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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
A simple, interesting read. I found it very enjoyable, since I have a soft spot for history.
I would give this a 3.5, rounded up to a 4.
In “Nobody’s Secret,” Emily Dickinson is a 15-year-old who meets an older boy. Emily is eccentric, and finds that this boy is also strange his own way. She doesn’t know his name, yet he makes a definite impact on her. Before their relationship can progress, he is found dead in the pond outside her house. What starts as a mission to discover his true name becomes a quest to discover not only his name, but who he was, how he’s related to this town, and the true nature of his death.
This novel is unique in that it branches out from the typical female protagonist in young adult books, and creates the story around Emily Dickinson, who is 15 during the story. Very few of Dickinson's poems were published while she was alive, and she became somewhat of a recluse later in her life. However, after her death, her sister discovered hundreds of poems that had never been seen, which were later published. This book provides a look into the younger Emily Dickinson's love of writing, and how her ideas may have come to her - she often jots down lines that come into her mind, and keeps a notebook hidden in her corset at all times, with a pencil around her neck. The author openly admits that she took some literary freedom in her description of Dickinson, yet her description of Dickinson is completely plausible. It is always interesting to read a fictionalized posthumous account of a person's life, especially if the author is an authority on the history of the person, as is the case with MacColl. Her love of Emily Dickinson and her work is clear throughout the novel.
It is also interesting to note that rather than write a fictionalized account of Dickinson’s life as its own topic, the author uses a mystery as a plotline. This part is made up, but is a good way to see how Dickinson’s character was as a young girl, especially as opposed to her reclusiveness as an older adult. As is the case with some novels centered around teenagers, an adult reader can find him- or herself wanting to roll their eyes at the antics of the characters. Emily comes off as stubborn, and often rude and intrusive. I would go so far as to call her a “brat” when it comes to her mother. But as the story goes on, and you gain more and more insight into her life, the reasons for her rebelliousness become more clear. As a final note – it is very important to read the afterword. The author’s notes on Dickinson’s history are essential to the reader’s perception of the story. I would recommend this novel, especially for anyone with an interest in poetry and/or Emily Dickinson.
In “Nobody’s Secret,” Emily Dickinson is a 15-year-old who meets an older boy. Emily is eccentric, and finds that this boy is also strange his own way. She doesn’t know his name, yet he makes a definite impact on her. Before their relationship can progress, he is found dead in the pond outside her house. What starts as a mission to discover his true name becomes a quest to discover not only his name, but who he was, how he’s related to this town, and the true nature of his death.
This novel is unique in that it branches out from the typical female protagonist in young adult books, and creates the story around Emily Dickinson, who is 15 during the story. Very few of Dickinson's poems were published while she was alive, and she became somewhat of a recluse later in her life. However, after her death, her sister discovered hundreds of poems that had never been seen, which were later published. This book provides a look into the younger Emily Dickinson's love of writing, and how her ideas may have come to her - she often jots down lines that come into her mind, and keeps a notebook hidden in her corset at all times, with a pencil around her neck. The author openly admits that she took some literary freedom in her description of Dickinson, yet her description of Dickinson is completely plausible. It is always interesting to read a fictionalized posthumous account of a person's life, especially if the author is an authority on the history of the person, as is the case with MacColl. Her love of Emily Dickinson and her work is clear throughout the novel.
It is also interesting to note that rather than write a fictionalized account of Dickinson’s life as its own topic, the author uses a mystery as a plotline. This part is made up, but is a good way to see how Dickinson’s character was as a young girl, especially as opposed to her reclusiveness as an older adult. As is the case with some novels centered around teenagers, an adult reader can find him- or herself wanting to roll their eyes at the antics of the characters. Emily comes off as stubborn, and often rude and intrusive. I would go so far as to call her a “brat” when it comes to her mother. But as the story goes on, and you gain more and more insight into her life, the reasons for her rebelliousness become more clear. As a final note – it is very important to read the afterword. The author’s notes on Dickinson’s history are essential to the reader’s perception of the story. I would recommend this novel, especially for anyone with an interest in poetry and/or Emily Dickinson.
