Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser
Summary: Taylor and her nephew Mason move in with Taylor’s grandmother after her sister is killed by her partner Bracken. In an abusive relationship herself, Taylor is anxious about moving away from her boyfriend Devon and how upset he will be over their now limited contact. Taylor makes friends with a girl named Lily at school, and that friendship gives her a glimpse into what it is like to be loved and appreciated. When Devon shows up unexpectedly with a friend to take Taylor out, Lily can sense the danger behind his intentions and insists on going with them. They wind up in an isolated cabin under the whim of Devon, who now has a gun. The next couple of days are a nightmare for the girls, until Devon goes after Lily taking things too far for Taylor to ignore.
Number of Pages: 186
Age Range: 16-18
Review: Lily and Taylor is not a book for the faint of heart. It contains graphic scenes of partner violence, an autopsy, and rape.
Reading this book was overwhelming and at times I had difficulty understanding Taylor’s motivations. But after a lot of thought, I realised the key to the whole story is the relationship between Lily and Taylor. Lily’s friendship provides Taylor with something she’s never had before, a positive sense of self and genuine love.
As Taylor speculates herself near the end of the novel, when Taylor’s sister Tannis was with Bracken and he beat her, the underlying message was that Tannis, Taylor and Mason didn’t matter, that they weren’t worthwhile. And Tannis’ choice to stay with Bracken despite that showed she, too, felt the same way about herself.
Likewise in Taylor’s relationship with Devon. He beats her, rapes her, and generally treats her like crap because he doesn’t respect her, but she stays because she doesn’t respect herself.
Except after Taylor is exposed to Lily, things begin to change for her, just a little, inside. And when Devon takes them both into the forest to the isolated cabin, the one thing that jolts Taylor out of her submission is when Devon goes after Lily, the person she knows truly cares about her.
The seed of love planted by Lily takes root in Taylor, and motivates her to protect Lily at all costs. In the end, Lily and Taylor survive their ordeal and are freed from Devon’s controlling and abusive ways.
There’s a lot of information about partner physical and sexual abuse in this book, and the act of reading it is traumatic. This is not a book for those who have had personal experience with this issue because it is likely to re-open wounds and isn’t particularly hopeful. I did appreciate that Taylor and Lily’s relationship changed things, but for me it didn’t make up for the horrors of the story.
Memorable Quotes:
“She was stealing herself to run into Devon and Taylor’s room, although she knew from living with her mother that it wasn’t always easy to tell the difference between the sounds of violence and sex. She also knew that people didn’t always want help when they were being hurt. You could make things worse.” – from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, pages 81-82
“‘I will,’ she said. She was embarrassed. She usually wasn’t this submissive in front of other people. It made her feel small in front of Lily.
But then, she thought, I am small. This is the way small people behave. Devon makes me make myself small. I let Devon make me make myself small…” – Taylor from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, page 93
“Taylor imagined that inside Lily was some kind of glowing core of strength made of a rare outer-space metal that radiated power into all her veins and muscles. She could almost see a halo around Lily’s pale face, her dark hair all tangled, her graceful jaw spotted with bruises.” – Taylor from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, page 96
“Why was it so hard to remember how brutal he was when he was being nice to her? And why was it was so hard to remember how it felt when he was nice when he was being mean?
Taylor felt stupid, like a little puppet getting jerked by one string and then the other.” – Taylor from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, page 99
“Lily felt like an asshole for slamming the pot down in front of Taylor. But Taylor made her so impatient. It was like she was willing to totally give up all her strength. And Devon sucked up Taylor’s power like she was his battery, and he recharged by draining her away.” – from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, page 136
“In ten thousand years no one would know she, Taylor, had ever existed.
It was a comforting thought. Whatever she had lived through – whatever was to come – it would all be long, long over, thoroughly erased, in ten thousand years. Even sooner.” – Taylor from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, page 149
“It was all about taking care of the person above you in the chain of command. The thought made Taylor’s shoulders slump.” – from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, page 153
“Taylor hadn’t really thought before how Devon kicking the shit out of Lily was a way of saying, This is how little I care about you. Then that was true for her, too. When Devon punched her in the face. When he pinched her, sapped her, pulled her hair. When she said no and he pushed his way into her anyway. You don’t matter.
