Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard
Summary: Shelby Belgarden is an average high school student, besides the fact that she has solved a few mysteries in the past. But when a lily that isn’t from her boyfriend, Greg, is delivered to her, it sets in motion a sequence of events that change her overall perspective on life. Someone is stalking Shelby, and he is willing to hurt the people she loves to get to her. Shelby and her parents seek help from the police, but until the stalker is caught, everyone must live with the uncertainty of what he will do next.
Number of Pages: 222
Age Range: 13-15
Review: Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard deals with serious themes without too much grittiness, although if I am haunted by the cover in my dreams, I would not be surprised. Sherrard’s story flows with great tension, and has unforeseen plot twists that I never saw coming. I couldn’t put it down.
I like how Shelby’s brain works. A lot of this book is about Shelby’s internal reactions to the unthinkable situation she finds herself in. At the whim of a stalker who is obsessed with her, Shelby has to learn to live with uncertainty and fear as she never knows what he is going to do next. The experience is a daily mind game, and Shelby knows how to win.
She’s smart and has a lot of self-control, as well as incredibly supportive parents that I particularly enjoyed. It is truly refreshing to read a teen book where the parents of the main character are grown-ups who support their children.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘Aren’t you just the master of wit,’ I mumbled. (There’s no reason to go overboard with the enunciation when you’re being rude to your parents.)” – Shelby from Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard, page 18
“Worse than the external triggers was what was going on in my head. No matter what I was doing or how busy I tried to stay, the fear broke into my thoughts. Someone was out there: someone with strange ideas and obsessions. Someone who, for no reason I could figure out, had chosen me as his target.” – Shelby from Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard, page 49
“As we all dug into our food, I thought how ordinary it was: sitting down for a meal with my family (and Betts). And suddenly, I found my eyes filling with tears.
‘Shelby?’ Mom said. ‘Is something wrong, dear?’
I shook my head and tried to explain but I couldn’t quite find the words to say how I just felt overwhelmingly thankful and happy to have my life back to normal again. How amazing it was to be able to enjoy something as simple as sharing a meal without the burden I’d been carrying around, wondering where the stalker was, what he was doing, what he was thinking, and worst of all, what he was planning.” – Shelby from Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard, page 157
“Don’t think about things like that! I told myself sternly, but keeping negativity out of my head wasn’t easy. Even so, I did my best to concentrate on other thoughts. Song lyrics, happy memories … anything that would keep me from panicking.” – Shelby from Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard, page 198
Eyes of a Stalker by Valerie Sherrard is published by Dundurn (2006).
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Counting Back From Nine by Valerie Sherrard
Summary: Laren’s choice to start a relationship with her friend’s ex-boyfriend, Scott, makes all of her friendships past tense when her friends find out. The loss continues when Laren’s father dies as a result of a car accident, and a schoolmate reveals Laren’s father was not alone in the car. Suddenly Laren feels everything she knew about her father is in question, and she wonders whether he ever really loved her. Counselling helps her realise that people are not all good or all bad, and Laren decides she will not be her father’s daughter in her own relationships.
Number of Pages: 198
Age Range: 13-14
Review: A lighter read considering the subject matter, Counting Back From Nine by Valerie Sherrard follows Laren’s journey through the unthinkable loss of her father and the revelation that he was not the man she thought he was.
I liked the parallel storylines of Laren and her father, both in questionable relationships that hurt the people they love. Laren realises in a painful way that Scott is someone who is always looking for the next girl, but she also realises that she doesn’t have to take the same route as her father. That was powerful.
Sherrard’s resolution was satisfying, and I was happy that Laren made some true friends to help her through the hard times. I also enjoyed Laren’s relationship with her counsellor, because when she got over her initial reluctance toward therapy, it helped her sort things through in an honest and real way.
Jackson was my favourite though. The faithful little brother that Laren appreciates and cares for; I just liked how he fit into their family and provided some comic relief.
