Comments on: Review: The List

By: Liz B

Liz B — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:27:28 +0000

Maureen: I know. And, with Lauren, would it have been better without the list? She’d still be in school, but she’s be an outcast, still.

By: Maureen E

Maureen E — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:18:52 +0000

I enjoyed this book so much– I cared about these characters and wanted them to be okay. And some of them weren’t okay in the end. But I think that’s part of what makes this a really thought-provoking, powerful read.

This is exactly what I was trying to say as well–and part of the genius of it is that a few of the people I expected to be okay at the beginning (Lauren, for example), well, aren’t.

By: Liz B

Liz B — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:49:09 +0000

Allison, there is good “upset”, you know? It’s sort of like how I said I would have a tough time with the word “like” for this book – because what I really have the hard time with is it sounding like “i like bullying”. It’s a rough, raw topic –

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:14:54 +0000

Ohhhh, you make an excellent point about Lauren. Ha, now I’m going to sit here and worry about her for a bit!

I used the word “upset” in my earlier comment, and I know we chatted about this on Twitter, but I wanted to clarify here, too, for the record– I think I sounded more critical than I intended. I enjoyed this book so much– I cared about these characters and wanted them to be okay. And some of them weren’t okay in the end. But I think that’s part of what makes this a really thought-provoking, powerful read.

I hope to use this book as a book club read at my library- it’ll make for such an intriguing discussion!

By: Liz B

Liz B — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:29:16 +0000

Maureen, the casual infliction of the pain — and the acceptance of it, the continuation of it — was chilling, making it hard to “like” (I felt the same way about Elizabeth Scott’s book about the kidnapped girl, or Lucy Christopher’s Lost). While some girls will be Ok (Danielle) I think for others (Abby) this is more a character study, and they are not going to be better for these experiences.

Allison, so funny! Absolutely the younger sister. I think Lauren had the most damaging consequences; she is being pulled out of school by a mother who doesn’t seem quite right, plus the family is sinkinig economically. Bridget — I really believe her younger sister is going to tell on her (if not now, soon) so I think she has a bit more positive possible outcome.

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:10:30 +0000

I pictured the little sister from 10 Things I Hate About You as Abby, too! How funny. I wonder if that’s who the author was picturing.

I think the list had the most damaging consequences for “pretty” girl Bridget. I was kind of upset that her story didn’t have a happier ending, but I think, sadly, it’s probably more realistic that way. The author definitely made me care about her as a character.

Danielle’s story really got to me, too.

By: Maureen E

Maureen E — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:29:05 +0000

I just read this one and was fascinated by it. At the same time, I was left with a lingering sense of dismay which makes it hard for me to say that I really loved it. Engrossing social commentary? Yes. A book I am enthusiastic about? Not exactly.