Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity
Written by Elizabeth Wein
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

I haven't posted for a while. That's because I was reading Code Name Verity. Usually I'm able to coast through YA novels in a day or two, or really any book really, but a few will make me slow down and ponder. Code Name Verity did that to me. It demanded more time.

The book is written in two parts. The first is the narrative written by "Verity," a Resistance spy captured in France during the Second World War. In exchange for two weeks of life, she agrees to write all she knows. Her character is full of grit and wit, and she manages to stretch out her time by writing her information as a story of how she and her best friend, Maddie, became involved in the war. Her story is so engaging that her captor/torturer names her "Scheherazade" and lets her live until she finishes writing.

The first half is gripping and emotional and moving, but the second half is when it really gets good. The second half is Maddie's diary, which picks up where Verity's leaves off. In an almost Dickens-esque literary twist, small details from the first half become major plot points. It contains moments that made me laugh and moments that made me cry. Parts of this book are truly heart-wrenching. This is a book that'll stick with ya.

As a historical fiction novel, I enjoyed the female protagonist view. With many war books, men are the heroes, and women merely the nurses, or cooks, or messengers (not that those weren't important roles). But Code Name Verity shows two brave young women as a pilot and a spy. They are exceptionally heroic (but not annoyingly so), and I enjoyed the twist on typical historic fiction plots. However, part of what slowed my reading down was the history. There's a lot. Like a lot a lot. Lots of pilot and plane lingo, lots of details. That is part of what makes it great, since it contributes to the validity of the story, but it does drag a bit. I never feel guilty for skimming parts of a book, and there were a few plane paragraphs I skipped. Overall, a fabulous, well-researched historical novel.

Here are a few shining quotes:

"The anticipation of what they will do to you is every bit as sickening in a dream as when it is really going to happen.” 

“Nothing like an arcane literary debate with your tyrannical master while you pass the time leading to your execution.” 

“And I envied her that she had chosen her work herself and was doing what she wanted to do. I don't suppose I had any idea what I 'wanted' and so I was chosen, not choosing. There's glory and honor in being chosen. But not much room for free will.” 

“Von Loewe really should know me well enough by now to realize that I am not going to face my execution without a fight. Or with anything remotely resembling dignity.” 

Here's the link to the official book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kLMupsGhJk

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

Written by Ann Petry

Published by Amistad in 1995

256 pages.

Genre: History, Nonfiction.

Summery: This book tells the story of the remarkable woman named Harriet Tubman. It tells about her childhood as a slave, how she ran away as a young woman, her many years rescuing slaves, and her work as a spy in the Civil War.

Response: I enjoyed this book. I knew a little about Harriet Tubman, but this book helped me appreciate and admire her a lot more. Well-written as a story, not as dry as some history books.

Word of Caution: Tells about her sometimes violent life as a slave.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing

Written by M. T. Anderson

Published by Candlewick in 2008

384 pages.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Violence, Journey.

Summery: This is the story of a young male slave in pre-revolution America. He is raised in a scientific household, not knowing as a child that he is as much of an experiment as the strange chemicals. He is treated as brilliant at first, being taught latin and greek, science and mathematics. But then times change and he is, after all, a slave.

Response: Honestly, this book could make me hate historical fiction. The first part was freaky weird, but by the middle......it was still freaky weird. I skimmed a lot of it because it was gross and parts of the plot dragged. I don't think I would recommend it.

Word of Caution: Violence, slaves are treated as slaves, some language, graphic description of nasty things, and sexual references.

"Breath"

Breath

Written by Donna Jo Napoli

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2003

260 pages.

Genre: Supernatural, History

Summery: This is a retelling of The Pied Piper. Salz is a 12 year old boy with cystic fibrosis. His town is infected with a strange disease that nobody can cure. Strangely, Salz, the sickest of all, escapes infection. But because of his illness, he can't follow when the Piper leads all the other children away.

Response: Interesting book. Full of weird black magic and the medieval ages. The characters are fairly well written. Salz and his grandmother are great characters. The others could have used some more details and personality. I didn't understand how Salz's father and brothers could be such jerks, while Salz is kind and innocent. It was a little too morbid for me personally. I'm not a huge fan of supernatural, which is a key part of the book. So if you like supernatural books, read it.

Word of Caution: Black magic, sex, maybe a little language, drug usage.

" The Wednesday Wars" - Gary D. Schmidt

"The Wednesday Wars"

Written by Gary D. Schmidt

Published in 2007 by Sandpiper

264 pages

Genre: History, Friends/Social Issues

Summery:

The main character is Holling Hoodhood, a 7th grade boy in the 60's. He is the only Protestant kid in his class; everyone else is Jewish or Catholic. So on Wednesday afternoons, he's left with his teacher while all the other kids leave for their religious classes. His teacher, Mrs. Baker, has him read Shakespeare. As the Vietnam War drags on, his sister runs away to join other flower children, his father loses a business deal, he has a crush on a girl, and the pet rats escape, Holling finds truth and strength in the words of Shakespeare and Mrs. Baker.

Response:

Loved this book. La la loved it. Holling is a delightful and well-written character. The story made me laugh out loud many, many times. It helps readers understand the world of 1967 and the Vietnam war in a new way. While it's very funny, there is a underlying current of the fear and grief that the war brought. It's an easy and engaging read; I sat down and read it cover to cover in a few hours. It's a delightful book. Read it.

Word of Caution: Several of your responsibilities may be neglected due to this book.