I'm very much into retellings of traditional stories, but I have to say my familiarity with "prequel" tales of sorts isn't as expansive. I'm usually open to them, though, especially when they involve things I like, as is the case with Nobody's Secret, which imagines a story about teenage Emily Dickinson and the inspiration for her "I'm Nobody! Who are you?" poem. A fun premise, though, in reality, I don't think it's necessarily vital for this to be an Emily Dickinson tale.
It's a short novel, but it still takes a bit of time to get to the murder mystery regarding Mr. Nobody. For once, I actually didn't mind the delay, as it gave time for Mr. Nobody to actually appear before his death. It was nice to get to see him and Emily interact directly, since their encounters were filled with enough fun and flirtation to make me see why Emily would be invested in figuring out why he died. I also appreciate that her interest was based more on friendship than romantic love, since it would have been easy to say that Emily sought answers because she was in love with the man. Plus, the emphasis on friendship kept it a bit more lighthearted, which was nice since death is so prevalent in the story. Combined with the many different people and places Emily encounters on her search, it's actually a rather fun mystery, one that's not too difficult to solve but still interesting because of all the adventure so deeply rooted in history.
One thing that hindered my enjoyment of this book, though, is that I'm not sure how essential the fact that it's Emily Dickinson, not just any Emily, is to the story. The real Emily's hometown and family comes into play, and her poetic side is brought up numerous times, which was a cool, more subtle bonus. However, perhaps it's just because I don't know too much about the real Emily Dickinson's personality beyond the fact that she turned into a hermit eventually, but I don't really see a big connection between this version of Emily and the real one. It could also be my obsession with historical accuracy, but I don't know, Nobody's Secret's Emily seemed like she could have been any Emily. Maybe that's the point, to make her seem like a normal teenager, in which case, that's super cool, but I'm cynical.
Nobody's Secret is a solid story, rich in the history of the setting if not the true history of Emily Dickinson, with a nice balance between adventure and darkness despite the fact that its mystery is not too difficult to solve.
It's a short novel, but it still takes a bit of time to get to the murder mystery regarding Mr. Nobody. For once, I actually didn't mind the delay, as it gave time for Mr. Nobody to actually appear before his death. It was nice to get to see him and Emily interact directly, since their encounters were filled with enough fun and flirtation to make me see why Emily would be invested in figuring out why he died. I also appreciate that her interest was based more on friendship than romantic love, since it would have been easy to say that Emily sought answers because she was in love with the man. Plus, the emphasis on friendship kept it a bit more lighthearted, which was nice since death is so prevalent in the story. Combined with the many different people and places Emily encounters on her search, it's actually a rather fun mystery, one that's not too difficult to solve but still interesting because of all the adventure so deeply rooted in history.
One thing that hindered my enjoyment of this book, though, is that I'm not sure how essential the fact that it's Emily Dickinson, not just any Emily, is to the story. The real Emily's hometown and family comes into play, and her poetic side is brought up numerous times, which was a cool, more subtle bonus. However, perhaps it's just because I don't know too much about the real Emily Dickinson's personality beyond the fact that she turned into a hermit eventually, but I don't really see a big connection between this version of Emily and the real one. It could also be my obsession with historical accuracy, but I don't know, Nobody's Secret's Emily seemed like she could have been any Emily. Maybe that's the point, to make her seem like a normal teenager, in which case, that's super cool, but I'm cynical.
Nobody's Secret is a solid story, rich in the history of the setting if not the true history of Emily Dickinson, with a nice balance between adventure and darkness despite the fact that its mystery is not too difficult to solve.
A fun who-done-it with Emily Dickinson as an amateur detective. I really liked how the author linked her poetry and letters with the events in the novel. A nice cozy to read by the fire or anywhere, anytime.
More like a 3.5
I liked this book but I didn't love it. There are were so many elements here that I really enjoy in a story and it was well put together but it didn't give me that excited feeling I get when I finish a really good book.
