry for because of how the emotions are written so deeply and beautifully and because how bad you will feel for Hope. Her scenario is truly heart-breaking and I seriously don't know what I would do in her situation. It's the type of situation that you just cannot put yourself in because it's so horrible and destructive.
This plot was very moving and fast paced. So much was happening and every chapter left us wanting more. It was very difficult for me to leave this book down for even the slightest minute. It was so beautiful all throughout and so captivating.
My only slight problem was Hope. She was too easy and too loving to her mother when she was practically verbally abusing her, and this made me so sad because she was letting her mother act this way to her and she didn't do anything about it! If she got that boost up maybe she would've been more confident and would've known what to do.
Overall, the book was amazing. The ending was very light and open, although I do wish that we found out what happened to the sisters later on because we all want to see them happy and free!
August 22, 2010
I was quite surprised when I flipped through this book to see it's all written in poetry style. And, honestly, I groaned. I'm not a big fan of poetry. I think my main problem with it is that I believe in the rules that go with our use of English – grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. They all serve a purpose. As such, it can be hard for me to operate outside these rules. Not for lack of trying, just it slows me down SIGNIFICANTLY. Usually.
While written as poetry, this book flows like a typical novel, you know, written in prose. And the poetry actually serves this book VERY well. I was very impressed by how well it worked to communicate tone, hidden meanings, and emotion. I think it was far more effective than any prose would've been. I am in awe. Pure, complete awe! This, indeed is an amazing work of art. And this, my friends, is why I give it 5 stars. It is fantastic.
The plot, it was good. Shocking, and good. But, I was able to figure out the "big secret" quite early in the book. I'm guessing most adults could. But, given that this is a book for younger readers, I think the big reveal just might shock their socks off. At least, I hope there are youngsters out there who are still innocent enough to not figure it out – at least not until closer to the actual revelation occurs in the story.
The end is not satisfying, in my opinion. I want to know more. What happens to the girls? What about their mother? These questions, however, aren't enough to make me penalize this book's rating. Normally, I would, but this was so artfully done. So unique and so amazing just in how it was written that I think it deserves a full 5 stars.
While written as poetry, this book flows like a typical novel, you know, written in prose. And the poetry actually serves this book VERY well. I was very impressed by how well it worked to communicate tone, hidden meanings, and emotion. I think it was far more effective than any prose would've been. I am in awe. Pure, complete awe! This, indeed is an amazing work of art. And this, my friends, is why I give it 5 stars. It is fantastic.
The plot, it was good. Shocking, and good. But, I was able to figure out the "big secret" quite early in the book. I'm guessing most adults could. But, given that this is a book for younger readers, I think the big reveal just might shock their socks off. At least, I hope there are youngsters out there who are still innocent enough to not figure it out – at least not until closer to the actual revelation occurs in the story.
The end is not satisfying, in my opinion. I want to know more. What happens to the girls? What about their mother? These questions, however, aren't enough to make me penalize this book's rating. Normally, I would, but this was so artfully done. So unique and so amazing just in how it was written that I think it deserves a full 5 stars.
December 29, 2017
WARNINGS: Grief, suicide attempts, , fat-shaming.
September 6, 2022
Just no. Too depressing. Like, it got to the point where it wasn't even sad anymore. Just depressing.
I picked this up in my school library without the full intention of reading the whole thing. I'd read the first few pages and got a little bit intrigued, wanting to see where the plot was going. The main event of the book is a sister tried to kill herself. The other sister is left with their not so great mom. So I wanted to see if the element of hope ever came up.
It didn't.
Well, not really until the last page.
Overall, it was just depressing. Like, there's no other words I can use. Literally every time I picked up the book my whole emotions/feelings shifted into depression mode. And it's not because it was just a sad book. It was because of the way it was told and how nothing ever went right for Hope (the MC and narrator of the story) or Lizzie (the sister that tried to kill herself).
But honestly, I wasn't reading this book for pleasure. Like I said above, I randomly picked it up in the library to read for school for a grade. And yes, I did get graded for reading it. Welcome to High School English, folks. So it didn't matter that much to me that the book was a let down.
Anyways...
Content Review:
Violence:
There's nothing really super violent about this book aside from the fact that Hope walks in on her sister holding a shotgun towards herself, about to pull the trigger. Maybe a few other minor things that I can't remember.
Language:
Damn and hell were used throughout the book. The mom calls a lady a "fat b!itch" and tells her daughter she looks like a "whore" and "slut". Sh!t is also used a few times.
Sexual content:
The mom's job is implied to be having sexual relations with other men for money. The daughters refer to these men as "visitors". Later in the book it's revealed that the mom got Lizzie included with these "visitors". At this point in the book, I was so done.
