Review: Dangerous Neighbors

Summary: It is 1876, the year of the Centennial in Philadelphia. Katherine has lost her twin sister Anna in a tragic skating accident. One wickedly hot September day, Katherine sets out for the exhibition grounds to cut short the haunted life she no longer wants to live.

Filled with vivid detail that artfully brings the past to life, National Book Award nominee Beth Kepart's DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS is a timeless and finely crafted novel about betrayal and guilt, hope and despair, love, loss, and new beginnings. -- Egmont

As you might know, I consider myself to be a big fan of  Beth Kephart's. Not only is she an amazingly eloquent writer, but she is also a beautiful person. This year, I challenged myself to read more of her books, and one that I was really looking forward to was her latest YA novel DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS.

It's probably not a surprise to you that I really enjoyed this novel. It was a bit different for me than some of her other novels that I've read, but by no means, was it any less spectacular. DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS has already received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and I have to say that I think the praise is very well deserved. This is one special book.

I hesitate to give too much away about the plot of DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS because I think it's best if you just let the story take you away. However, I can give you a brief description of the story. DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS tells the story of twin sisters Katherine and Anna. When Anna dies unexpectedly in an accident, Katherine feels a tremendous amount of guilt for Anna's death. As was the case when Anna was alive, Katherine feels that she must be the one who protects Anna -- even if it means destroying herself in the process. DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS explores Katherine and her actions following the death of her sister.

There were so many wonderful things about this novel that really stood out to me; and if I'm being honest, depending on when you ask me, I might describe a different scene or theme that resonates with me. But one thing that really stood out for me was how this book explored the bond between sisters, and especially twin sisters. Despite looking quite similar, Anna and Katherine's personalities were so very different from each other -- Anna was more carefree while Katherine was much more cautious and serious. My heart just broke for Katherine -- I can only imagine how difficult it would be to lose a sister, but I think losing a twin (who is so much a part of who you are) would be devastating. DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS really made me think a great deal about the bond between sisters (and twins) and how much we grieve those we love.

At its heart, DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS was really Katherine's story; and I actually found myself relating quite a bit to her character. I could definitely understand some of her actions both when Anna was alive as well as after she died, and I could understand Katherine's guilt as well as her need to protect her sister. In many ways, Katherine's actions resonated with me because I knew she couldn't help but feel as if she had to be the responsible one.

Another thing I especially enjoyed about DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS was the way Ms. Kephart brought to life 1876 Philadelphia. The book takes place during the Centennial and I absolutely loved all of the descriptions of the city and the Centennial fair. I wasn't at all familiar with these events prior to reading this novel, and yet, Ms. Kephart described them in such vivid detail (as only she can do!) She allowed me to picture the look and feel of the city perfectly; and I swear I was almost transported to that time through her words. In addition, I thought the choice of the setting was such a critical part of the story. Ms. Kephart did a remarkable job of juxtaposing the excitement of the Centennial with Katherine's desperation.

And of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Ms. Kephart's writing style. Her prose is so beautiful that it almost reads like poetry. And as I mentioned before, her descriptions are incredible vivid. I truly think Ms. Kephart is one of the most gifted storytellers that I've ever read!

Even though this novel was geared toward the Young Adult audience, I still think many adults will love (and appreciate) this story. In fact, I think DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS would make an excellent discussion group for book clubs of all ages. There are a host of themes to discuss including family dynamics, sisterly love, devotion, guilt, loss, faith, forgiveness, and redemption. It truly is a beautiful story that will resonate with many readers -- and it deserves to be discussed!

Of course, I highly recommend DANGEROUS NEIGHBORS! But then again, I recommend anything that Beth Kephart writes!

I received an ARC for this novel at the 2010 BEA.

Review: The Heart is Not a Size

Summary: Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid. . . . Or are they?

When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters' village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexico, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside the world she's always known.

Beth Kephart paints a world filled with emotion, longing, and the hot Mexican sun.-- Harper Teen

I know this is going to sound strange, but I've been procrastinating reading THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE by Beth Kephart. You see... I absolutely love Beth and I even consider her a friend. I think she is a marvelous author and I've loved the other books that I've read by her. So I admit that I was a little nervous when I picked up THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE. What if I didn't love it?

I had no need to worry because Beth does not disappoint with THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE -- I absolutely adored this book. I found that when I was reading this novel, I treasured each and every word. THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE isn't a long book, and yet, it delivers a beautiful story with a very powerful message. I really get the impression from this novel (and really every Beth Kephart novel) that she chooses each word for a specific reason and to elicit a particular feeling in the reader. She is an amazing storyteller!

One of the main reasons I enjoyed this novel so much was because I really loved the character of Georgia. I actually think I had a lot more in common with this character than I do with most teens in today's books. I realize that it has been quite awhile since I was Georgia's age, but I found myself really relating to her on quite a few levels. I was very similar to Georgia because I, too, was always the nice, responsible girl. I also experienced a lot of the pressure and anxiety that Georgia experienced (albeit, it probably was self-inflicted.)

