Poetry Book Review #3

Sones, Sonya. 2004. one of those hideous books where the mother dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Ruby sits on the airplane that's taking her clear across the United States, away from her aunt, best friend and boyfriend. She dreads every second that brings her closer to her “scumbag” father who she’s never met. Oh and did she mention that he’s a famous movie star?! To top it off, the reason she’s on her way to California is because her mother just died.

Through the witty voice of this fifteen year old, Sonya Sones creatively expresses the deep feelings and issues that unfold as the story progresses in short free verse poems. The reader can actually picture this teenager and her attitude as she rolls her eyes and makes smart remarks in her head at the ‘ridiculous’ things that her father tries to do to get to know her and make her feel loved. It is a quick, easy and enjoyable read because of the playful and clever language that describes feelings, emotions and events in such an imaginative, yet understandable way. An example of this:

So we say quick good-byes and hang up.

I feel a pang in my stomach,

like someone just handed me some Sour Skittles

and then grabbed them away again

before I even had a chance

to pop a single one of them into my mouth.

p.109

Sonya Sones references classic literature such as Catcher in the Rye, A Wrinkle in Time, and To Kill a Mockingbird within Ruby’s commentary. Newer, more contemporary young adult novels were mentioned as well (Speak, Hard Love, and Hope Was Here). There are also allusions to other things like movies, world events and current issues that face our country. One that I particularly enjoyed was when Ruby recounts her first morning of walking to school in her movie star-infested neighborhood:

If I had a dog named Toto,

I think you can guess

what I’d be saying to him right about now.

p.129

Readers experience the ups and downs, surprises and anticipated events in Sonya Sones’ inviting and entertaining poetry novel, one of those hideous books where the mother dies. Her style and voice are authentic, unique and captivating leaving the reader wanting to read more.

**One of those hideous books… is definitely intended for an older audience; it is a young adult free verse novel. I would even recommend it for older, more mature young adults because of some of the issues discussed within the book.