Thirty-Six Exposures by Kevin Major
Summary: Lorne’s last year of high school is full of challenges. There’s the teacher he keeps butting heads with, the girlfriend who won’t sleep with him, and the best friend who’s having serious problems of his own. His feelings of hopelessness are somewhat tempered by his two loves – photography and poetry – both of which help him express himself and his observations of Newfoundland. Learning a family secret helps Lorne change his attitude toward some things, but a graduation party with a tragic ending is what ultimately fosters his will to live.
Number of Pages: 155
Age Range: 15-17
Review: This is the first Kevin Major book I’ve ever read, and it really packed a punch. I’m still trying to figure out exactly what Lorne is trying to communicate through the poem that ends the book in chapter thirty-six, but it’s also the grittiness of Lorne’s story that is staying with me. Reminds me a bit of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders.
I see this as a good book to recommend to reluctant readers as the story moves at a quick and easy pace, dealing with universal teen issues like sex, depression, anger and feelings of hopelessness. Lorne and his best friend Trevor are relatable characters who make stupid but real teen mistakes. I would have liked to have seen a bit more character depth, but that’s a difficult task with 155 pages.
Major has written some truly beautiful poetry through Lorne’s character, and the book is worth reading for that alone. I included the poem I liked the best in my Memorable Quotes section. It is easy to see why Major is considered an essential Newfoundland teen author.
Due to mature themes, swearing and some sexually explicit scenes, this book is more suitable for older teens.
Memorable Quotes:
“‘The ring, the clatter
free advice
from those who’ve made their choices.
History has said its peace.
But the future of which we speak
is ours, not theirs
the mistakes we make
what decisions we take at last
belong not to the past. . . .
They belong to us.'”
– Lorne from Thirty-Six Exposures by Kevin Major, page 104
Thirty-Six Exposures by Kevin Major is published by Delacorte Press (1984).
Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard
Summary: Cousins Melinda, Rebecca and Kate of the Derby family are looking forward to spending the summer of 1960 together when Kate arrives in Cook’s Cove from the big city of Corner Brook. On the cusp of adulthood at the age of fifteen, opportunities in the outport community are limited until a stranger from Boston appears and takes an interest in Rebecca’s artistic talent. Torn between the decision all must make to stay or to go, the choice is unexpectedly influenced by family secrets about to be uncovered.
Number of Pages: 189
Age Range: 15-18
Review: I’ve read Mary C. Sheppard before and while her books are full of raw, bittersweet stories of hard choices and sad circumstances, she never disappoints. On her website the Toronto Star review says her books are a good precursor to Alice Munro or Margaret Laurence, but I actually prefer Sheppard over both authors. What is clear is that she deserves to be considered a classic Canadian teen writer.
Sheppard paints a memorable picture of Newfoundland in the 1960s, when fishing was unrestricted and the legal age of marriage began at 12. Three young women are faced with the decision between staying in the small outport community to marry and raise children of their own, or seeking further education and/or fortune somewhere else and all three make different decisions based on their circumstances.
I loved this glimpse into the past and the strong female characters that dominated it, both accepting and cursing their ultimate fates. The stories of Melinda, Rebecca and Kate are compelling and heart-breaking, and I found myself so wrapped up in Sheppard’s book that I forgot to start my reading stopwatch again after doing a Goodreads update because I just wanted to keep reading and see what happened.
What struck me most was the decision Melinda made between the truth and loyalty to her family members and name. I couldn’t help but wonder if I would have made the same decision if I were in her shoes. Sheppard sensitively details the growth of all three, but it is Melinda who seems the most adult by the end of the book. She has made her choices and hopes to have a daughter who will make different ones.
As a reader though, I am left wondering: Will Rebecca ever find out the truth or is she doomed to being miserable and feeling trapped by circumstances she doesn’t understand?
Seven for a Secret is part of a seven book series based on an English folk rhyme, but at the moment only three have been published (One for Sorrow and Three for a Wedding). I look forward to Sheppard’s future contributions to Canadian literature.