Let me first say that in high school I despised Emily Dickinson's poems. A few titles (her more depressing ones) were required reading and even though reading her poetry was easy, I didn't enjoy it one bit. To be fair, I was going through a major depression at the time and reading "Joy in Death" isn't a great way to lift your spirits. Most of the curriculum in the short unit I studied her poems were about her reclusive life, that she never married, and that she lived in her parents' home until her death.
Also I hate slant rhyme and Miss Dickinson's poems are infested with it.
That all being said, Nobody's Secret was a good, quick read. It gave me a newfound appreciation for Emily Dickinson and her work. I like the way her poetry was integrated into the story. Now I actually want to go back and read some of her poems.
SPOILER ALERT
Maybe what I missed the most in this story was the lack of real romance. Romance was teased multiple times but it was never fulfilled (I realize a story doesn't need to have romance to be good but I felt a bit robbed in this case). Obviously, Mr. Nobody died so he's a no-go. But Henry. There was a flirtation but his character was so wishy washy. One minute he's Emily's friend. The next he feels betrayed. Next he's her friend again. I feel like his character needed to be developed more. My favorite scene was when he came to visit Emily while she was baking. It was such a sweet moment and it left me wanting more. Unfortunately I was left feeling unsatisfied.
Like Emily in the story, I was entranced by Mr. Nobody. I really was sad to see him go, even though that's exactly what I expected from the summary on the dust jacket. He's only alive for a few chapters but I missed him. That is good writing on the author's part. I have only read one other of Michaela MacColl's books, Prisoners in the Palace, and it is one of my very favorite YA reads. This book doesn't really have the same feel, however, you can see the author's attention to detail and the research she put into it. (Prisoners is a much more fun read and I highly recommend it).
I liked this book but I didn't love it. There are were so many elements here that I really enjoy in a story and it was well put together but it didn't give me that excited feeling I get when I finish a really good book.
Let me first say that in high school I despised Emily Dickinson's poems. A few titles (her more depressing ones) were required reading and even though reading her poetry was easy, I didn't enjoy it one bit. To be fair, I was going through a major depression at the time and reading "Joy in Death" isn't a great way to lift your spirits. Most of the curriculum in the short unit I studied her poems were about her reclusive life, that she never married, and that she lived in her parents' home until her death.
Also I hate slant rhyme and Miss Dickinson's poems are infested with it.
That all being said, Nobody's Secret was a good, quick read. It gave me a newfound appreciation for Emily Dickinson and her work. I like the way her poetry was integrated into the story. Now I actually want to go back and read some of her poems.
SPOILER ALERT
Maybe what I missed the most in this story was the lack of real romance. Romance was teased multiple times but it was never fulfilled (I realize a story doesn't need to have romance to be good but I felt a bit robbed in this case). Obviously, Mr. Nobody died so he's a no-go. But Henry. There was a flirtation but his character was so wishy washy. One minute he's Emily's friend. The next he feels betrayed. Next he's her friend again. I feel like his character needed to be developed more. My favorite scene was when he came to visit Emily while she was baking. It was such a sweet moment and it left me wanting more. Unfortunately I was left feeling unsatisfied.
Like Emily in the story, I was entranced by Mr. Nobody. I really was sad to see him go, even though that's exactly what I expected from the summary on the dust jacket. He's only alive for a few chapters but I missed him. That is good writing on the author's part. I have only read one other of Michaela MacColl's books, Prisoners in the Palace, and it is one of my very favorite YA reads. This book doesn't really have the same feel, however, you can see the author's attention to detail and the research she put into it. (Prisoners is a much more fun read and I highly recommend it).
I'm not entirely sure how to rate this one. It wasn't bad; it just wasn't particularly good.
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2013/04/review-nobodys-secret.html
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2013/04/review-nobodys-secret.html
Who doesn't want Emily Dickinson to have been secretly solving crimes in her teens? I love MacColl's books, and this one was no exception. Dickinson flirts with a 'Mr. Nobody' who ends up dead a few days later. No one comes to identify the body, which leads her to investigate. Quiet mayhem ensues. It's not a thrilling murder mystery where danger lurks around every corner, but you get the sense of what it is like to solve a mystery in a small town where everyone knows who you are. One of my favorite parts of the book is how each chapter starts with a line from one of Dickinson's poems. I think it would make kids pick up her poetry books.
