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A review by christieatthelibrary
Unbecoming by Jenny Downham
4.0
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.