And Hope and her friend have a party at which Mari (her friend) kisses a boy. Another boy at the party says that Hope should've passed him a card, implying that she could've dropped it and kissed him. (The game they were playing was where you can only pass a playing card by sucking on it on your lips and passing it to another person who has to do the same thing. Therefore if you dropped the card, you'd end up kissing whoever you were passing it to.)
And the last thing was just the mention of girls being on periods.
So there's all that. I'm not a fan of this book, for many reasons. But mainly because of some of the content and just how depressing it was.
Have a good day and happy reading!
I picked this up in my school library without the full intention of reading the whole thing. I'd read the first few pages and got a little bit intrigued, wanting to see where the plot was going. The main event of the book is a sister tried to kill herself. The other sister is left with their not so great mom. So I wanted to see if the element of hope ever came up.
It didn't.
Well, not really until the last page.
Overall, it was just depressing. Like, there's no other words I can use. Literally every time I picked up the book my whole emotions/feelings shifted into depression mode. And it's not because it was just a sad book. It was because of the way it was told and how nothing ever went right for Hope (the MC and narrator of the story) or Lizzie (the sister that tried to kill herself).
But honestly, I wasn't reading this book for pleasure. Like I said above, I randomly picked it up in the library to read for school for a grade. And yes, I did get graded for reading it. Welcome to High School English, folks. So it didn't matter that much to me that the book was a let down.
Anyways...
Content Review:
Violence:
There's nothing really super violent about this book aside from the fact that Hope walks in on her sister holding a shotgun towards herself, about to pull the trigger. Maybe a few other minor things that I can't remember.
Language:
Damn and hell were used throughout the book. The mom calls a lady a "fat b!itch" and tells her daughter she looks like a "whore" and "slut". Sh!t is also used a few times.
Sexual content:
The mom's job is implied to be having sexual relations with other men for money. The daughters refer to these men as "visitors". Later in the book it's revealed that the mom got Lizzie included with these "visitors". At this point in the book, I was so done.
And Hope and her friend have a party at which Mari (her friend) kisses a boy. Another boy at the party says that Hope should've passed him a card, implying that she could've dropped it and kissed him. (The game they were playing was where you can only pass a playing card by sucking on it on your lips and passing it to another person who has to do the same thing. Therefore if you dropped the card, you'd end up kissing whoever you were passing it to.)
And the last thing was just the mention of girls being on periods.
So there's all that. I'm not a fan of this book, for many reasons. But mainly because of some of the content and just how depressing it was.
Have a good day and happy reading!
June 29, 2023
I have now read this book three times and it still has the same impact that it did when I first read it nine years ago. I still find this the best sister story I have ever come across. It's a hard read, but an amazing one. It is all worth it when you see the payoff in the end, beautiful.
April 17, 2020
This is not an easy book to read.
It’s a novel in verse, a format that has been known to put off many readers who aren’t used to it. Furthermore, the subject is a very difficult one emotionally, as it deals with child abuse, dysfunctional families, and trauma in a very raw, hands-on way.
The writing is rich and haunting, unpretentious, and really manages to put the reader in the mindset of a thirteen-year-old girl grappling with very adult questions, trying to understand why her beloved sister would hold a shotgun, fingering the trigger, thinking about leaving her.
I find the title very appropriate, as each poem is an episode, a glimpse that offers further clues as to how our protagonist feels, what she can remember, and the way she pieces together the clues so she can comprehend what’s happening to her and what happened to her sister.
Sometimes, a glimpse of these troubling issues is all we can stand, but even that can be enough to make us alert to those suffering, often before our own very eyes.
It’s a novel in verse, a format that has been known to put off many readers who aren’t used to it. Furthermore, the subject is a very difficult one emotionally, as it deals with child abuse, dysfunctional families, and trauma in a very raw, hands-on way.
The writing is rich and haunting, unpretentious, and really manages to put the reader in the mindset of a thirteen-year-old girl grappling with very adult questions, trying to understand why her beloved sister would hold a shotgun, fingering the trigger, thinking about leaving her.
I find the title very appropriate, as each poem is an episode, a glimpse that offers further clues as to how our protagonist feels, what she can remember, and the way she pieces together the clues so she can comprehend what’s happening to her and what happened to her sister.
Sometimes, a glimpse of these troubling issues is all we can stand, but even that can be enough to make us alert to those suffering, often before our own very eyes.
May 18, 2016
I love this author.
This book is written in poems which I love.
This book is good.
It made me sad.
But I didn't cry.
It leaves the reader with a hollow aching feeling inside.
