Name: Mockingbird
Author: Kathryn Erskine
Publisher: Usbourne
Release date: January 2012
Pages: 223
Source: For review
Rating: 4 stars11-year-old Caitlin has Asperger’s syndrome, and has always had her older brother, Devon, to explain the confusing things around her. But when Devon is killed in a tragic school shooting, Caitlin has to try and make sense of the world without him. With her dad spending most of his time crying in the shower, and her life at school becoming increasingly difficult, it doesn’t seem like things will ever get better again.
[summary taken from Goodreads]
Beverley's Review
Mockingbird is a heart-warming tale of a young girl suffering from Asperger's syndrome and who must deal with the aftermath of her brother's death. When Caitlin's older brother, Devon, dies in a tragic shooting, her world falls apart. She has relied on him to give her answers and guide her way through life. Will she ever be able to find closure?
Kathryn Erskine has created an incredibly sensitive account and brings forward a truly unique perspective. There are books that can be enjoyable without complex characters and twisting plots, and Mockingbird is the perfect example. The language is simple yet evocative, inducing smiles, laughs and tears.
Due to Asperger's syndrome, Caitlin sees life in a very pure and innocent way. She views things as they are and does not look deep beneath the surface, thus the first-person narration is very naive, leading you straight into Caitlin's world to experience her perspective. I found this to be really interesting and it gave me a greater understanding of people with Asperger's.
Because of this insight, it didn't matter to me if the plot was slow-paced. Sweet, poignant moments cropped up every now and then, especially ones where Caitlin's only friend Michael was featured. Also seeing Caitlin grow as a character and pull through her grief filled me with such warmth and pride as if I was watching a little sister spread her wings.
Mockingbird made me realise that even though we all live in the same world, others can view it so differently and it is our duty to embrace them and not isolate them from society. Despite not being entirely original, Mockingbird is certainly a poignant, refreshing read, giving the reader a perceptive insight which is sure to touch their hearts.
Because of this insight, it didn't matter to me if the plot was slow-paced. Sweet, poignant moments cropped up every now and then, especially ones where Caitlin's only friend Michael was featured. Also seeing Caitlin grow as a character and pull through her grief filled me with such warmth and pride as if I was watching a little sister spread her wings.
Mockingbird made me realise that even though we all live in the same world, others can view it so differently and it is our duty to embrace them and not isolate them from society. Despite not being entirely original, Mockingbird is certainly a poignant, refreshing read, giving the reader a perceptive insight which is sure to touch their hearts.
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| 4 teacups for Mockingbird! |
*Thanks to the author and Usbourne for sending me a review copy*
Posts
I love that this novel made you think so much, Beverley. I have to admit that the idea sounds really interesting and very different from everything else out there, so I'm looking forward to checking it out myself. Thanks for putting this on my radar, dear! :)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really interesting. Haven't heard too much about it. Great review!
ReplyDeletei just googled Asperger's syndrome and now I'm seriously interested in this! I'm so glad this was thought-provoking and refreshing :) Great review Bev!<3
ReplyDeleteOh, I just got this book out the library yesterday! I'm glad it was good, I can't wait to read it. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThis idea sounds really interesting. I'm going to take a look at it! Haven't heard from it :) Thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteFab review, this sound really different and good :)
ReplyDeleteAaaw great review, Bev. This seems so interesting and touching and I'm glad it made you think about the way we see things, and well, life. I'm definitely going to have to pick this up sometime soon! Great review, doll! <3
ReplyDeleteOh I love your final paragraph, Beverley. this book sounds really quite interesting to me, though I haven't heard much about it. Thanks for drawing it to my attention. :) Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteOh Bev, this is such a lovely review! I hadn't heard of this book before now but it sounds like such a wonderful read. I've been reading a lot less 'serious' books than I used to lately (which is fine!) but this sounds like such a touching read. Thanks for the amazing review! <3
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds totally heartbreaking :( I don't know if I can bring myself to read this one day (I'm pretty sure I will though) but I'm sure it'll end in tears. Love the review!! <3 xx :D
ReplyDeleteMy library has has this book for a while, but I just never picked it up, after your review though I've decided to pick it up the next time I go in, I'm really glad you enjoyed this Beverley, it sounds like a really poignant read! Lovely review! :)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having more insight in someone with Asperger's syndrome. Sometimes, books are just perfect when they are slow-paced. And when the storyline doesn't have so many fancy things: just a well-written story with adorable characters. Thanks for sharing this book! I'm going to check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like with a story such as this the slow pace fits, and I know it wouldn't bother me so much because the characters sound amazing. If a book is slow, but that slowness is to give me time to dig through all a character's layers, I'm a happy camper:) Thanks for introducing this one to me Beverley, it sounds like a beautiful story!
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds so emotional. It's amazing to see how some people view life or get through life because of a particular illness. I like that we can see character growth and really warm to Caitlin. Beautiful review, Beverley. :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked this book. It was sad, but very uplifting. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://therandomranterer.blogspot.com/
I have this on my pile of books to read. I'm really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI read this book a couple of years back, and I absolutely loved it!
ReplyDelete