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Friday, January 15, 2010

Teen's Perspective: Hole in the Sky

Synopsis:
As the story opens, a fatal influenza has killed off most of the earth's population, leaving behind the unexposed and the Survivors, who are now immune but suffer losses ranging from sensory impairment to being delusional. Four successive narrators include 16-year-old Ceej; his friend Tim; his spiritual Hopi girlfriend, Isabella; and his mute, Survivor sister, Harryette, all living "at the edge of the world" (near the Grand Canyon). The plot unfolds gradually: the few adults in their lives are being murdered by a cult of Survivors who believe it their God-given purpose to infect people with the flu, offering them up to the "Judgment of the Divine"; led by the charismatic Mother K (who hears voices), the cult offers a sense of wholeness to the damaged Survivors and a lure for Harryette. Meanwhile, Isabella follows her unshakable belief in a Hopi portal that will lead her (and Ceej) to another, better world. The plot lines intertwine in a crafty climax that, like much of the novel, leaves it to readers to draw their own conclusions. Hautman's ability to tell a story while offering simultaneous interpretations should draw a strong response from teens.

I just finished Hole in the Sky, by Pete Hautman. This book is seriously one of my favorite books of all time. When I was reading this book there was never a moment where I couldn't see the scene in my mind. The story felt so real, almost like it had already happened. It was easy to see myself in the situation that the characters were in. If I could say anything about this book was that its idea made me believe the story within the story. That may make little sense to you, but if you read it you won't just understand, you will feel the same as me. Not reading this book is like a big old slap to the cheek.

Reviewed by Marc
He's #25 the one in the air tackling 29 in blue. Yes, he's crazy about football!!!

14 comments:

  1. Nice review, and I guess then do know the feeling this is a book that must be read

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  2. Thanks for the great review, Marc! It's nice to see young people take some time out of their busy lives for books.

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  3. Wow, I'm absolutely knocked out by that non-blurry action photo! I bet your son will love that picture forever!

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  4. Marc, you just completely sold me!!! I just KNOW I'm going to love this book! Thanks!

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  5. Well, I don't want Marc to feel insulted by my not reading this book, so I better look for it :)

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  6. Great review and nice tackle! I keep adding more books to my list of books I want to stockpile for my kids to read when they get a little bit older.

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  7. Awesome review Marc!!! This sounds really good! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  8. Thanks for your recommendation! I like to hear about books that others just loved!

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  9. Awesome review, Marc! I especially like the way you described the imagery -- I love books I can *see.* :-)

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  10. I absolutely do not want a slap to the cheek so I am going to look for this book today!! Excellent book review. You drew me in without giving away any spoilers.

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  11. Make that tackle! Good job ion the review and thanks for the recommendation.

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  12. Excellent review Marc! You have a way with words and I like how honest and passionate you are about this book. It's wonderful when a book grabs you and feels so real.

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  13. I'm going to tell my husband about this book. It sounds right up his alley! Thanks for the recommendation, Marc.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  14. Great review Marc! This book sounds so awesome. I love stories like these.

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