It's a book of loneliness and hurting.
This book is written in poems which I love.
This book is good.
It made me sad.
But I didn't cry.
It leaves the reader with a hollow aching feeling inside.
It's a book of loneliness and hurting.
March 23, 2021
Why are most verse novels so sad?! 😢
January 17, 2011
A harrowing tale of sexual abuse, vividly recounted in prose poems. Hope and Lizzie are sisters who are very close. Lizzie, the eldest, is very protective of Hope. As the novel opens, Lizzie has been hospitalized for a suicide attempt. Hope does not understand why her sister will not communicate with her or with her mother when they visit. As the story unfolds, we learn that Hope and Lizzie’s mother is a prostitute and their home is a tough place where survival is what counts. Hope has her friend, Mari, but she misses Lizzie. Lizzie begins treatment with a new psychiatrist, who asks Hope to try to remember anything that might have pushed Lizzie to such desperation. Hope begins to remember the sound of crying, a trigger that eventually leads her to a repressed memory: Lizzie is being raped by her mother’s johns and with her mother’s consent. The truth is in Lizzie’s diary, which Hope is hiding from her mother.
The prose poems are full of spare, yet vivid imagery: a riverbank is described thus: “white banks and trees that scratch at the water.” The powerful story full of sorrow and memory--reminiscent of an Ellen Hopkins novel, only better written—propels the reader to desperately want to find out, along with Hope, what on earth is happening with Lizzie. The scene with the dying cats was so horrifying and echoed the horror of Lizzie’s (as yet unrevealed) abuse.
Characters: fully realized through Hope’s descriptions. I loved Miss Freeman, an compassionate elderly woman who suspects that something is not quite right with the two sisters. The mother, who could quite rightly be demonized for colluding with the sexual abuse of her own daughter, is given enough human qualities so that although we are still aghast at what she has done, we don’t see her as a monster. Lizzie, whose voice we only hear that Hope’s memories, because Lizzie is mute in the hospital, becomes a character that we begin to know and love. The characterizations unfold as they mystery of Lizzie’s torment is gradually revealed.
I liked the symbolism of Hope’s name, as Hope is the only key to unlock what is at the bottom of Lizzie’s terror, and it is Hope who liberates Lizzie from the terrible secret that her mother forces her to choke down in silence. Lizzie protects Hope at first, from being preyed upon by men, but it is Hope who then protects Lizzie from her mother’s threats by revealing the contents of Lizzie’s diary.
The prose poems are full of spare, yet vivid imagery: a riverbank is described thus: “white banks and trees that scratch at the water.” The powerful story full of sorrow and memory--reminiscent of an Ellen Hopkins novel, only better written—propels the reader to desperately want to find out, along with Hope, what on earth is happening with Lizzie. The scene with the dying cats was so horrifying and echoed the horror of Lizzie’s (as yet unrevealed) abuse.
Characters: fully realized through Hope’s descriptions. I loved Miss Freeman, an compassionate elderly woman who suspects that something is not quite right with the two sisters. The mother, who could quite rightly be demonized for colluding with the sexual abuse of her own daughter, is given enough human qualities so that although we are still aghast at what she has done, we don’t see her as a monster. Lizzie, whose voice we only hear that Hope’s memories, because Lizzie is mute in the hospital, becomes a character that we begin to know and love. The characterizations unfold as they mystery of Lizzie’s torment is gradually revealed.
I liked the symbolism of Hope’s name, as Hope is the only key to unlock what is at the bottom of Lizzie’s terror, and it is Hope who liberates Lizzie from the terrible secret that her mother forces her to choke down in silence. Lizzie protects Hope at first, from being preyed upon by men, but it is Hope who then protects Lizzie from her mother’s threats by revealing the contents of Lizzie’s diary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2010
As an English major I had my fair share of classes who's required reading lists included quite a good amount of work written in verse. I admit that I never really enjoyed it much. It could have been for any number of reasons, I may have been too immature to grasp the beauty of it, it could have been because it was simply required, or maybe because it was the fact that I had a time deadline that I needed to stick to, but either way I stayed away from it after graduation. Maybe I just don't have a lyrical soul? I hope that's not the reason. But this year I have found myself reading quite a bit of verse voluntarily. Is this a new trend in young adult literature? This is my third tour book written in verse and I was once again unsure if I would enjoy it. I think this book could have been written another way or in a different format but I also think a lot of the powerful emotions behind the words comes out so strongly simply because of the formatting Carol Lynch Williams chose to work with.
