Mistik Lake 04/23/2008
 

AUTHOR:   Martha Brooks
AGES:   High school
REVIEW:   This is another novel that got me in a big way.  It ended up where I didn't even know it was going.  The story is primarily told from teenager Odella's point of view.  However, other characters' points of views are sprinkled in throughout the novel.  The British Columbia Teacher Librarians Association (in Canada) awarded Mistik Lake the 2008 young adult book award, describing the story as:

In Martha Brooks’ Mistik Lake, family secrets are explored in an intergenerational narrative. When Odella’s mother leaves for another man, Odella must confront her mother’s past and cope with the impact it has on the way she sees the world. In this haunting and introspective story, Brooks creates a thoughtful character that will emotionally resonate with her readers.

In another post, Lauren W. described a novel called Speak.  I found Speak's themes and mature content to be similar to Mistik Lake.  Mistik Lake is full of very mature themes, including promiscuity and homosexuality.  I recommend using this novel with care in a classroom.

 


Comments

Arica W.

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:32:12

Wow. This is such a great review. This book seems to really capture the contrasting viewpoints of a teenager. Being an adolescent is difficult enough, but adding all of these elements is bound to make an individual feel even more helpless.

 

Margaret B

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:33:25

I think it is great for young adults to read this type of book because they are often not only reading a great book but reading something they can relate too. Books are always better when you can relate on a personal level; especially when the book is being used in a classroom setting. This book sounds intriguing; I look forward to reading it sometime.

 



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