If you've ever read a Beth Kephart book, then you know that there are just tons of beautiful passages -- she really has a unique way with words! As I read THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE, there were quite a few times where I found myself pausing and just taking in her writing; however, there was one passage in particular that really struck a chord with me:

" You grow up being told that responsibility is a good word, that you should step forward first, that you should manage; but the truth is: Too much responsibility gets you into trouble. It boxes you in, divides you into two very different, separate people. Your responsible, sold version is what everybody comments on: Georgia's reliable. Georgia will do it. Georgia always knows what she is doing. She will come through. Your private, hidden self, meanwhile, would shout a different story."

I swear Beth could have been writing this about me. I had these exact same feelings as a teenager (and sometimes I still do!) I read a lot of books, but rarely do I experience the emotion that I did while reading THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE. And that was just as it related to the character of Georgia. The entire trip to Mexico also touched my heart.

I was also deeply affected by the parts of the story about Juarez -- how could any reader not be touched by how these people live? I appreciated that Beth gave us an insider's look into a squatters village in Mexico -- she actually took a trip to Juarez and helped build a community bathroom there. I've seen pictures and news stories about the living conditions of these people, yet I think THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE brought the reality to home for me. After I finished this novel, I wanted to do something to help...something to make a difference. And I love Beth for not only helping me to have this awareness, but also for bringing this reality to the attention of today's teens.

Needless to say, I think THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE is a perfect discussion book, especially for mother-daughter book clubs. There are so many important themes in this novel which would be perfect to explore deeper with a teen (or even an intuitive tween.) And many of the topics deal with some very sensitive, yet important, situations that aren't always easy to bring up with your daughters. Some of the topics which warrant further discussion include friendship, mother/daughter relationships, family dynamics, eating disorders, poverty, anxiety, insecurity, sacrifices, gratitude, and self discovery.

THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE is a very special book to me. I can't wait to share it with Booking Daughter because it's exactly the type of book that I want her to read. There is a very real character in Georgia that I know she will love, but there is also a wonderful message about giving back and helping those who are less fortunate than us.

THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE has a Facebook fan page and there is also a website devoted to the book. Make sure you check out the site because there is a contest for an autographed copy of THE HEART IS NOT A SIZE and this beautiful fair trade necklace from Ten Thousand Villages (valued at $44.)

A huge thanks to Ms. Kephart for sharing a copy of her novel with me.

The Beth Kephart Reading Challenge 2010

I am very excited about about My Friend Amy's Beth Kephart Reading Challenge 2010. I have loved Beth and her books ever since Amy turned me on to her, and I can't wait to read some more in 2010. I was lucky enough to have the chance to meet Beth at the Lititz KidLit Festival last month, and she truly is a remarkable woman!

Since I have already read and reviewed two of Beth's YA books, I have decided to sign up for the Mix 'n' Match Level -- Read any 4 books off the list.

Here are the specifics of the challenge straight from Amy:

Dates: Jan 1, 2010--June 30th, 2010.

Levels:
Beth Kephart Newbie -- Read one book out of any category. This level is not eligible for the prize.
YA Fan--Read all the books categorized as YA. This level is eligible for the prize.
Memoir Fan--Read all the books categorized as memoir. This level is eligible for the prize. Mix'n'match--Read any 4 books off the list. This level is eligible for the prize.
Entire Backlist -- Read the entire backlist. Definitely eligible for the prize.

The prize is an ARC of Dangerous Neighbors not due out until the fall!

In order to be eligible for the prize, you must complete the level you choose and link all of your reviews in the review linky that will go up on January 1st.

List of Beth Kephart's Books:

A Slant of Sun: One Child's Courage, W.W. Norton, 1998 (Memoir)

Into the Tangle of Friendship: A Memoir of the Things that Matter, Houghton Mifflin, 2000 (Memoir)

Still Love in Strange Places: A Memoir, W.W. Norton, 2002 (Memoir)

Seeing Past Z: Nurturing the Imagination in a Fast-Forward World, W.W. Norton, 2004 (Memoir)

Ghosts in the Garden: Endings, Beginnings, and the Unearthing of Self, New World Library, 2005 (Memoir)

Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River, Temple University Press, 2007 (History)

House of Dance, Laura Geringer Books: HarperTeen, May 2008 (YA)

Undercover, Laura Geringer Books: HarperTeen, 2007 (YA)

Zenobia: The Curious Book of Business, Berrett-Kohler, January 2008 (YA)

"The Longest Distance," in No Such Thing as The Real World, HarperTeen, May 2009 (YA--short story)

Nothing But Ghosts, Laura Geringer Books: HarperTeen June 2009 (YA)

The Heart is Not a Size, HarperTeen, forthcoming, February 2010 (YA)

Dangerous Neighbors, Egmont, Fall 2010

Sounds great huh? Please help me spread the word about one of my favorite authors and join me in this challenge. I'll be reading the entire backlist. If you want to join, please write a post or mention this challenge in some way on your blog and put the link into Mister Linky. If you don't have a blog, please leave a comment with your level of participation. Once you choose a level of participation, you are expected to stick with it!

This is sure to be a wonderful challenge. I can assure you that Beth is a fantastic writer, and you will love her writing!