Hope is a young girl who comes to find her older sister Lizzie attempting to commit suicide. Lizzie is placed in a mental hospital and Hope is left with her mother and no clue as to what could have driven her sister to take such drastic actions. I've never felt such hatred and disgust for a character the way I did towards Hope and Lizzie's mom. If you give this book a chance, you'll come to understand why I have these extreme feelings toward the woman. Hope comes to learn that Lizzie kept a journal and the story becomes a race between Hope and her mother to find the journal before the other does. It's a tough read emotionally to make your way through, but Williams will amaze readers with her ability to weave such a deep and moving story together with such ease and flow. This is not a light read but one that I think worthy of a reader's time and energy.
Hope is a young girl who comes to find her older sister Lizzie attempting to commit suicide. Lizzie is placed in a mental hospital and Hope is left with her mother and no clue as to what could have driven her sister to take such drastic actions. I've never felt such hatred and disgust for a character the way I did towards Hope and Lizzie's mom. If you give this book a chance, you'll come to understand why I have these extreme feelings toward the woman. Hope comes to learn that Lizzie kept a journal and the story becomes a race between Hope and her mother to find the journal before the other does. It's a tough read emotionally to make your way through, but Williams will amaze readers with her ability to weave such a deep and moving story together with such ease and flow. This is not a light read but one that I think worthy of a reader's time and energy.
August 3, 2010
I have come to really love verse novels. This one is no exception. Carol Lynch Williams takes on some very tough issues in this book, and does it in a way that will make you want to protect Hope until the very end.
Hope and Lizzie aren't just sisters, they are best friends. When Hope finds Lizzie with a gun to her head there lives are changed forever.
The tragic events in this story are pretty easy to unravel from very early on, but because of the age of the narrator, Hope, it takes a while for things to unfold in the story. In some cases I would find this very annoying, but it wasn't. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time waiting for Hope to figure it out, and waiting to see how she would react. I was able to relate to Hope's confusion andq guilt when it came to her sister. I have an older sister myself, and when I was a teenager she tried to kill herself. So I could understand all of Hope's feelings on that issue.
Williams' writing was very good. The story was told at a pace that made it unable to put down. The Southern atmosphere of the story made it feel like it could be happening in my backyard. It was all very beautiful, even though the content was hard.
All in all, this was a great read. It was fast, it took me maybe 2 hours to read it. And you will be thinking about it for days afterward. Read it!
Hope and Lizzie aren't just sisters, they are best friends. When Hope finds Lizzie with a gun to her head there lives are changed forever.
The tragic events in this story are pretty easy to unravel from very early on, but because of the age of the narrator, Hope, it takes a while for things to unfold in the story. In some cases I would find this very annoying, but it wasn't. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time waiting for Hope to figure it out, and waiting to see how she would react. I was able to relate to Hope's confusion andq guilt when it came to her sister. I have an older sister myself, and when I was a teenager she tried to kill herself. So I could understand all of Hope's feelings on that issue.
Williams' writing was very good. The story was told at a pace that made it unable to put down. The Southern atmosphere of the story made it feel like it could be happening in my backyard. It was all very beautiful, even though the content was hard.
All in all, this was a great read. It was fast, it took me maybe 2 hours to read it. And you will be thinking about it for days afterward. Read it!
August 7, 2010
Finding her sister
with a shotgun to her
head,
Hope tries to figure out
what would make her sister
do such a thing.
Glimpse had a high bar to reach after
The Chosen One
and Carol Lynch Williams managed to
deliver.
Written in verses,
Glimpse is a novel to breeze through,
but the emotional and tragic subject
for the novel is
not.
It is a stunning novel
of redemption for the soul
as Hope stumbles along
the road of her sister’s trauma.
It is a story of struggle of money,
of deaths,
of protecting the sisterhood.
Glimpse is only a
glimpse
of I foresee and expect of
Carol Lynch Williams.
This was literary
L
O
V
E
.
Ah,
but I do question
some of the vague details
of their past life and of Hope.
Is she 13?
Or is she 12?
with a shotgun to her
head,
Hope tries to figure out
what would make her sister
do such a thing.
Glimpse had a high bar to reach after
The Chosen One
and Carol Lynch Williams managed to
deliver.
Written in verses,
Glimpse is a novel to breeze through,
but the emotional and tragic subject
for the novel is
not.
It is a stunning novel
of redemption for the soul
as Hope stumbles along
the road of her sister’s trauma.
It is a story of struggle of money,
of deaths,
of protecting the sisterhood.
Glimpse is only a
glimpse
of I foresee and expect of
Carol Lynch Williams.
This was literary
L
O
V
E
.
Ah,
but I do question
some of the vague details
of their past life and of Hope.
Is she 13?
Or is she 12?
