A book as impactful as Daisy Whitneys debut novel comes along only once every few years. THE MOCKINGBIRDS is at once tender and empowering, clear-cut and sensitive. Its the kind of book that needs to be read by everyone, yet doesnt scrimp in the important qualities that make up good literature.
I would say read this for the mere fact that EVERYONE should be educated about the personal and societal consequences of date rape, but its also more than that. Yes, the books subject is one that everyone should be aware of: through Alexs story, we learn about the rights of the survivor, the emotional maelstrom in the aftermath, and even the guilt and self-hatred that survivors falsely put upon themselves. But all of this is done in a smart, non-preachy manner. Its really Alexs story, Themis Academys story, and not just a pedagogical tool with interchangeable characters and side plots. Everything comes together in a way that makes it cohesive not just within the story world.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS makes its impact not just by its important subject but also by Daisy Whitneys writing style. All too often a book will try to make an impact with an explosive impact, forgetting, in the process, to still develop characters and write in a way that makes us readers care and invest. THE MOCKINGBIRDS does not force us to wade through unnecessary descriptions or artificial relationships: each and every character has a role, has a story, and helps Alex. The book deals with its difficult subject in a no-nonsense manner, and while this can sometimes make Alex feel a little underdeveloped, so all-encompassing her date-rape case seems to be, it also makes her the everygirl, one whom readers will be able to relate to and empathize with, regardless of our own experiences.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS is one of those books that should be assigned reading for all teens. If everyone could be educated about date rape through Alexs experience, the world could truly be a better place.
I would say read this for the mere fact that EVERYONE should be educated about the personal and societal consequences of date rape, but its also more than that. Yes, the books subject is one that everyone should be aware of: through Alexs story, we learn about the rights of the survivor, the emotional maelstrom in the aftermath, and even the guilt and self-hatred that survivors falsely put upon themselves. But all of this is done in a smart, non-preachy manner. Its really Alexs story, Themis Academys story, and not just a pedagogical tool with interchangeable characters and side plots. Everything comes together in a way that makes it cohesive not just within the story world.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS makes its impact not just by its important subject but also by Daisy Whitneys writing style. All too often a book will try to make an impact with an explosive impact, forgetting, in the process, to still develop characters and write in a way that makes us readers care and invest. THE MOCKINGBIRDS does not force us to wade through unnecessary descriptions or artificial relationships: each and every character has a role, has a story, and helps Alex. The book deals with its difficult subject in a no-nonsense manner, and while this can sometimes make Alex feel a little underdeveloped, so all-encompassing her date-rape case seems to be, it also makes her the everygirl, one whom readers will be able to relate to and empathize with, regardless of our own experiences.
THE MOCKINGBIRDS is one of those books that should be assigned reading for all teens. If everyone could be educated about date rape through Alexs experience, the world could truly be a better place.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
