Poisoned Apples by Christine Heppermann
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Library
Buy the Book: Amazon
Summary: "In fifty poems Christine Heppermann places fairy tales side by side with the modern teenage girl. Powerful and provocative, deadly funny and deadly serious, this collection is one to read, to share, to treasure, and to come back to again and again."
Review: Well, since that book summary says basically nothing, I'll give you a little more: this is a book of poetry. Fifty poems are lined out in a little, beautifully arranged book for your consumption. Every poem is short, and every poem is accessible, and every poem surprised me with its poignancy. It's clear that this book was written for and about teenage girls, but to say that you can only read this book if you are a teenage girl is like saying you can only read thrillers if you are a policeman or a dangerous criminal. Needless to say, I believe all ages and sexes will enjoy these poems. Here's an example of a poem you will find in this book, to give you an idea of what to expect:
The Woods
The action's always there.
Where are the fairy tales about gym class
or the doctor's office or the back of the bus
where bad things also happen?
Pigs can buy cheap building materials
just as easily in the suburbs.
Wolves stage invasions. Girls spit out
cereal, break chairs, and curl beneath
covers like pill bugs or selfish grannies
avoiding the mess.
No need for a bunch of trees.
You can lose your way anywhere.
I dare you to tell me that poem didn't give you chills. These poems are a mash-up of fairy tales and the issues modern girls face daily. It writes to you, assuming you are the princess, the hero, and the Big Bad Wolf rolled into one. Because girls are play more than one part, and are more than one roll. I found it to be charming, funny, sad, shocking, and utterly captivating. And short! Did I mention how short it is? I think I read the whole novel in a half an hour. And I wished there was more. I loved every word, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. READ IT!
Review in a GIF:
Bottom Line: I absolutely loved this book, and plan on purchasing a copy for my own library. Insightful and powerful and very accessible, I'd recommend this to pretty much everyone. Don't let the word "poetry" scare you, this is one you won't want to miss.
Interesting! I'll have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteDo! It's well worth the half hour it takes to get through. In fact, I read most of the poems twice.
DeleteThe cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou should see the inside.
Delete