May 13, 2012
Still quite depressed after finishing this one. It was slow to start, but became heart-wrenching around midway. Wasn't satisfied with the ending at first, but after re-reading it on the plane I believe it's the best possible ending for this book. Lizzie <3
Full review to come :)
Full review to come :)
August 10, 2017
I'm not a fan of books written in verse but this one worked. The story was heart wrenching but a bit predictable. I often question why I buy and read these dark YA contemporary books because they always leave me feeling miserable but this was one of the better ones that I've read.
April 25, 2020
Estou chocado com o rumo que a história tomou, não esperava nem imaginava que fosse acontecer algo do tipo e agora tudo faz sentido desde o início com ritmo lento introduzindo os personagens dando contexto até o desenrolar.
Uma história bem pesada cheia de drama desde o início, uma mãe que faz programa além de ser ausente, irmãs que perderam o pai e a mais velha uma suicida. De cortar o coração principalmente nas últimas páginas.
Demora a pegar embalo mas vale muito a pena, e o formato em versos ajuda a leitura fluir.
Uma história bem pesada cheia de drama desde o início, uma mãe que faz programa além de ser ausente, irmãs que perderam o pai e a mais velha uma suicida. De cortar o coração principalmente nas últimas páginas.
Demora a pegar embalo mas vale muito a pena, e o formato em versos ajuda a leitura fluir.
April 10, 2019
Wow! That is all I can say. Knowing that this book was written in verse intrigued me. It kept me reading. In two hours the journey was over. This book should have some hefty trigger warnings. The writing captures a story in ways that I physically felt the details. The poetry isn't amazing but the story is one that rarely is told in such detail. This is a hard book to read but the ending is satisfying and gives me hope that this narrative can help young women in similar situations find courage.
April 17, 2019
Hard to read and very dark story.
I read this a few years ago and after finding it in an op-shop decided to pick it up again.
Definitely doesn't pack a punch like the first time I read it.
Didn't exactly leave me feeling much but sadness either.
I read this a few years ago and after finding it in an op-shop decided to pick it up again.
Definitely doesn't pack a punch like the first time I read it.
Didn't exactly leave me feeling much but sadness either.
November 23, 2024
Reading this felt like I was watching a movie. Very much enjoyed.
April 21, 2019
Ouch. Wonderfully told story of the site events in two young sisters lives. How could a supposed loving parent be so heartless.
March 22, 2017
This was a quick read since it was written in verse.
I figured out early on, around page 150 or so what Lizzie's secret was. I wasn't expecting this book to be about their mom being a prostitute and what she forced Lizzie to do.
I'm so glad Hope chose to tell on her mom and stick up for her sister.
This was a quick heartbreaking read.
I figured out early on, around page 150 or so what Lizzie's secret was. I wasn't expecting this book to be about their mom being a prostitute and what she forced Lizzie to do.
I'm so glad Hope chose to tell on her mom and stick up for her sister.
This was a quick heartbreaking read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2017
Glimpse: A short and easy read on flashbacks to months ago when life wasn't so rough, when Hope still had a sister. Follow the struggles of having to grow up at a very young age, before you're a teen. Having to leave home so mom can work, having to be dropped off so mom can meet a stranger for work. Take a glimpse at what life for 2 sisters who rely on each other for life, while their mother relies on desperate men for life. This story captivates you on a new level, and leaves one big question lingering in the back of your mind throughout the story 'What happened to Liz and why is she staying away from home?'. Williams writes this story as if she lived this life, as if these experiences were her own and captures all the moments in the best version she could have. I would strongly recommend this book to any teen reader who is looking for a very quick and easy read. This book is only getting a 4 stars due to the fact that the way this story is written it sometimes loses you on whether you are reading about her present life or one of the flashbacks to months ago and you find yourself having to reread the last page or two.
September 6, 2017
Personal Response: I personally liked this book. I thought that it was very good book because I can relate to it. I also thought that this book was very sad. I thought so because Hope walks in on her sister Lizzy holding a shotgun to her head with her fingers on the trigger. This book is a good book to read because, it tells a story about a girl who wants to kill herself, and how shows how much that it hurts the people around you. It also makes you think of how much you should appreciate what you have rather than what you don't.
Summary: This book was heartbreaking because no sibling wants to walk in on their sister, or brother almost killing themselves. Hope felt very ashamed, she felt ashamed because if her sister Lizzy would have actually killed herself she would have blamed herself. Hope would have blames herself because she feels like there could have been something she could have done to stop her. When Lizzy was in the hospital, Hopes friend came over to to get her to go hiking and hangout, but Hope said to her that she cant go because Lizzy was not with. Although She did go, but told her that she has to go home to her sister in a little bit even though she was not necessarily there. While Lizzy was in the hospital Hope really missed her. It hurt her to have to know that her sister is in the hospital for trying to kill herself. Throughout this book it is very hard for hope to get through the day. It is hard for her because she doesn't know if her sister will kill herself while she is not there by her.