When Bracken smashed Tannis in the face with the phone, when he blackened her eyes. When he killed her. He was saying Tannis didn’t mean a thing. And neither did Mason or Taylor.
So what did it mean when Tannis let Bracken treat them all that way? When Taylor let Devon abuse her?” – from Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser, pages 181-182
Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser is published by Groundwood Books (2013).
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The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel
Summary: Jeanne Chatel is an orphan taken in by nuns after her grandfather dies. Not suited for a life in the church, Jeanne is thrilled when she is accepted as a King’s Daughter to go across the ocean and marry a settler in New France. When she gets there, she takes the place of her friend Marie in an arranged marriage to Marie’s cousin after his first wife dies. Suddenly Jeanne is living in the wilds of the Canadian bush with two kids, discovering that a King’s Daughter is capable of more things than she ever dreamed.
Number of Pages: 211
Age Range: 13-15
Review: Jeanne is a incredibly spirited heroine with a kind and open heart. Sent to New France for the sole purpose of getting married, Jeanne marries her friend Marie’s intended husband after Marie falls in love on the ship to the new world. Simon de Rouville, Jeanne’s new husband, has two children by his previous wife who died with their baby in an Indian attack.
The title of King’s Daughter gives Jeanne confidence when she needs it, helping her face Canadian winters and survive with creativity and determination. Her husband is aloof at first and Jeanne worries he still misses his dead wife, but they fall in love and are able to create a happy life for themselves.
Living as we do in a world where everything has been discovered, I love pioneer stories because they show me what it was like to be one of those people discovering and living in a new world. The aspect of The King’s Daughter about the role of women, married and unmarried, is particularly fascinating, especially when Jeanne dresses up as a boy to help her husband.
Despite being relegated to the role of housewife on the frontier, Jeanne becomes a mother, a healer, and a good friend to many other settlers. She carves a life for herself outside the expectations she encounters, and gradually changes her husband’s opinion of women as well. Very gradually.
I enjoyed reading about Jeanne and how she faced the hardships she encountered, but I found it quite convenient that Jeanne didn’t get pregnant until years into her marriage to Simon. After reading about the woman who had child after child until it was sure to kill her in Esther by Sharon E. McKay (another early settler story), I wondered how Jeanne was able to avoid getting pregnant while she established herself as a healer and strengthened her relationship with her husband.
That point aside, I can easily see why this book is part of some school curriculums in Quebec. It’s a great adventure story for early to mid teens with an inspiring female character who isn’t afraid to be herself.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘I’m not very adept at prayer,’ admitted Jeanne frankly.
‘You’re a good girl. You’ll help others: that will be your way of praying. Some people’s devotion is more useful that other’s. You will be one of those.'” – conversation between Jeanne and Sister Bourgeoys from The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel, page 33
“Widow Myrand, surly and not at all pleasant, showed her guests to rooms as small and overcrowded as those on the ship they had just left. No one complained. A spirit of self denial was essential baggage for those who came to colonize the new world.” – from The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel, page 41
“As Pierre Boucher said in his book on Canada, ‘The winter, though the ground is covered with snow and the cold a bit harsh, is not always unpleasant. It’s a cheerful cold.'” – from The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel, page 132
“All at once, the truth came clear to her.
A wife accompanied by her husband was not a real person, but just a pale reflection, a creature without substance who existed only because someone had given her his name. For these rough men, a woman anywhere else but in her house was a burden, an unnecessary risk, an inevitable responsibility.” – from The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel, page 165
“Jeanne was surprised how unmarried women like Marguerite Bourgeoys and Jeanne Mance had succeeded in asserting themselves through their personal value, whereas married women seemed eternally destined to live in the shadow of their worthy husbands.” – from The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel, page 168
The King’s Daughter by Suzanne Martel is published by Douglas & McIntyre Ltd. Translated by David Toby Homel & Margaret Rose (1980).