When I was in high school, I began writing letters to Emily Dickinson. I felt a deep connection to her through her poetry. I needed someone to listen, to hear my troubles, so I chose her. I seem to recall that I mimicked her style, and my letters from then on, to anyone, became rife with dashes peppered throughout, as pauses, as emphasis -
Micahaela MacColl’s book, Nobody’s Secret, came to me as an ARC at ALA Midwinter meeting in January of 2013. An awful lot was happening then, and I read a few of the books I got, read and loved and shared about them. But several, including this one, languished in a pile.
What a delight it was last week to pick up this book, which so deftly captures the Emily who grew in my own imagination, the Emily to whom I wrote my letters.
Not only does MacColl capture the characters, the essence of period and place, she weaves a baffling and intriguing mystery throughout, which disturbed and captivated in equal measure.
I didn’t want to put this book down, but at the same time, I wanted to savor every page. I’m only sorry I waited so long to enjoy it.
I support indepent book sellers. You can, too: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781452128542
Micahaela MacColl’s book, Nobody’s Secret, came to me as an ARC at ALA Midwinter meeting in January of 2013. An awful lot was happening then, and I read a few of the books I got, read and loved and shared about them. But several, including this one, languished in a pile.
What a delight it was last week to pick up this book, which so deftly captures the Emily who grew in my own imagination, the Emily to whom I wrote my letters.
Not only does MacColl capture the characters, the essence of period and place, she weaves a baffling and intriguing mystery throughout, which disturbed and captivated in equal measure.
I didn’t want to put this book down, but at the same time, I wanted to savor every page. I’m only sorry I waited so long to enjoy it.
I support indepent book sellers. You can, too: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781452128542
A young Emily Dickinson meets a mysterious young man near her house one day, but before she can get to know him or even learn his real name, he turns up dead in her family’s pond. Emily is understandably distraught, and sets out to solve his murder–and his identity–before he ends up being buried without ceremony.
Not long on plot, this fairly innocuous mystery from Michaela MacColl asks readers to imagine that Emily Dickinson was an amateur sleuth. While it reads quickly and is enjoyable enough, the novel definitely lacks any sort of staying power...
Read my full review here: http://earlynerdspecial.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/book-review-nobodys-secret-by-melinda-maccoll/
Not long on plot, this fairly innocuous mystery from Michaela MacColl asks readers to imagine that Emily Dickinson was an amateur sleuth. While it reads quickly and is enjoyable enough, the novel definitely lacks any sort of staying power...
Read my full review here: http://earlynerdspecial.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/book-review-nobodys-secret-by-melinda-maccoll/
Thought I knew where this book was going, but boy was I wrong. Great mystery with unexpected twists and turns. I also loved how Michaela MacColl uses Emily Dickinson's poetry to tie together the story, making the reader actually believe that she was involved with solving a crime at one time, even though it was a complete fabrication.
Mrs. Dickinson reminded me of a non-silly version of Mrs. Bennet, in the sense that she was always putting the idea that Emily would be marrying someone someday and thus, would need to do things that Emily had no use for, like entertaining guests. Similarly, Emily and Lavinia ("Vinnie") had moments where they laughed about their mother's insistence on economizing, like churning one's own butter, despite the increased efficiency of buying said items at the store ready made.
Questions about a girl's reputation in the 19th century, invisibility/anonymity vs. visibility/being known, education for women, and ethics, among other things.
Mrs. Dickinson reminded me of a non-silly version of Mrs. Bennet, in the sense that she was always putting the idea that Emily would be marrying someone someday and thus, would need to do things that Emily had no use for, like entertaining guests. Similarly, Emily and Lavinia ("Vinnie") had moments where they laughed about their mother's insistence on economizing, like churning one's own butter, despite the increased efficiency of buying said items at the store ready made.
Questions about a girl's reputation in the 19th century, invisibility/anonymity vs. visibility/being known, education for women, and ethics, among other things.