Characterization: Hope in the beginning of this book was very depressed. She was very depressed because she had walked in on her sister trying to kill herself, with the shotgun to her head with her fingers on the trigger. Throughout the book Hope is very scared as well. She is very scared because she doesn't know what her sister Lizzy is doing when she is not around her. She is scared that her sister will take matter into her own hands and actually leave for good. When Lizzy is in the hospital it is a very hard time for Hope. It's hard because Hope can not see her. It is a good thing though because Hope knows that her sister is safe. Lizzy throughout this book is depressed and suicidal. Throughout this book she doesn't want to live anymore. She feels that she can't do anything right. There is so much hatred. She is just sick of being the person she is. She doesn't get treated right. She just wishes all the pain would end. When Lizzy goes to the hospital she feels safe. She feels safe because she knows she can't hurt herself. Although at the same time she doesn't like it because she can not see her sister. Lizzy is just so done, she's tired , she's exhausted, and she's torn. She lost herself. Towards the end of the book when she gets out of the hospital she's more happy, than she was before. She realized that there are people who care about her and don't want to see her gone for good.
Recommendation: I personally think that people should read this book I recommend it because if you're personally going through tough times, or have a sibling who is this would be the perfect book to read. I also recommend people to read it even if you don't relate or have a sibling who does. I think this because it tells a story of a girl who wants to kill herself, and shows what really happened in life and it shows that people actually care, even when you think nobody does. It showed how much Hope cared about her sister Lizzy, when Lizzy didn't think that she cared at all. This is why I personally recommend people to read this book.
Summary: This book was heartbreaking because no sibling wants to walk in on their sister, or brother almost killing themselves. Hope felt very ashamed, she felt ashamed because if her sister Lizzy would have actually killed herself she would have blamed herself. Hope would have blames herself because she feels like there could have been something she could have done to stop her. When Lizzy was in the hospital, Hopes friend came over to to get her to go hiking and hangout, but Hope said to her that she cant go because Lizzy was not with. Although She did go, but told her that she has to go home to her sister in a little bit even though she was not necessarily there. While Lizzy was in the hospital Hope really missed her. It hurt her to have to know that her sister is in the hospital for trying to kill herself. Throughout this book it is very hard for hope to get through the day. It is hard for her because she doesn't know if her sister will kill herself while she is not there by her.
Characterization: Hope in the beginning of this book was very depressed. She was very depressed because she had walked in on her sister trying to kill herself, with the shotgun to her head with her fingers on the trigger. Throughout the book Hope is very scared as well. She is very scared because she doesn't know what her sister Lizzy is doing when she is not around her. She is scared that her sister will take matter into her own hands and actually leave for good. When Lizzy is in the hospital it is a very hard time for Hope. It's hard because Hope can not see her. It is a good thing though because Hope knows that her sister is safe. Lizzy throughout this book is depressed and suicidal. Throughout this book she doesn't want to live anymore. She feels that she can't do anything right. There is so much hatred. She is just sick of being the person she is. She doesn't get treated right. She just wishes all the pain would end. When Lizzy goes to the hospital she feels safe. She feels safe because she knows she can't hurt herself. Although at the same time she doesn't like it because she can not see her sister. Lizzy is just so done, she's tired , she's exhausted, and she's torn. She lost herself. Towards the end of the book when she gets out of the hospital she's more happy, than she was before. She realized that there are people who care about her and don't want to see her gone for good.
Recommendation: I personally think that people should read this book I recommend it because if you're personally going through tough times, or have a sibling who is this would be the perfect book to read. I also recommend people to read it even if you don't relate or have a sibling who does. I think this because it tells a story of a girl who wants to kill herself, and shows what really happened in life and it shows that people actually care, even when you think nobody does. It showed how much Hope cared about her sister Lizzy, when Lizzy didn't think that she cared at all. This is why I personally recommend people to read this book.
April 13, 2015
This book was okay, but not a favorite of mine. It was written kind of like Ellen Hopkins writes her books, but a lot easier. It was almost too easy for me. The plot line didn't really get interesting until the end. It was really slow throughout the story. The end, when a big secret was revealed, is what made it more interesting. Two sisters were separated when the oldest tried to commit suicide. She was sent away to a hospital to get better, while the younger sister stayed at home with their mother. The main character, Hope, and the doctors all wondered why her sister would want to die. At the end, a diary that contained all of those answers was found. Their mom was going crazy trying find the diary and hold her secrets from everybody. The diary written by Liz, the girl in the hospital, told how her mom made her do things with older men to get money. I don't understand how a parent could do something like that. This book was written in the view point of Hope, but also as a narrator. When people speak, there were no quotations.