Memorable Quotes:
“(If you’re still hanging around the kitchen when you’re eighteen around here, it’s a family disgrace.)” – Melinda from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 21
“A thin northern sunshine brought out the daisies and cotton print dresses mail-ordered out of the spring catalogue and meant for a climate other than our blustery, cool summers.” – Melinda from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 25
“Maybe the weather would decide our fate, as it so often did in our lives.” – Melinda from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 52
“‘My baby, my baby,’ was all she choked out as she slid onto the bed to cuddle me. Her silent tears slid down my cheeks. ‘It’s always the same in this place. A girl doesn’t stand a chance.'” – Mae, Melinda’s mother from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 157
“‘You’ll want to believe it’s no one’s business, but you see, my dear, around here, everything is everyone’s business. It’s not for a city girl who likes keep her cards close to her chest.'” – Rebecca from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 168
“I felt her disappointment. My throat hurt with holding it all in. But that’s what I did. It was no use crying a river or going over the what-ifs. We both knew that. We carried on, held our heads high, like the strong Derby women we were supposed to be.” – Melinda from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 174
“I hoped for a girl, a girl who wouldn’t make me a grandmother when I was thirty. Please, dear God. A girl who would use the new road to the outside world. And, I could only hope, be better for it when she came back to us.” – Melinda from Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard, page 189
Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard is published by Groundwood Books (2001).
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Edge of Time by Susan MacDonald
Summary: Unbeknown to the inhabitants of Earth (known as Terrans), a collective of different alien species has been fighting against an evil force named Rhozan who conquers whole worlds through the use of mind-control. Knowing Rhozan will eventually turn his sights to Earth, the collective seeds the population with genetic mutations that will make them immune to Rhozan’s powers. Teens Alec and Riley are part this new generation of Potentials, and when Rhozan begins his take-over, it is suddenly up to them and their Terran guardian Darius Finn to figure out how to stop him and prevent Earth’s demise.
Number of Pages: 264 (paperback edition)
Age Range: 13-15
Review: An action-packed book, Edge of Time covers eugenics, zombie apocalypses, supernatural powers and time travel as Alec and Riley try to figure out what is going on and how they can stop Earth from being taken over by an alien invader.
My favourite part of Susan M. MacDonald’s book comes when Alec is faced with the consequences of his decisions and realises how much he has been changed by everything that has happened. As much as he would like to, he can’t go back to the way things were and must accept the possibility of a future he could never have imagined.
Edge of Time seems as though it could easily lead to a sequel, as there are some unanswered questions and an opening for a Rhozan reoccurrence.
Memorable Quotes:
“Darius appeared at Riley’s elbow. ‘So, you spent all your spare time in a bookstore. A life-changing pastime.’
Riley bristled. ‘If there’s anything more important in this world than books, I haven’t heard about it.'” – conversation between Darius and Riley from Edge of Time by Susan M. MacDonald, page 65
“‘Why are Terran males so implacable? My experience is limited to two, but both of you are a study in frustration. There must be something in the water here that limits your ability to surrender to imposed instruction.'” – Anna from Edge of Time by Susan M. MacDonald, page 125
Edge of Time by Susan M. MacDonald is published by Breakwater Books (2011).
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The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne
Summary: The year is 1971 and the sudden death of 13 year-old Maureen’s Gran changes the dynamics of her family for the worse. Her mother’s already fragile institution is pushed to the limit, and her profound depression can only be treated through a stay at the local mental hospital. Maureen is expected to step up in her mother’s absence, doing household chores previously done by her Gran and her mother. Finding herself facing the stigma of having a mother dealing with mental illness and the pressures of her increased responsibility, Maureen is also finishing up her grade eight year and going on her first date. When Maureen’s mother returns, Maureen realises that some of the security she once had has been lost, but a new strength has taken its place.
Number of Pages: 165
Age Range: 13-14
Review: First off, I’d just like to say that Susan Chalker Browne does an excellent job of placing her reader in the 1970s. Her descriptions of character clothing were easy to picture and really set the scene.
The subject of mental illness is a difficult one to handle in a sensitive and real manner, but Browne provides us with an honest portrayal of a girl thrust into adulthood by her mother’s depression. When a caregiver or parent is ill or absent in a family, children are often expected to take on more adult roles at home emotionally and practically. Maureen is faced with both situations at once through the death of her Gran and the illness of her mother, and learns quickly she must give up her childish ways to help her family survive.
There’s a strong sense of community in this story as Maureen’s family and extended family rally around Maureen’s mother before and after she is in the hospital. The fact that she needs extra attention and care is acknowledged and accepted by them as they strive to protect her and take care of Maureen and Beth-Ann, her children.
