Library lessons & links

I’ll Give You the Sun

Summary: Lyrically written story about artistically gifted twins whose bond is broken by tragedy, forcing them to remake their worlds even though each holds only half the pieces.

My thoughts: Overlong and often overwrought, it’s still a smart, thoughtful examination of family life, identity, and romance, woven with magical realism and filled with fully realized characters who fulfill the e.e. cummings quote that opens the book: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” Sure to be a strong contender for the Printz Award.

Recommend I’ll Give You the Sun to fans of E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, which shares a similar melancholy, mystery, and doomed romance in a privileged setting. Readers who appreciated the art-infused sibling strife of Carol Rifka Brunt’s Tell the Wolves I’m Home will also be drawn to Nelson’s Sun.

All the Light We Cannot See

Summary: The fates of a blind French girl and an orphaned German boy collide in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.

My thoughts: One of the best books I have ever read! Compelling characters, intricate plot, interesting setting, and a powerful message: “Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.”

I couldn’t put this book down, and tore through it in two days. It moved me to tears.

Recommend this to fans of The Book Thief.