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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
The two best things about GIVE ME SOME TRUTH are the setting and the music. I very much liked Gansworth's first book that grew from this 1970's Indian reservation, IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE. This one truly puts the reader there, showing both the grimness and the beauty of the community. Also most of the kids in TRUTH are exactly my age, their senior year was my senior year. And even growing up in a very different community half a county away, I recognized this time. Not just through the excellent playlist, but in the attitudes of racism and sexism.
This book did some things better - and truer - than most books speaking of "important" issues. Both Carson and Maggi felt like their respective ages. Not some overly self-aware versions of teens, spouting clever observations, that tend to populate the recent glut of "important" YA fiction. Something I've been sensitive to in this age of #metoo and Own Voices is how period kids are suddenly spouting twenty-first century battle cries.
Carson's self-absorption was both annoying and lovable.
Most of the way through I expected to give this five stars. It is very worth reading. Even if logic jumps a bit at times and it gets a bit unruly and drug-out by trying to cram too much in.
This book did some things better - and truer - than most books speaking of "important" issues. Both Carson and Maggi felt like their respective ages. Not some overly self-aware versions of teens, spouting clever observations, that tend to populate the recent glut of "important" YA fiction. Something I've been sensitive to in this age of #metoo and Own Voices is how period kids are suddenly spouting twenty-first century battle cries.
Spoiler
As painful as it was to watch, Maggi's infatuation with her predator felt very genuine. I very much remember how flattering it felt to have the eyes of older men checking my under-age body out. And I was both more naive and luckier than Maggi. Her reaction, until perhaps the end, felt so fifteen-year-old girl.Carson's self-absorption was both annoying and lovable.
Most of the way through I expected to give this five stars. It is very worth reading. Even if logic jumps a bit at times and it gets a bit unruly and drug-out by trying to cram too much in.
I enjoyed Carson's arc infinitely more than Maggie's. Carson is having a true coming of age experience, deciding what kind of person he wants to be, what issues he'll stand for and against, if he can bear to let people be his true friends, whether he can be a friend in return. I think he's one of the only "unlikable" male characters I've encountered, and it was great!! His half of the book is immensely satisfying and made me emotional.
Maggie is 15, and her entire arc involved her relationship with a 30 yr old guy. Her teen sister is also in a relationship with an older man (and this is never presented in a bad light because she's almost 18). The whole thing was extremely uncomfortable to read/listen to.
Maggie is 15, and her entire arc involved her relationship with a 30 yr old guy. Her teen sister is also in a relationship with an older man (and this is never presented in a bad light because she's almost 18). The whole thing was extremely uncomfortable to read/listen to.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Maggie’s plot line is handled expertly. Through her perspective, the danger is innocuous and comes slowly closer, building irony for mature readers who understand the gravity of the situation that she doesn’t see. Her older sister Marie stands as an example - will Maggie follow in her sisters footsteps or forge her own path?
I received an ARC of this book from the 2017 YALSA Symposium.
I got to chapter 7 in this book, but I just couldn't finish it. Initially, it reminded me a bit of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, but it quickly lost that feel. It just felt like the story wasn't going anywhere.
I got to chapter 7 in this book, but I just couldn't finish it. Initially, it reminded me a bit of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, but it quickly lost that feel. It just felt like the story wasn't going anywhere.
I picked this up because it was a chance to visit again with characters from If I Ever Get Out of Here and to enjoy the intertwining of their lives with their love for music. I was also interested in seeing Lewis, protagonist of the earlier book, from others' points of view.
I was disappointed with it for some of the same reasons others have cited--it did feel overlong and the the problematic relationships were not super-pleasant to read about. I did appreciate seeing things from Carson's perspective, as he was someone who didn't come off very positively in the first book. Certain scenes were strongly written and I was glad to have read them, but I just wish the whole had come together more tightly/effectively.
I was disappointed with it for some of the same reasons others have cited--it did feel overlong and the the problematic relationships were not super-pleasant to read about. I did appreciate seeing things from Carson's perspective, as he was someone who didn't come off very positively in the first book. Certain scenes were strongly written and I was glad to have read them, but I just wish the whole had come together more tightly/effectively.
This was a great book set in a time period that evokes nostalgia for me. It also deals effectively with issues surrounding First Nations youth and life on a reserve. I would recommend this book to those wishing to read about First Nations, teen issues, and events happening in the late 70s/early 80s.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It wasn’t very captivating and from the first chapter I already didn’t like the writing style. I just think this novel is just not interesting. I have to admit mostly I skimmed through the book and throughout it I just dragged myself. It took me so long to read this book and I had such high hopes.
Although it took me a while to get into this book, once I did I was hooked. Loved the characters, well almost all the characters. You’ll know which one I disliked when you read it yourself. Great YA book that is written by an indigenous author! The book would have received five stars if it didn’t take me so long to get into.