I believed Maureen would choose to act out in music class by trying to funny and popular in response to the confusion she was experiencing in her home life, but when her actions and their unintended side effects were quickly snuffed, I kind of wished she had been given more of an opportunity to act her age without judgement. Yes Maureen made mistakes, but they seemed pretty mild for the reaction they received. I wonder if this simply has to do with the fact that the book was set in the 1970s though, or the fact that Maureen was attending a Catholic school.
In the end, Browne has written an authentic tale in the voice of a thirteen year-old girl who shows maturity beyond her years through a difficult situation. I would recommend this book to early teen readers.
Memorable Quotes:
“Have people forgotten that I am only thirteen? Whenever I try to talk to him about Mom, he cuts me off. I know he’s upset about all this, but there’s no point taking it out on me. ‘Nothing wrong with your mother,’ he says sharply, irritated and annoyed. ‘She’s just upset about Gran dying. She’ll feel better soon.’ Which I’m starting to realize is not true. This is simply going on too long.” – Maureen from The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne, page 22
Of course, I still had to face Dad about it all. First, there was the teasing. ‘A date? My little girl wants to go on a date? Well, maybe that young man should have introduced himself to your dad before asking you out!’ I mean, really! We’re not living in the Jane Austen era, last time I checked. You’d think John was asking for my hand in marriage, the way Dad was getting on.” – Maureen from The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne, page 75
“Gran’s determined cheerfulness suddenly slips away from her face, and for a moment her eyes look vacant and lonely. My heart twists for her. What do you do when the person you love most is taken away?” – Maureen from The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne, page 80
“It’s scary, isn’t it, how fast things can happen? … Who could have dreamed on that stormy Saturday morning in February … that life would change so quickly? Probably it’s just as well you don’t know what’s coming. You’d be so upset just thinking about it, you wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything else.” – Maureen from The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne, page 82
“A calm settles over me, but then it’s replaced by a tiny niggling doubt. Can this be true, is Mom really all right, is she home for good? I remember Sister Marion’s words that day in her office and they echo in my brain: ‘Your mother may always need a little extra attention, Maureen . . . you must be careful never to cause her any upset or confusion.’ Maybe it’s not really over. How can we be sure Mom will never get sick again?” – Maureen from The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne, page 137
“The roaring fire in the grate has everyone all warm and relaxed. Outside, wind lashes the window and rain dribbles down to squiggly lines, but here in this room we’re safe and warm and dry. The four of us together at last, a family once again.” – Maureen from The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne, page 138
The Secret Life of a Funny Girl by Susan Chalker Browne is published by Pennywell Books (2012).
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The Dream Carvers by Joan Clark
Summary: While on an expedition for lumber with his father, Thrand is taken by the Osweet tribe as a replacement for a tribe member he helped kill. Renamed Wobee and encouraged to take his place in the tribe, Thrand eventually does his best to fit in while still looking for an opportunity to find his way back from Leifsbudir (Newfoundland) across the sea to his family in Greenland. As time passes, Thrand must decide how far he is willing to go to get back to the life he once knew, or if he can embrace the life the Osweet tribe has offered him.
Number of Pages: 226
Age Range: 16-18
Review: At what we nowadays might consider the tender age of fourteen, Thrand/Wobee is already a man in Joan Clark’s The Dream Carvers. Set in the early 1000s when childhood and a person’s general lifespan were significantly shorter, young Thrand/Wobee handles his separation from his father with a generally peaceful maturity, even while trying his best to get back to his family.
I’ve skimmed reviews of this book, and keep encountering it being described as a ‘coming-of-age’ story. This is an accurate description. Clark gently explores Thrand’s transformation from the Norse life he has known to his new identity as Wobee, member of the Osweet tribe. For a fourteen year-old, Thrand/Wobee shows remarkable self-awareness, and I enjoyed reading his perspective on a situation that was both influenced by his actions and out of his control. Gradually he comes to accept and embrace his new life once he realises he must give up the pursuit of his old life.
My one complaint is that the perspective changes between Thrand/Wobee and Abidith were abrupt and confusing at times with little transition between the two. On page 95, the narrative even seems to switch perspectives from Abidith to Thrand/Wobee mid-paragraph. Otherwise, I loved Clark’s richly detailed glimpse into the land of Canada a thousand years before our time.