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Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Britt & Isabelle Arsenault
Summary: Hélène is an outsider at school. Abandoned by her so-called friends and mercilessly teased by them, Hélène finds some solace in reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. She is dreading attending a class camping trip when she has no friends, yet she has to go. While Hélène is there she is so lonely she tries to befriend a fox, but it is a girl named Geraldine who manages to bring the outcasts of Hélène’s tent together to create new friendships. Hélène realises that plain girls like Jane Eyre deserve love too, and perhaps she doesn’t need to believe what the mean girls have been saying about her.
Number of Pages: 101
Age Range: 13 and up
Review: I’m breaking my own rule. When I read teen books, I like to have a very specific age range for readership. But Jane, the Fox & Me defies such restrictions. I loved it, and I’m 31. But I could easily see a pre-teen loving it too, or an early teen, or even an older teen reminiscing. It’s an elegantly illustrated graphic novel that I want to just keep on my shelf so I can pull it out and look at the drawings every now and again. They are exquisite in their simplicity and sparse use of colour. Truly a masterpiece.
As for the story, for such a brief tale it has a lot of depth. I loved Hélène’s journey, and could identify with how the words of bullies can balloon in your head to take on gigantic proportions. Jane Eyre is my favourite adult classic novel, and the juxtaposition of Hélène’s story with Jane’s was thoughtfully done through graceful writing. I loved how Hélène took inspiration and hope from Brontë’s character in the end. It is a very quick read, but quite a memorable one about finding true friendships and building self-esteem.
Memorable Quotes:
I do have some quotes from this book, but I encourage you to read and experience the book in its entirety for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Brit & Isabelle Arsenault is published by Groundwood Books (first published in 2012, translated into English by Christelle Morelli & Susan Ouriou in 2013).
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If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber
Summary: Cheryl has followed her parents from coast to coast across Canada for her father’s job for the past four years, and all she wants is to go home to Montreal. But when her family ends up in Newfoundland so her father can write about the demise of the cod fishing industry, something different happens – she finds a friend and love interest in her neighbour, Jim. A dangerous situation involving Jim’s safety makes Cheryl realise she’s not longing for Montreal in the same way anymore, and when circumstances conspire to give Cheryl the opportunity to go home, she is no longer convinced she wants to take it.
Number of Pages: 331
Age Range: 15-17
Review: What a powerful and insightful book about family and Canada in general. I loved If You Live Like Me‘s heartfelt story about one teen girl’s realisation of the things that matter in life. With skilled, poignant writing, Lori Weber paints a vivid portrait of our country’s hardships and resilient people. Even though I thought Cheryl’s father was somewhat rude and insensitive in his pursuit of knowledge at times, I did feel he had a certain respect for his subjects. Although I’m sure writing his book didn’t win him any friends, and probably made him gain a few enemies.
As for Cheryl, Weber’s portrayal of her journey as a character was sensitive and believable. She really grew into her appreciation of Newfoundland and her love for Jim, as well as the change in attitude she had toward her parents. I loved her voice and observations, as well as her introspective nature.
I particularly enjoyed the scene when Cheryl took Jim to see the whales. I’ve always found whales to be hopeful and incredibly beautiful creatures, and I could easily see how seeing them would restore Jim’s spirit.
But Jim – Jim who struggles against the hard reality of his life to pursue his dreams – he was the character I found to be most inspiring. He helped Cheryl realise what she had, and together they had a relationship that provided support and acceptance.
I was touched, and I loved the details of Jim’s mother’s knitting and Cheryl’s mother’s quilt-making. It feels like all of the characters are trying to sort out their circumstances, and they all do it in their own ways.
It’s a lovely book, and I would recommend it for female teen readers looking for a bit of romance. Weber has a way with words that draws in her reader with incredible imagery and real characters.