I’d recommend this book for young female teen readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“You are supposed to love your brother
because he is your brother,
But now and then he gives me other reasons,
like today, when I get home
and the little turniphead asks me if any of my friends
have smartened up yet.” – Laren from Counting Back From Nine by Valerie Sherrard, page 23
“It is so much easier to spot a
‘first’
of something
than it is a
‘last.'” – Laren from Counting Back From Nine by Valerie Sherrard, page 30
“Finding out I
have options changes everything. Sometimes,
it’s just about having a choice.” – Laren from Counting Back From Nine by Valerie Sherrard, page 130
Counting Back From Nine by Valerie Sherrard is published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside (2013).
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Saving Grace by Darlene Ryan
Summary: Broken-hearted over having to give up her baby for adoption, Evie takes drastic action by taking Brianna from her adoptive parents and heading for Montreal. Hoping to start a new life with her boyfriend, Justin, and her daughter, Evie encounters roadblocks that she didn’t expect when Justin isn’t on board with her plan and taking care of Brianna is more difficult than she expected. When she finds herself alone with her child, she is faced with making a decision to follow her plans or act in Brianna’s best interests.
Number of Pages: 97
Age Range: 13-15
Review: Short and succinct, Saving Grace details the moment in Evie’s life when she grows up and puts someone else’s needs above her own. The beauty of this book is that the moment she makes that decision, she does become Brianna’s mom, even though it means Brianna will be going back to her adoptive parents.
I loved that Darlene Ryan manages to portray gradual and complete character development in the span of 97 pages. I was proud of Evie for making the choice that was in the best interest of her daughter, especially when she had so many reasons to try and keep Brianna for herself.
It just works. Another great book from the Orca Soundings collection that doesn’t sacrifice quality for the sake of brevity. I would definitely recommend this for reluctant female teen readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“But the best thing about her was her laugh. It would make you laugh too when you didn’t even know what was funny. I missed my mom laughing. Nobody laughed in my house after she died. My dad hardly even smiled.” – Evie from Saving Grace by Darlene Ryan, page 69
Saving Grace by Darlene Ryan is published by Orca Book Publishers (2006).
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Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan
Summary: After her father commits suicide, D’Arcy is left to deal with her anger and feelings of abandonment. She pushes away her friends and family, but accepts the lifeline thrown to her by Seth, a fellow student at school. Both are grieving the sudden loss of loved ones, and find some solace in their shared experiences. As the pressure builds for both at home, their resulting actions will push them to the brink, but just might bring them back as well.
Number of Pages: 212
Age Range: 15-17
Review: D’Arcy is an impulsive, grieving teen that Darlene Ryan captures with electric scenes showcasing her emotions. Her righteous anger and confusion over her father’s suicide is justified and understandable, but it is backed by a plot that feels sensationalistic and lacks the depth needed to support such serious themes.
I was left wondering whether Seth’s brother’s death was an actual suicide with intention or an unintentional gun accident because it wasn’t clear. Also, by the end of the novel with Ryan’s constant reminders of watching for the signs of suicidal behaviour, I am now afraid to receive a personal gift from a loved one.
Okay, I am overstating a bit, but my point is that by the time I reached the end of the book, I was overwhelmed by Ryan’s story choices. The book begins with a lovely reflection on D’Arcy’s part about her father helping her through challenging life situations by asking her to just give it five minutes more, but Ryan never has D’Arcy realise that her father didn’t take his own advice.
I did appreciate though that in the end, all of the people D’Arcy had pushed away came after her because they truly cared about her. I only hope that her experiences lead her to realise that she can make different choices than her father did, and face her new life five minutes at a time.
Memorable Quotes:
“And all of a sudden I don’t see two strangers. I see my father in that chair and myself crouched on the floor, wiping his chin.
Did her think we wouldn’t love him like this? Or…or was it that he didn’t love us enough to face the wheelchair and the drooling?” – D’Arcy from Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan, page 85
“‘I know you’re upset. I understand now.’