This is a slow-moving book, but worth it if you are patient and give it your full attention. Clark aptly chronicles the connections between the native people and the land contrasting the different traditions and beliefs of the Osweets and the Norse people in an intriguing way. I would recommend it to older teen readers because of its contemplative nature.
Memorable Quotes:
“The gods, three sisters, Being, Necessity and Fate, sit at their loom beneath the Tree, weaving the lives of ordinary people. So my mother says. Whether you are on the good side or the bad side of the gods depends on Chance. If the sisters weave you an unlucky life, there’s little you can do to change your fate. Not even Thor can help you out.” – Thrand from The Dream Carvers by Joan Clark, pages 23-24
“After we have finished eating, the tale-telling begins. Grandfather says that the tale-telling is part of the feast, that we are as hungry for stories as we are for meat. He says we need such food if we are to keep our heads alive. It’s possible, he says, to starve the head, for the head eats stories, instead of meat. If the head goes without eating, Grandfather says, it too will shrivel and die.” – Abidith from The Dream Carvers by Joan Clark, page 78
“Just as I am learning to carve something useful with wood, so I am learning to make something from my thoughts that will better explain the truth. To do this I must learn how to see the difference between what I am now to what I once was.” – Thrand from The Dream Carvers by Joan Clark, page 114
“I have been depending too much on chance, willing myself to change circumstances far beyond my power. It is hard for me to accept what I cannot change for I am someone who must prove everything for himself.” – Thrand from The Dream Carvers by Joan Clark, page 210
The Dream Carvers by Joan Clark is published by Penguin Books Canada (1997).
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Baygirl by Heather T. Smith
Summary: Sixteen year-old Kit’s father is a drunk that Kit has little respect toward. When the Newfoundland government puts a ban on cod fishing for two years, Kit’s father finds himself without a source of income. As a result, Kit’s family decides to move away from smalltown Parsons Cove to the big city of St. John’s in search of work. At first Kit is reluctant because she doesn’t want to leave her beloved Nan, but the move proves to change her and her family in unexpected ways. Tragedy strikes however, and Kit must decide whether she can put aside her conflict with her father to deal with it.
Number of Pages: 278 (paperback edition)
Age Range: 15-18
Review: Heather T. Smith’s character Kit seems to leap off the page with vibrancy and honesty. Immediately we are thrust into the action as Baygirl begins with an arguement between Kit and her drunken father, Alphonse, that sends her seeking solace from her Nan (grandmother) who lives just down the street.
Baygirl deals with difficult issues like alcoholism and bullying with humour and depth, introducing flawed and real but ultimately loveable characters. Kit’s struggle to come to terms with her relationship with her father despite his often drunken state is powerful, and Smith is skilled in showing the many sides of the situation through the insights of Iggy, Mr. Adams and Elliot.
In my Memorable Quotes section I have included some passages that made me laugh out loud, but also a passage about “The Mad Drunk” that struck me with the poetry of Smith’s words. I would have also included Kit’s whole speech about Parsons Bay and the happy memory of her father, but it was too long for me to put in. Suffice it to say I thought it was a vivid depiction of Newfoundland and was perfect for making me feel like I was really there.
I would recommend this book for teens impacted by parental decisions and actions, but due to some of the language, violence and mature themes, it is definitely for the older end of the teen spectrum.
Memorable Quotes:
“What did Elliot see in Amanda Shea? Maybe he was attracted to girls with big boobs. If that was the case, I didn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell.” – Kit from Baygirl by Heather T. Smith, page 98
“Last but not least, The Mad Drunk. Broken dishes and broken hearts. Blushes on faces and bruises on cheeks. Fists that shake and eyes that threaten. Words that swirl in the air like gusts of snow riding on the breeze, never to be caught.” – Kit from Baygirl by Heather T. Smith, page 124
“That was the good thing about Anne-Marie. She’d known from the time we were little. The first time she came to my house, it was obvious that my dad was different. My dad’s weird, I said, in an attempt to explain why he didn’t act like other dads, and she said, It’s because of that stuff in the bottles. It makes you crazy. And I said, My dad is crazy every day.” – conversation between Kit and Anne-Marie from Baygirl by Heather T. Smith, page 160
Baygirl by Heather T. Smith is published by Orca Book Publishers (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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