Hope Chapman is the main character. She is almost 13 and her sister, Liz, is two years older. Hope is really close with her sister. She is very responsible for her sister, as it is the other way around, too. Throughout the book she seems to be young, but by the end, her attitude matured. She is faced to confront her mother about what is going on with her sister. She talks to her mother as if she is older than just almost 13. The two sisters grow up taking care of each other, and I think this is why she becomes so brave to confront her mom. Hope definitely seems to act older than she is by the end, and I think it all has to do with how she learns to grow up.
This book seems to take place somewhere in the southern part of the states. Based on how some characters speak, using words like, "ya'll" and "Momma" I assume it is down south more. I think the town they are living in is very small and dirt road like. I think it also takes place in the past, because the prices for items are very, very cheap. A woman sells clothing at her store for 25 cents per two items. This impacts the setting, because there is not much job opportunities for the girls' mom. This causes her to do anything she can to get money.
I would recommend this to girls in middle school. There wasn't much going on, so there really wasn't the need to be mature to handle situations. Also, as I read this, I found it really easy to read. It was almost too easy, so that's why I would recommend this to a younger crowd. The view was in the perspective of a middle school aged girl as well, so they might like it better.
Hope Chapman is the main character. She is almost 13 and her sister, Liz, is two years older. Hope is really close with her sister. She is very responsible for her sister, as it is the other way around, too. Throughout the book she seems to be young, but by the end, her attitude matured. She is faced to confront her mother about what is going on with her sister. She talks to her mother as if she is older than just almost 13. The two sisters grow up taking care of each other, and I think this is why she becomes so brave to confront her mom. Hope definitely seems to act older than she is by the end, and I think it all has to do with how she learns to grow up.
This book seems to take place somewhere in the southern part of the states. Based on how some characters speak, using words like, "ya'll" and "Momma" I assume it is down south more. I think the town they are living in is very small and dirt road like. I think it also takes place in the past, because the prices for items are very, very cheap. A woman sells clothing at her store for 25 cents per two items. This impacts the setting, because there is not much job opportunities for the girls' mom. This causes her to do anything she can to get money.
I would recommend this to girls in middle school. There wasn't much going on, so there really wasn't the need to be mature to handle situations. Also, as I read this, I found it really easy to read. It was almost too easy, so that's why I would recommend this to a younger crowd. The view was in the perspective of a middle school aged girl as well, so they might like it better.
September 11, 2011
"Glimpse," by Carol Lynch Williams, may be threatening to some teens because of its first appearance - it is nearly 500 pages in length and the cover is entirely uninviting. However, if you can entice a teen into really examining and reading the cover, actually opening the book, and reading the very first page - he or she will be hooked.
In the fashion of Ellen Hopkins or Cathy Ostlere or Patricia McCormick, Carol Lynch Williams has written a novel in verse with terrific teen appeal! It is long, in terms of pages, but could actually be read in one or two sittings.The story is told in first person by Hope, who begins by giving us a firsthand account of walking in on her older sister, Lizzie, who is holding a shotgun and about to commit suicide. From there she goes back and tries to piece together the reasons for her sister's actions, along with trying to go forward and aid in her sister's recovery. Hope is somewhat naive, mostly because her sister has tried to shield her from many truths. We learn that her father died years earlier in a car accident while on the way to the store to buy medicine for Lizzie. We learn that their mother "supports" the girls through prostitution. We eventually learn of many other harsh realities of their existence as Hope discovers them herself.
Lynch Williams does a wonderful job of building tension in this character driven plot. The language is simple but effective in telling a difficult story. There are few characters - Hope Chapman, Lizzie Chapman, Momma, Hope's best friend Mari, Miss Freeman the neighbor who looks out for the girls, and Dr. Kyle Marino - and Lynch Williams effectively brings them all to life for us.
There are many significant themes found in the book worthy of serious discussion - grief, loss, depression, suicide, prostitution, child abuse, love for a sibling, the importance of the presence of caring adults in a child's life, and so forth.
I would give the book 4.5 stars - if that ranking were available! This is really a terrific book - but the cover and the size were off-putting to me, as it may be to teens. This one needs selling, but will fly off the shelves once the word gets out! I am definitely buying more copies for our library!
