“Shine” and “Chime”
Shine by Lauren Myracle and Chime
by Franny Billingsley share something in common; they were both nominated for
the National Book Award this past
year. Shine was initially announced as a
nominee in October 2011, there was a mix-up and the real nominee was Chime. So I set about to judge the two for myself.
Shine is a poignant story about a hate
crime that takes place in a tight knit rural town in North Carolina. Beautifully written this crime/mystery
novel tells the story about friendship and forgiveness. The story deals with real life issues
of drug addiction, homophobia and sexual assault; along with the beating of
Patrick, an openly gay teen, which happens before the opening of the story. I highly recommend this book to high
school students and beyond.
Chime on the other hand is a beautifully
written fantasy, mystery set in the early 1900’s in a mystical English village
somewhere outside London. Narrated
by Bryony, a sharp and witty young witch who is filled with hate and guilt this
story would appeal to those who enjoy stories about witches and other worlds,
with a bit of romance twisted in
.
.
