Schroeder’s teen fiction ‘Chasing Brooklyn may appeal to
adults
By Laura Pasternak
Author Lisa Schroeder has written a few books for teenagers
and
”
Chasing Brooklyn
”
is her most recent release for this age group. Like her other
novels, it is written in free-verse form, and could appeal to
readers from adolescent to adult. Each
”
verse
”
alternates between the voices of two characters, Brooklyn and
Nico, who are dealing with the loss of two young men close to them.
First Lucca, Brooklyn’s boyfriend and Nico’s brother, dies in a car
accident; then Gabe, who was driving the car that fateful night,
dies of an overdose. Brooklyn and Nico are struggling with how to
handle these tragedies, which isn’t helped by the fact that the
boys are now haunting them. Gabe is visiting Brooklyn at night,
while Lucca visits his brother and leaves cryptic messages for
him.
”
A Cry for Help
”
and
”
Fix you
”
are two of his messages, but what do they mean? Does Brooklyn
need his help, and what is he supposed to do for her? Over the
course of the novel, the teenagers discover how they can help each
other, and possibly find some happiness along the way.
Schroeder’s teen fiction ‘Chasing Brooklyn may appeal to adults
By Laura Pasternak
Author Lisa Schroeder has written a few books for teenagers and “Chasing Brooklyn” is her most recent release for this age group. Like her other novels, it is written in free-verse form, and could appeal to readers from adolescent to adult. Each “verse” alternates between the voices of two characters, Brooklyn and Nico, who are dealing with the loss of two young men close to them. First Lucca, Brooklyn’s boyfriend and Nico’s brother, dies in a car accident; then Gabe, who was driving the car that fateful night, dies of an overdose. Brooklyn and Nico are struggling with how to handle these tragedies, which isn’t helped by the fact that the boys are now haunting them. Gabe is visiting Brooklyn at night, while Lucca visits his brother and leaves cryptic messages for him. “A Cry for Help” and “Fix you” are two of his messages, but what do they mean? Does Brooklyn need his help, and what is he supposed to do for her? Over the course of the novel, the teenagers discover how they can help each other, and possibly find some happiness along the way.
While this book is of a substantial length, it reads very quickly due to the verse form, and the author’s fluid style of writing. It lacks an exciting build-up and climax one might expect from a novel of this genre, but still manages to keep your attention until the end. Also, the premise might sound depressing or overly adult in nature, however the story itself is actually rather sweet and innocent. It will primarily attract high school readers, but adults and mature pre-teens could certainly enjoy it as well.
Summer reading program starts in June
Readers of all ages will travel the globe this summer, as San Benito County Free Library presents “One World, Many Stories,” and for the teens, “You are Here,” during its summer reading program. The 2011 Summer Reading Program is open to all youth, from babies to young adults, with programs, story time, music, crafts and more. Families are invited to join, and even if your child can’t read yet, they can still earn prizes for having a friend or family member read to them.
For the children’s program, all kids have to do is read and record the titles in their reading log. There will be a final goal to complete, for which kids will receive a book and additional prizes. The teen program will be “Reading Bingo,” where teens fill out a Bingo card based on their reading and research. For this program, they may win free books, gift cards and other exciting things!
In addition to the reading logs and gifts, the library will be hosting special weekly events throughout the summer. These will take place on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and include themed story time, craft activities, performances and other fun stuff.
Registration begins on June 16 and the program will end on July 21. Kids can register online at www.sanbenitofl.org or in person at 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information, please call the library at 831-636-4107 ext. 22. All programs are free of charge.
Laura Pasternack works at the San Benito County Free Library. She is contributing bi-monthly book reviews for the Weekend Pinnacle. E-mail comments or questions to
mf*****@pi**********.com
.
