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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Unbecoming is a story that spans three generations, exploring the lives and the secrets of Mary (a grandmother), Catherine (a mother), and Katie (a daughter). The story begins at the end of Mary's life, as she struggles with the onset of dementia and bonds with her granddaughter, Katie over their efforts to capture and contain Mary's memories. Meanwhile, Katie is struggling with problems of her own; she's kissed a girl- her best friend. She is terrified of what this means and how to deal with rumors at school and her constantly hovering mother.
I found this story to be a diamond in the ruff; so diffrent from other YA literature out there. It was so awesome to read a story, written for young people that talks about what being old might really feel like. What does it feel like to loose your memories? How does your perspective on life change as you get older? Do you still get to fall in love or be adventurous or make mistakes? I don't think I've ever read any book that talks so openly and authentically from this perspective. I found myself falling in love with the character of Mary. She is vibrant and full of life, spicy and even a little sexy; she is everything we expect the elderly have grown out of, or never knew in the first place.
I also really loved Katie's story. She is struggling to find herself and her voice, worried about how she is seen by her peers and learning to be brave. I felt so much of my teenage self in her struggles and I think most readers will be relating and cheering her on, just like I was.
Overall, I got so much pleasure from ALL the characters in this book. Jenny Downham did such a good job of making them interesting and well rounded! I would recommend this book to just about anybody.
I found this story to be a diamond in the ruff; so diffrent from other YA literature out there. It was so awesome to read a story, written for young people that talks about what being old might really feel like. What does it feel like to loose your memories? How does your perspective on life change as you get older? Do you still get to fall in love or be adventurous or make mistakes? I don't think I've ever read any book that talks so openly and authentically from this perspective. I found myself falling in love with the character of Mary. She is vibrant and full of life, spicy and even a little sexy; she is everything we expect the elderly have grown out of, or never knew in the first place.
I also really loved Katie's story. She is struggling to find herself and her voice, worried about how she is seen by her peers and learning to be brave. I felt so much of my teenage self in her struggles and I think most readers will be relating and cheering her on, just like I was.
Overall, I got so much pleasure from ALL the characters in this book. Jenny Downham did such a good job of making them interesting and well rounded! I would recommend this book to just about anybody.
So this might be a good book to some, I just was not impressed with either the writing or the set up of the story.
A nice book with a good plot, although it was a bit slow.
Tells the stories of Katie, her mother Caroline, and her grandmother Mary, and the secrets they all hold. Katie has been told to keep that past closed, and that she had no grandparents...until the day the hospital calls to have them pick up Mary, the estranged grandmother. Mary is clearly suffering from a form of dementia that is painful to watch and understand. While Caroline is eager to get Mary into a different living arrangement (and rebury the past), Katie is drawn to Mary's fire and her circling stories, trying to piece together all of the things that happened long ago.
It was painful to read about Mary's declining memory and sense of time, particularly how easy it was for Caroline to misunderstand her or become frustrated with her. Anyone who has watched someone go through the painful process of losing names, words, and linear memories will likely see pieces of this in Unbecoming.
My only piece of criticism: Narratively, the book does come around to the secrets and frustrations of all three of these women (and their former selves), but the narrative voice was omniscient and overreaching. There were too many jangling sentences of perspective from random characters, and not enough heart from Caroline.
It was painful to read about Mary's declining memory and sense of time, particularly how easy it was for Caroline to misunderstand her or become frustrated with her. Anyone who has watched someone go through the painful process of losing names, words, and linear memories will likely see pieces of this in Unbecoming.
My only piece of criticism: Narratively, the book does come around to the secrets and frustrations of all three of these women (and their former selves), but the narrative voice was omniscient and overreaching. There were too many jangling sentences of perspective from random characters, and not enough heart from Caroline.
Has all the elements - dementia, divorce, loss, coming out, special needs child yet it works beautifully
I've never been disappointed by a Jenny Downham novel. Just when I was thinking of taking a short break from YA, I've been on a run of excellent books and this is one of them. Downham deals with a variety of issues in this story of three generations of women and their painful, interwoven lives. This is a book about communication and transformation, misunderstandings, honesty and emotional bravery. It reminded me very much of Aidan Chambers with it's human, deep look at family life. It wasn't a read that made me laugh out loud or cry so it could have slipped to a 4 or 4.5, but there was something so strong about the writing. I love the cover too.
Listened. Absorbing story of three generations of British women: Mary, Caroline, and Katie, and their complicated relationships. Mary has Alzheimer's and goes to live with Katie's family and Katie helps preserve her memories in a book while also wrestling with big issues of her own, mostly about her being gay. Told in alternating first person accounts, beautifully and believably written.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Although I loved this story, I understand that it may not be for everyone. It jumps back and forth between the past and the present, and there are multiple points of view, so some readers might not be able to follow so easily. Plus, there isn't much in the way of action and adventure, which might turn some people off. But there is love, and loss, and yearning, and learning about self and family and friendship. So much emotional depth! I hadn't really heard anything about this book before I saw the audiobook was immediately available for download via my local library, but I did recognize Jenny Downham's name because I recalled sobbing my eyes out as I read Before I Die. (I often search and see which YA titles are "available now" rather than searching specific titles because I like to find hidden gems and, well, I am impatient!) So, yeah... I decided to give it a go. And, boy am I glad I went for it!
Katie is seventeen and she is struggling with several things. First, and foremost, she is struggling with her sexuality. Not only is she not totally sure how she identifies, but she is being bullied at school because of it. On top of that, she has an overbearing mom (Caroline), who often needs her to help care for her special needs brother (Chris). And, as if that all wasn't enough, she also discovers that she has a grandmother (Mary) whom she never really knew and who now requires a place to live and constant care because she has Alzheimer's and her long-time partner/caregiver (Jack) just died of a heart attack. When Katie decides to record stories in a memory book, to try to help preserve Mary's memories, she discovers so much more than family history and secrets. She uncovers a variety of reasons her mother is so up-tight and the realization that "truth" varies greatly with perspective.
Happy Reading!
Katie is seventeen and she is struggling with several things. First, and foremost, she is struggling with her sexuality. Not only is she not totally sure how she identifies, but she is being bullied at school because of it. On top of that, she has an overbearing mom (Caroline), who often needs her to help care for her special needs brother (Chris). And, as if that all wasn't enough, she also discovers that she has a grandmother (Mary) whom she never really knew and who now requires a place to live and constant care because she has Alzheimer's and her long-time partner/caregiver (Jack) just died of a heart attack. When Katie decides to record stories in a memory book, to try to help preserve Mary's memories, she discovers so much more than family history and secrets. She uncovers a variety of reasons her mother is so up-tight and the realization that "truth" varies greatly with perspective.
Happy Reading!