Unbecoming by Jenny Downham

Unbecoming by Jenny Downham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Stonewall Award winner book as part of the 2017 Hub Challenge and oh did I love reading about this family - 3 women a grandmother, mother & daughter (Katie) come together when Katie's grandmother turns up (suffering with dementia) after her long time boyfriend dies suddenly. I could not put this book down as the reader follows Katie as she discovers & loves this grandmother she never knew, traverses the rough high school climate of mean girls (when she kisses her best friend) and deals with her special needs brother as her angry mother tries to find housing for the mother she holds so much against. I have read & loved all the other 2 Jenny Downham books and this book was gripping, fascinating, and painful (but hopeful &redemptive) as Katie's journey takes her back thru her grandmother's life & also her mother's. Katie is a strong narrator who compelled me to turn the pages with her insights, her fancies, and her honesty. Downham's portrayal of dementia was insightful as well as the double edged sword of rule following (by both Beth and Katie's mom, and Katie herself). LOVED this book.

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What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K. Arnold

What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K. Arnold
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Group and Carolrhoda Lab for the ARC, What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K Arnold. I wish I could have enjoyed this book – not only did I dislike Nina, but her mother was totally responsible for messing her up in so many unbelievable, vilke ways and the chapters dealing with women, saints, and torture were in the book, why??? Gut wrenching, this story was without redemption, which is an important element in many, many novels. Nina’s only saving grace was the time she served for community service at a no-kill shelter and the fact that she continued after she fulfilled her time. Seth and her “best friend” Louise were self serving characters and one dimensional. Even after reading The Author Note I agreed with the author about not liking Nina and her choices. I did not like how the plot and characters delivered the very important message, “What are you made of?” Maybe girls will like reading Nina’s story and take something positive away from it, I was just sorry I could not love this book.

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