Thursday, August 13, 2009

Review: If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

If You Come Softly
"Some mornings, there is only this in the world--Jeremiah's hand reaching for my own. There isn't Marion's warning about time making changes we can't ever anticipate. Only Miah's hand in mine and a voice much louder than Marion's--my own--saying, Take this moment and run, Ellie. Take this moment and run."

I first became aware of Jacqueline Woodson through Natasha's blog and then I saw her on a panel at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. I have a lot of learning to do when it comes to YA and children's literature, needless to say! I read a review of this particular book at Regular Rumination and just popped it right into my reading schedule. Thankfully, it's a short book so that didn't throw me off.

If you Come Softly is Jeremiah and Elisha (Miah and Ellie)'s story. Miah is black and Ellie is white, but they don't see that as much as they see each other and they fall in love. But due to the fact that they aren't of the same race, they face some opposition from the world around them. Just to be clear, though, the book isn't really heavy on that. It comes up certainly, and it's dealt with, but this is first and foremost the story of two young people, each with their own hurts and life experiences, doubts and struggles, hopes and dreams who fall in love. There is a certain melancholy feel to the book..so true of being a teenager!

The writing is really beautiful, really true to that age and those first feelings of falling in love. But I will warn you, this is a tearjerker. And it's so short! How does she do it?!? But she does!

I really recommend this book. I already have a few other Jacqueline Woodson books in my TBR pile and they are also short so they're perfect to squeeze in between all those big heavy books! :)

Rating: 4.5/5
Source of Book: I bought it.




Amy

17 comments:

Rhiannon Hart said...

Did you see this the other day? http://justinelarbalestier.com/blog/2009/08/11/if-you-come-softly/

Sandy Nawrot said...

YA is also a new genre to me as well. I'm not even sure how I started down that path. I guess inspired by Carrie @ Books and Movies, I started listening to audios and reading to my kids (even though they are past the "reading to" age), and began selecting YA titles for them. It is like discovering a new continent! This particular story seems like it would have some teachable moments about race and equality, and about love being color blind! I'll add it to my list. Great review!

Julie P. said...

I wasn't aware of this author either, but I am now! This books sounds great and I'm adding it to my "list!"

Beth Kephart said...

This author has written some truly wonderful stories and I'm so glad that you've discovered her.

Alix said...

Thanks for the review. I ordered it from the library it sounds wodnerful.

Anonymous said...

My review of this posts tomorrow. Isn't it an amazing book? I'm still not over it!!!

bermudaonion said...

This sounds like a must read! I'm adding it to my never ending wish list.

Jenn's Bookshelves said...

I, too, ordered this book after reading Natasha's post! My copy arrived yesterday. Hope I can get to it soon!

Debi said...

YAY...you just made me very happy that I've packed this one (and the sequel) in my vacation reading bag!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the link! I'll be adding yours to my list.

I really loved this one. I'm thrilled to hear you're getting into YA! It's a genre that I stopped reading for a while, because you know, I'm a grown up now. Then I remembered how much I loved all the books I read and I've gotten right back into it.

Jen said...

This sounds really good! I just added it to my to-be-read list.

Ali said...

I haven't read this one yet but I'm in the middle of her Miracle's Boys and it's amazing!

Ana S. said...

Between you and Lu, I'm dying to read this! I read her boom Miracle's Boys a few days ago and I loved it. She really is a great writer.

Kailana said...

I read this recently, too, and liked it. I still haven't reviewed it yet, but no surprise there!

Natasha @ Maw Books said...

I hope you read more of her! She's just amazing. Are you going to read the sequel to this one?

adriana said...

i love this book!!

Anonymous said...

whats their last names?

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