From the Bookshelf of 2013 Hub Reading Challenge…
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An interesting juxtaposition of a young teen trapped under the rubble of a hospital in Haiti after an earthquake and a former slave leading a revolution (historical setting). There was a fair amount of explanation about voodoo and the slum where Shorty lives is a violent place, so this is a book for high school readers (or older). Shorty relives his life story as he struggles to keep his sanity trapped deep inside what used to be the hospital. His true confessions pull us into his story and root
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May 06, 2013
Marta Boksenbaum
rated it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
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z2013yalsa-challenge
This is a very powerful story, which switches between modern day Haiti in the time of the recent earthquake, and Toussaint's revolutionary free the slaves in Haiti shortly after the French Revolution. Lake writes skillfully, switching between the two points of view seamlessly weaving the two settings together. Lake paints a vivid picture of Haiti and its struggles.
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I can't really write my review tonight. I have a lot to say, but I need to let it percolate before writing it all out. For now I'll just say that there are flaws in the book that made it very hard for me to enjoy it. Also, it needs a glossary and references.
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I found this Printz winner a very confusing read with little teen appeal.
Let me preface this by saying that it took me a long time to read this book. Typically, this indicates that it was not very enjoyable. However, "In Darkness" was very good. The juxtaposition of the history with Shorty's own story was handled excellently, and both stories were compelling. The subject matter is quite heavy, though, which is why it was so difficult to finish.
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Jan 28, 2013
Vaile
marked it as to-read
Jan 28, 2013
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Jan 28, 2013
Ms. Pansulla
marked it as to-read
Feb 04, 2013
Julia
marked it as to-read
