"Shine" and "Chime"

“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
.