‘No, you don’t.’ Did I say that out loud? ‘I’m sick of people saying they understand when there’s no way they can.’
She draws in a shaky breath. ‘I want to help.’
I smack the screen with both hands. She jumps.
‘Stop,’ I shout. ‘Doesn’t anyone hear me when I am talking? You. Don’t. Understand.’ I spit each word at her. She winces. ‘You don’t know how I feel. You can’t help me.’
Her eyes fill with tears. A couple slide down her cheek. ‘Just let me come in,’ she pleads. ‘Just…just talk to me. Please, D’Arcy.’
I put my hands over my ears and shake my head hard. ‘I don’t want to talk.’ I want to scream at her, but if I do I might never stop. I suck in my top lip and bite it hard before I open my eyes. ‘You can’t understand. So leave me alone.'” – conversation between Marissa and D’Arcy from Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan, page 158
“‘D’Arcy,’ Mom says. She tries to put her arms around me but I push her away hard. She stumbles against the side of the kitchen table. ‘Listen to me,’ she starts.
But I talk right over her. I am full up to the back of my throat, full of words and feelings that I’ve swallowed, and now there isn’t enugh space left inside to hold it all. I am vomiting words.” – conversation between D’Arcy and her mother from Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan, page 161
“‘I know it’s been hard since your dad..died. But I thought by now things would be getting back to normal.’
‘I don’t know what normal is anymore.’ That’s the truth. ‘I feel like this is all I’ll ever be. I’ve been waiting to be normal again.’ I laugh and get to my feet. ‘Waiting for normal. I don’t even know what that is.'” – conversation between Brendan and D’Arcy from Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan, page 177
Five Minutes More by Darlene Ryan is published by Orca Book Publishers (2009).
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Pirate Rock by David Walker
Summary: Keith and Nelson are close brothers who find themselves working for Mr. Becker and his private zoo of sorts for the summer. The money is great and they make friends with Kim, Mr. Becker’s step-daughter, but overheard conversations alert the brothers to criminal activity and they decide to investigate. When Keith and Nelson find themselves in over their heads, a desperate act will save their lives and change them forever.
Number of Pages: 185
Age Range: 13-15
Review: I wonder if Kevin Major and David Walker ever had a chance to meet when Walker was alive (He died in 1992). Major’s writing is grittier, but I feel like he and Walker would have had a lot in common.
Pirate Rock is an adventure combined with a mystery on the surface, but at its heart it is the tale of two brothers and the summer that changed their lives. Keith and Nelson are opposites (see last quote) – but they are the best of friends and Nelson follows his older brother’s lead without resentment.
I have to admit I felt bad for the female characters though. Keith and Nelson’s mum is purposely left out of the loop, as is Kim at times, and Mrs. Becker appears to be pretty vapid. I did not enjoy the boys’ comments about the silliness of women even though I did think they were said with love, and mostly I had to remind myself that this book was published in 1969 and reflects the attitudes of that time.
In that respect, I was hooked. This is an early Canadian teen novel and I found it interesting that it seemed to be more like a children’s mystery book with a dash of young adult themes thrown in. Perhaps that is why the publisher thought it would work for grades 6 to 10. Reading it is like participating in an archeological dig, uncovering a piece of teen literature history.
The boys’ reaction to the crux of the novel was thought-provoking because I didn’t expect it. I thought Walker did an excellent job of portraying honest reactions, and I also appreciated that he surrounded Keith and Nelson with understanding, compassionate adults willing to help guide them on their path to adulthood after tragedy. I enjoyed Walker’s exploration of what makes a man.
Kim is left without support and guidance, but she proves to have spunk and takes matters into her own hands, and the gentle interest between her and Keith is subtle yet well-developed.
