Saturday, November 19, 2022

Nineteen Minutes

 Every time I think I will not read anymore Jodi Piclout novels, I read one and love it.  She really does a great job with every subject  she takes on.  She builds the plot expertly, creates compelling dialog and makes the reader really care about the characters. This story of a school shooting is so well developed that even  if you start the  novel thinking you know how  you feel about guns, shooters and schools..in the end you are rethinking, open to a conversation and caring  about every character on all sides of the argument.  Nor a new book but still relevant... and a banned book.

I read this book for my Banned Book  Book Group.  It is again amazing what books are challenged, when  students are actually living through these horrific experiences  in school and  the drills that all kids have to participate  in  just in case there is a shooter in their school.  Yet parents do not want their children to read about it.  

This book is very well written, showing the point of view of the shooter as he grows up and arrives at the  moment of his unraveling.  It describes the characters of the kids who unknowingly harass kids who are different not realizing how much it hurts them.  

We meet two mothers, and see how their relationships with their children affect the lives they are leading.  Not really seeing their kids for who they are and what they are experiencing at school.

It is a message to parents to stay connected to your teenagers even as they are pulling away from you.  Stay involved in their lives and try to stay in commuication.

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