Author: Susin Nielsen
Publisher: Tundra Books
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 240 pages, 19.8 x 14 x 1.8 cm
ISBN - 10: 0887769772
ISBN - 13: 978-0887769771
Tundra / August 10, 2010 / Hardcover
When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney.
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At the 2010 Word on the Street festival in Toronto, I ventured with my sister to the Children's Literature tent to hear Susin Nielsen read from her new book Dear George Clooney Please Marry My Mom. While I had not read middle grade fiction as an adult, Nielsen's reading gave me a reason to do so. The humour oozed from the pages as she read about the world from Violet's perspective. Soon after the event I purchased this book with the intention of laughing my guts out. While there were many moments that I laughed out loud, there were just as many when I cried. This heartfelt tale of a young girl struggling with her parent's divorce struck at my heart strings but ultimately left me smiling.
With a divorce rate that continues to rise, more and more children are faced with the realities of a change in their family structure. Nielsen, while tackling a difficult subject, has created a character that children can identify with and will no doubt enjoy. Violet is cheeky, unique and despite her tough exterior is softer than you think. She pushes boundaries and challenges the new life that her father has created. Her anger, confusion and resentment are so real that it is impossible not to sympathize with her. Putting her witty attitude aside though, Violet is still a child who is trying to make sense of herself and her family.
The humour in this book is absoultely brilliant and will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Young readers will enjoy Violet's crazy antics when it comes to her dad's new family and her mom's boyfriend Dudley Weiner. Adult readers will be drawn in by Violet's comments that drip with a sarcasm beyond her years and by her blunt remarks. One particular instance of this is when Dudley first comes to dinner and Violet takes it upon herself to interview him. Excerpts such as the following had me in stitches:
"We're almost finished. Are you an addict of any sort? Alcohol, drugs - illegal or prescription?"
Dudley took a deep breath. "I see what you're doing and I think it's admirable. But these questions, they're awfully personal."
"So you do have an addiction."
What Nielsen does really well throughout this book is to mask all of the pain using humour. She makes you believe what you are reading is lighthearted story but really it is an honest tale about the bonds of a family. Violet's letter to George Clooney, her interview with Dudley and all of the trouble she causes just shows how much she cares about her mother's happiness. Throughout the book she begins to learn that she has to trust her mother's choices and that people are not always what you think.
Dear George Clooney Please Marry My Mom is hilarious and heartwarming as it looks at divorce through the eyes of a child. The satirical dialogue has been penned with great thought and plays out seamlessly throughout the book. Despite being Middle Grade fiction, this book will appeal to a variety of audiences who are looking for a good laugh and a full heart.
With a divorce rate that continues to rise, more and more children are faced with the realities of a change in their family structure. Nielsen, while tackling a difficult subject, has created a character that children can identify with and will no doubt enjoy. Violet is cheeky, unique and despite her tough exterior is softer than you think. She pushes boundaries and challenges the new life that her father has created. Her anger, confusion and resentment are so real that it is impossible not to sympathize with her. Putting her witty attitude aside though, Violet is still a child who is trying to make sense of herself and her family.
The humour in this book is absoultely brilliant and will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Young readers will enjoy Violet's crazy antics when it comes to her dad's new family and her mom's boyfriend Dudley Weiner. Adult readers will be drawn in by Violet's comments that drip with a sarcasm beyond her years and by her blunt remarks. One particular instance of this is when Dudley first comes to dinner and Violet takes it upon herself to interview him. Excerpts such as the following had me in stitches:
"We're almost finished. Are you an addict of any sort? Alcohol, drugs - illegal or prescription?"
Dudley took a deep breath. "I see what you're doing and I think it's admirable. But these questions, they're awfully personal."
"So you do have an addiction."
What Nielsen does really well throughout this book is to mask all of the pain using humour. She makes you believe what you are reading is lighthearted story but really it is an honest tale about the bonds of a family. Violet's letter to George Clooney, her interview with Dudley and all of the trouble she causes just shows how much she cares about her mother's happiness. Throughout the book she begins to learn that she has to trust her mother's choices and that people are not always what you think.
Dear George Clooney Please Marry My Mom is hilarious and heartwarming as it looks at divorce through the eyes of a child. The satirical dialogue has been penned with great thought and plays out seamlessly throughout the book. Despite being Middle Grade fiction, this book will appeal to a variety of audiences who are looking for a good laugh and a full heart.
-Christie
I love this book! You're so right, it's absolutely hilarious while still being so heartfelt and really sad at times. I've been meaning to pick up 'Word Nerd', because I've heard it's really good as well.
ReplyDeleteI know! I have heard good things about Word Nerd too. Susin can write such hilarious dialogue so I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too! Violet was such a funny MC, but like you said, it was a novel full of heartwarming moments as well! More people should definitely read this one! Such a gem of a novel! :)
ReplyDeleteI was suddenly giggling when I read the title of this book. From your review it sounds so fun. I wish I could read this book as well
ReplyDelete