Together in Spirit

An online reading group ('TIS a reading group!) to bring together friends, and friends of friends, who aren't able to be in a conventional reading group due to constraints of time or geography.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Noughts and Crosses

Watch out, Val: may contain spoilers!

Thanks, Helen, for this choice. I've not read all of it, but have started, dipped into, and finished it so I could get a flavour. I knew I wouldn't be able to read the whole thing. I also found it pacy, absorbing and well done for what it is. I think she's very brave with the way round she's done the colours! But since I didn't read the whole thing, I just need some kind person to tell me what happened to Lynette when she disappeared... But I very much sympathise with Valerie for accidentally seeing the end page. I hate it when that happens! I long for the days when you had to cut the pages of books to read them, so they couldn't fall open inadvertently. We paperclipped the last section of the final Harry Potter book to the back cover so there was no way we could have anything spoiled by mistake.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Black and White

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman was a very enjoyable read. Meant for teens and read with that age-group in mind, I was impressed with the lively, absorbing, story-telling. I found that the reversal of colour and places in society of the characters was a powerful way of discussing racial discrimination. I feel that this would be more noticeable to older age groups, outside the target audience, who remember what was thought acceptable before anti-discrimination laws and policies were implemented. The book shows many of the difficulties faced by youngsters when going through their teenage years, including raging hormones, alcohol and divorce. There was a lot to think about and Noughts and Crosses would provide plenty of subjects for discussion. Not least the alienation of the young, faced with daily humiliation, feeling justified in resorting to violence. Sadly, I caught sight of the last page by accident, so the ending was a little spoilt. A pacey read.