In the fashion of Ellen Hopkins or Cathy Ostlere or Patricia McCormick, Carol Lynch Williams has written a novel in verse with terrific teen appeal! It is long, in terms of pages, but could actually be read in one or two sittings.The story is told in first person by Hope, who begins by giving us a firsthand account of walking in on her older sister, Lizzie, who is holding a shotgun and about to commit suicide. From there she goes back and tries to piece together the reasons for her sister's actions, along with trying to go forward and aid in her sister's recovery. Hope is somewhat naive, mostly because her sister has tried to shield her from many truths. We learn that her father died years earlier in a car accident while on the way to the store to buy medicine for Lizzie. We learn that their mother "supports" the girls through prostitution. We eventually learn of many other harsh realities of their existence as Hope discovers them herself.
Lynch Williams does a wonderful job of building tension in this character driven plot. The language is simple but effective in telling a difficult story. There are few characters - Hope Chapman, Lizzie Chapman, Momma, Hope's best friend Mari, Miss Freeman the neighbor who looks out for the girls, and Dr. Kyle Marino - and Lynch Williams effectively brings them all to life for us.
There are many significant themes found in the book worthy of serious discussion - grief, loss, depression, suicide, prostitution, child abuse, love for a sibling, the importance of the presence of caring adults in a child's life, and so forth.
I would give the book 4.5 stars - if that ranking were available! This is really a terrific book - but the cover and the size were off-putting to me, as it may be to teens. This one needs selling, but will fly off the shelves once the word gets out! I am definitely buying more copies for our library!
June 16, 2012
"Her voice
pierces me in the chest,
right under,
the breastbone
And my heart,
right then and there,
rips in half.
I can feel the weepy
tear in it."
That's right. It's another one of those books that is written in verse. This one is about two sisters, Hope and Lizzie. Lizzie tried to kill herself and Hope is trying to find out why. Her mother is a prostitute so they aren't living in the best living conditions. I've never absolutely loved a book in verse. Burned by Ellen Hopkins got close only because the book's ending made me want to scream and rip and tear out the father's eyes out.
I actually don't mind verse that much anymore. It's just that I haven't read a 5 star book with verse in it but I'm being too critical seeing as I've only read three like that so don't mind me too much. This book had a lot of potential and it was intense at some times. It's a really messed up family they've got here. I didn't like how Hope a lot of the time didn't seem to care about her sister. She would always go off to her friend's house. She would always do that before but it was like she was always laughing. She never really took the time to go visit her sister. If my brothers really needed me I don't care if I had to walk for a day I would go to them. I don't know. She is twelve but really... She would talk about missing her sister and how her sister would cry but at the climax I still couldn't feel for her and she's the main character!
Well I got all the negative out of there so now for the positive. The reveal was horrible... in a good way. It'll just pierce your heart just like she says (quote above). It's really bad why she wants to kill herself. Before the reveal they hint at it and you know. God you know. This isn't going to end well. You get a little panicky before because you know and when it becomes revealed you just die inside a little. So as you can see I did like the book I just didn't like how Hope acted most of the way during the book. Verse is catching on to me. One day I might even go out of my way to read it.
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot...
pierces me in the chest,
right under,
the breastbone
And my heart,
right then and there,
rips in half.
I can feel the weepy
tear in it."
That's right. It's another one of those books that is written in verse. This one is about two sisters, Hope and Lizzie. Lizzie tried to kill herself and Hope is trying to find out why. Her mother is a prostitute so they aren't living in the best living conditions. I've never absolutely loved a book in verse. Burned by Ellen Hopkins got close only because the book's ending made me want to scream and rip and tear out the father's eyes out.
I actually don't mind verse that much anymore. It's just that I haven't read a 5 star book with verse in it but I'm being too critical seeing as I've only read three like that so don't mind me too much. This book had a lot of potential and it was intense at some times. It's a really messed up family they've got here. I didn't like how Hope a lot of the time didn't seem to care about her sister. She would always go off to her friend's house. She would always do that before but it was like she was always laughing. She never really took the time to go visit her sister. If my brothers really needed me I don't care if I had to walk for a day I would go to them. I don't know. She is twelve but really... She would talk about missing her sister and how her sister would cry but at the climax I still couldn't feel for her and she's the main character!
Well I got all the negative out of there so now for the positive. The reveal was horrible... in a good way. It'll just pierce your heart just like she says (quote above). It's really bad why she wants to kill herself. Before the reveal they hint at it and you know. God you know. This isn't going to end well. You get a little panicky before because you know and when it becomes revealed you just die inside a little. So as you can see I did like the book I just didn't like how Hope acted most of the way during the book. Verse is catching on to me. One day I might even go out of my way to read it.
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot...
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