Memorable Quotes:
“Farther along, Jim asks if I want to stop for a while, so we sit on a bed of grass and ferns and just stare out at the ocean. I feel like I’m perched at the tip of the world, like I could just lean forward and plunk myself off the edge, into the Atlantic.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 46
“I think about how all of Canada, its thousands of miles, lies behind me. I picture the provinces I’ve lived in floating away like ice floes, leaving me blissfully disconnected. I almost feel light and free for the first time in ages, kind of like the birds soaring high above the water.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 47
“‘Yeah, like all fossils. That’s partly why I like ’em. They last forever. They might change a bit over time, but the changes are small and they take millions of years. Nothing else in life is that solid and nothing else on earth can be counted on in such a sure way.'” – Jim from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 104
“My hand is on fire, where Jim touched it. It’s like I never really felt my hand before. It’s just been there, inconspicuous. If it weren’t so dark in here, I’d be able to see whether his strokes have left marks on my skin.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 116
“I lie here thinking about the fossils, and it strikes me that they are kind of yin and yang too. The rock they’re embedded in is hard, yet they contain something as delicate as those etchings, thin and wispy as silk. Maybe that’s why Jim likes them, because they’re a mixture of so many things – hard and soft, past and present.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, pages 117-118
“Marilyn Manson blocks out the thoughts in my head, singing about guilt and how it’s something we try to beat, but can’t. It grows inside us, squirming in our bellies, twisting in our guts and making our spines turn to jelly. Touché once again Marilyn.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, pages 187-188
“I remember what Jim said at the mall about how it was best not to play the game and provoke them, that that was what they wanted. That day, when these jerks were teasing Jim, I could feel him draw on some rock-solid place inside himself that helped him stay proud. They didn’t crack him at all, even though they were trying just as hard as they are right now.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 194
“If there’s no way inside, you might as well put yourself on the outside – on purpose. And pretend that’s where you wanted to be in the first place.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 215
“But I can’t cry in front of my father. It’s not that my eyeliner will run, because I’m not wearing any. It’s just something he hasn’t seen me do in years. I’m like the very tip of an iceberg in front of my parents. They only see the ten percent above the water. The other ninety I save for when I’m in my room, listening to my music.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 288
“‘I’m talking about making a commitment to someone, or to something, to being where you are instead of where you aren’t. I’ve had to learn to do that too. It’s not such a bad thing. You might want to try it sometime.'” – Jim from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 294
“I never thought I’d say it, but my dad’s kind of right. It’s not a place itself or even what’s in it that makes it what it is. It’s the people and what they do with it. He says discovering what that is is at the heart of anthropology.” – Cheryl from If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber, page 297
If You Live Like Me by Lori Weber is published by Lobster Press (2009).
(Buy this book: Amazon
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Guitar Hero by Day’s Lee
Summary: David Chang is a sixteen year-old who has a passion for playing guitar. His band’s attempt at entering the Montreal Rocks Contest reinforces that he still has a lot to learn, but he is committed to doing so, even when his father’s gambling debts mean his parents can’t pay for his guitar lessons anymore. He starts working for his guitar instructor to earn free guitar lessons, but being so strapped for cash at home gets to him and he makes a couple of stupid mistakes. David has also been keeping a close eye on his father with his gambling problem, and when he sees his dad with an attractive, younger woman he assumes the worst. The truth is even more surprising than he can imagine.
Number of Pages: 168
Age Range: 13-14
Review: Guitar Hero by Day’s Lee is about one teen learning there is more to his father than he thinks there is. I liked that they found some common ground. Though David, the main character, is sixteen, he seems younger at times with his reactions to family situations and his own choices.
It’s a fun, quick-paced read for younger teen readers with some wonderful characters. My personal favourite was David’s grandmother, Nai-nai. She obviously cares for her family and helps out in whatever ways she can. Kim, David’s little sister, is also not to be missed with her observant ways that always seem to get her brother where it hurts.
Guitar Hero is a great first novel for Lee, and I look forward to reading what she creates in the future.
Memorable Quotes:
“Then he gets serious. ‘Your grandfather didn’t want me to spend my life in a hand laundry, like he did,’ he says. ‘He had a hard life and wanted more for me.’ He pauses. ‘And it’s something I want for you. It’s what every father wants for their children.'” – David’s father from Guitar Hero by Day’s Lee, page 161
Guitar Hero by Day’s Lee (2013).
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About Amy
Amy Mathers has been passionate about reading from a very young age, and hopes others will share her enthusiasm for funding a teen book award. Read more Follow Amy
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