January 7th, 2008 (06:27 am)
Current Mood: awake
Current Song: I Believe from Spring Awakening
I first read The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark when it was released in 2004. I've re-read it at least once and talked about it many, many times since.
I've discussed this story at booktalks and conferences. I've included it on booklists, such as Coming-of-Age Novels aka Bildungsromans and Tough Issues for Teens. I've given it to regular customers, new customers, and friends.
When I was to select three titles for my Readergirlz bookmark "for the girl who has read every book in the library," I picked The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark, The Pursuit of Happiness by Tara Altebrando, and Swollen by Melissa Lion. It was only after I confirmed my choices that I realized all three books dealt with loss, grief, and acceptance. (If you do get those three books - and I hope you do - make sure to also pick up The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen while you're at it.)
In other words, I've mentioned the book a great deal at this blog and in my bookstore, yet I've never written a full-length review of it. Kuz why? I don't want to spoil anything about this book. When I recommend this title to a customer or a friend, I can compare it to the books I mentioned in the previous paragraph, but then I have to bite my tongue before I speak of at least two other titles and give anything away.
* Want to know why Kuz is spelled that way? Read the book!
Spoiler-Free Summary
In my post entitled More to Life, or, Bigger Than a Breadbox, I described the book this way:
After Alison's mother passes away, she is reluctant to confide in anyone other that her long-time best friend Laurie. Alison decides to play it safe, rather than be sorry later.
Do not let anyone spoil this book for you. Just get it and read it, then come back to this post and discuss it with me. This book is poignant and real, and it gets my highest recommendation.
More Now
I'll allow myself to say a little bit more right now. Just a little.
Alison and Laurie's friendship isn't put into dire jeopardy by the arrival of Patrick Kirk. If anything, his presence further defines Alison's character. Though Alison starts to like Patrick, she doesn't want to say or do anything because Laurie has a crush on him, and she puts Laurie's happiness before her own.
The three students bond as they work for the newspaper. Outspoken Laurie starts calling her new buddy "Patrick Kirkpatrick" and can jokes around with him easily. Meanwhile, Alison quietly lives by the rules she's made for herself. She also keeps her feelings to herself and keeps everything in her backpack, rather than ever using her locker. Kuz why? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Could I say that any more? Yes, I could.
Could I tell you more? Yes, but I won't.
Read it, then share it - but don't spoil it. Those are the rules.
One of My Favorite Passages
"You're begging her?" [Laurie] asked. "You'll have to work up to that. That's one of the Alison rules."
"Alison rules?" Patrick repeated.
"Yeah. Don't worry - you'll find out," Laurie said.
- Page 27
Tidbits and Links
This morning, I reviewed Catherine Clark's forthcoming release, Wish You Were Here, which comes out in March 2008.
I also put Catherine in the Author Spotlight.
Read my previous posts about Wicked Cool Overlooked Books.
See today's WCOB roundup at Chasing Ray.