I’d recommend Pirate Rock more for Canadian teen literature buffs, but it has potential to be enjoyed by experienced, mid to younger male teen readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘That is good,’ Mr. Becker said quietly. ‘Never to lose one’s self respect. Never to be held in thrall, never to be slave to any man or anything. So much I would wish you in your lives.'” – Mr. Becker from Pirate Rock by David Walker, page 59
“‘There you go. You have them in the hollow of your hand. And your father on his silly fishing trip – he should never have gone, he knew something that he wouldn’t tell me, but off like a selfish schoolboy after stupid salmon, couldn’t miss out on that sacred cow, oh never. And look at me, half mad with worry, one wretched mother against a secret society, that’s what you are, a secret society.’
‘We aren’t, Mum. And don’t you worry. Everything’s all right.’ But they were a secret society, and everything was not all right, and Mum was nearly crying.
‘I didn’t mean it about you telling lies. I’m sorry Keith. Please forgive me for saying those things. Worried, though, so worried.'” – conversation between Keith and Nelson’s mum and Keith from Pirate Rock by David Walker, page 111
“‘On the contrary,’ George Petrie said. ‘Nelson understands it very well. Mine honour is my life; both grow in one, eh, Keith?’
‘Take honour from me, and my life is done.'” – conversation between George and Keith from Pirate Rock by David Walker, page 146
“‘There are fences and there are fences,’ she said.
‘How do you mean, Mum?’
‘There was the one we all hated, and that came down. But you’ve built another, haven’t you?’
‘We just don’t want to go there,’ Nelson said. After the first days they had never talked about it to one another, not to Dad and Mum, not to anyone. Shut it off, you could forget about it.” – conversation between Keith and Nelson’s mum, Keith and Nelson from Pirate Rock by David Walker, page 174
“Their mother went through to the living room to watch them go – the tall and the short – the vague one, the practical one – the artistic, the strong – linked brothers.” – from Pirate Rock by David Walker, page 177
Pirate Rock by David Walker is published by Collins Clear-Type Press (1969).
The St. Andrews Werewolf by Eric Wilson
Summary: Liz and Makiko are back for another mystery, this time in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. When the town is trying to decide whether to approve a new mall development that has the potential to bring jobs into the area, citizens are concerned such an endeavour will take away from the town’s historical beauty. Acts of arson are intimating those who would make the ultimate decision, and Liz is bent on figuring out who is responsible. Especially when she spies a werewolf in the Burying Grounds.
Number of Pages: 109
Age Range: 12-13
Review: There’s a lot going on in this 109 page book, and I couldn’t help wishing for a little more depth because I was so intrigued by Eric Wilson’s storylines and characters. But the stories that caught my attention the most were the ones that were undercurrents to the main story – Emily and her step-father and Lady Chandler’s cageyness about living isolated on an island.
Still, I enjoyed watching Liz and Makiko solve another complex mystery, ferretting out the bad guys and restoring justice for the good guys. This time, they also end up empowering a little girl named Emily to stand up for herself and reassuring an older woman that people are more accepting than she thinks they are. Along the way, I enjoyed Wilson’s talent of highlighting another one of Canadian beautiful locations.
Memorable Quotes:
“Makiko took our picture together. ‘Emily-san,’ she said gently, ‘each person has strength. It is waiting inside you, like a treasure. When you find your courage, it never leaves again. It will give you peace.'” – Makiko from The St. Andrews Werewolf by Eric Wilson, page 48
“Lady Chandler looked at us. The firelight deepened the lines around her eyes. ‘The agony of that unhappy brute,’ she said, ‘shunned by the world. The cruelty of people!’
‘Frankenstein was just a story. Lady Chandler. Besides, these are modern times. My friends don’t think it’s fun to cause pain.’
Her eyes flashed at me. ‘But it could happen! What then? Frightened people can be so cruel.'” – conversation between Lady Chandler and Liz from The St. Andrews Werewolf by Eric Wilson, page 78
“‘See, you do have courage,’ I said, smiling proudly. ‘Know what’s the best? You’ve set yourself free.'” – Liz from The St. Andrews Werewolf by Eric Wilson, page 109
The St. Andrews Werewolf by Eric Wilson is published by HarperCollins Publishers (1993).
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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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