Jumping on the Chime bandwagon

[checkers65477]

I haven't written a book post in ages, but Chime by Franny Billingsley is so good that it deserves one.  Here is the review from Booklist:

*Starred Review* Since her stepmother's recent death, 17-year-old Briony Larkin knows that if she can keep two secrets--that she is a witch and that she is responsible for the accident that left Rose, her

Comments

[willow_41z]

... puree of Christ?

I feel like I just snorted all my brains out my nose laughing. And now I feel like a bad Lutheran. O_O

[checkers65477]

Ha, I had the same reaction. Sort of like when Dane Cook talks about crouton O'Christ, Christ Chex, Jes-its. So funny but so so bad. Anyway, Chime started out creepy and then after awhile I became very at home in the creepy, dangerous setting.

[tiegirl]

I have The Folk Keeper on hold at the library, then I will read Chime. So far, no one who has read it has given it a bad review, at least that I've seen. :)

[checkers65477]

I wasn't so crazy about The Folk Keeper, but this author is truly wonderful. Hope you like them

[peggy_2]

I was reading that Chime is not a contender for the Newbery because of age level, but should be high on the Printz list. If so it will set a strong precedent for Megan's next book.

After reading Chime I had to go and find her other books. I liked both Well Wished and Folk Keeper but unfortunately had seen spoilers for Folk Keeper in all the Chime hype which lessened the impact.

Much like other rich and unusual delights I think they are best if spaced out, rather than gobbled up one-two-three.

[checkers65477]

The whole time I was reading it, I was wondering what ages it was best for. I'm going to order some copies for the library, but it's probably for 7th/8th grade and up, don't you think? I can't see it being seriously considered for the Newbery. We'll see about the Printz. I think it's ideal, but so many times the Print committee members choose only books that are realistic fiction and extremely edgy. Not too many "Airborn"s are chosen. And that's too bad.

You had said you liked Rose's character, and I figured she must be the main character. :) Not so. I loved that Rose was, in the end, just as she always was. That there was no tremendous change in her character. Such great characters.

[peggy_2]

You had said you liked Rose's character

Well, what I said was that I loved her voice. Long after finishing the book it is her dialogue and pattern of speech that keeps playing through my head : )

but now that you mention it I love her constancy as well. Steadfast and true, to herself and others.