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Behind These Hands
Fourteen-year-old Claire Fairchild has always known music would be her life. She enters a prestigious contest pitted against Juan, a close childhood friend. It doesn’t help that her thoughts about him have turned romantic. But nothing compares to the devastating news that both younger brothers have Batten disease.
While attending a conference about this rare neurodegenerative disorder, Claire receives word that she has won the contest. Her musical goals no longer seem relevant. She can’t reconcile the joy and prestige that a classical music career would bring to her life while her brothers are succumbing to an early and ugly death.
When Claire accompanies a friend on a school newspaper assignment, she meets a centenarian with a unique musical past and only one regret in life. Claire knows something in her life has to change before she, too, has regrets. With newfound courage and determination, she finds a new way to express herself musically while celebrating the lives of her dying brothers.
While attending a conference about this rare neurodegenerative disorder, Claire receives word that she has won the contest. Her musical goals no longer seem relevant. She can’t reconcile the joy and prestige that a classical music career would bring to her life while her brothers are succumbing to an early and ugly death.
When Claire accompanies a friend on a school newspaper assignment, she meets a centenarian with a unique musical past and only one regret in life. Claire knows something in her life has to change before she, too, has regrets. With newfound courage and determination, she finds a new way to express herself musically while celebrating the lives of her dying brothers.
300 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2018
8 people are currently reading
1651 people want to read
About the author
Linda Vigen Phillips
5 books66 followersLinda Vigen Phillips was born and raised in pristine southeast Oregon. She left after graduating from U of O but Oregon never left her. She says, "There is a deep-down reservoir in my soul that holds the sound of lake wind whistling through tall Ponderosas, sun glancing off of Cascade Range peaks, the semi-arid wind carrying sage and juniper scent....more renewable resources than any writer could ever need."
Linda finds passion in creating realistic fiction told in verse, to offer hope to teens and their families who face mental or physical health challenges. Her debut novel, Crazy, depicts the struggles of a teenage girl in the1960’s coming to terms with her mother’s bipolar disorder. It earned numerous accolades, including Foreword Reviews lndieFab Book of the Year Finalist, the short-list for SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and an Honor book for the Paterson Prize for Books.
Linda’s second book, Behind These Hands, shows how the life of a teenage piano prodigy is upended when her two younger brothers are diagnosed with Batten, a rare neurodegenerative disease.
Linda’s writing has been praised as “beautiful” and “emotionally impactful” (School Library Journal); her brave storylines “resonate with teens” (Booklist) and “speak to many, many readers” (San Francisco Book Review). Linda enjoys conducting writing workshops, spending time with her grandkids, and advocating for better mental health through her involvement with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). She lives in Charlotte, NC, where she and her husband love to sit on the screened porch to watch the grass grow.
Linda finds passion in creating realistic fiction told in verse, to offer hope to teens and their families who face mental or physical health challenges. Her debut novel, Crazy, depicts the struggles of a teenage girl in the1960’s coming to terms with her mother’s bipolar disorder. It earned numerous accolades, including Foreword Reviews lndieFab Book of the Year Finalist, the short-list for SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and an Honor book for the Paterson Prize for Books.
Linda’s second book, Behind These Hands, shows how the life of a teenage piano prodigy is upended when her two younger brothers are diagnosed with Batten, a rare neurodegenerative disease.
Linda’s writing has been praised as “beautiful” and “emotionally impactful” (School Library Journal); her brave storylines “resonate with teens” (Booklist) and “speak to many, many readers” (San Francisco Book Review). Linda enjoys conducting writing workshops, spending time with her grandkids, and advocating for better mental health through her involvement with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). She lives in Charlotte, NC, where she and her husband love to sit on the screened porch to watch the grass grow.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 27, 2019
As the sister of a special-needs brother, I was deeply touched by Linda Vigen Phillips' novel, Behind These Hands. It's rare for me to run across someone who understands the deep emotions of living with and loving a family member who has had to endure these extra-difficult challenges. And it's even more rare to find writing that affirms those complicated feelings. For those who cringe at the word, "poetry," don't be afraid of this "novel in verse." Linda speaks in everyday language. She uses the form to intensify the emotion of the characters. The white space gives us room to breathe, and her lines pulled taut like a piano string often express the inexpressible.While Linda writes about Batten disease, a rare condition that strikes young children and typically leads to seizures, blindness and early death, her words will touch anyone who has struggled with how to walk alongside a beloved family member or friend who falls outside of what our culture considers "normal." Like a beautiful piano rift, Linda's story leads us to accept devastating heartache while, at the same time, embracing moments of joy.
August 20, 2018
I always forget how much I love a novel in verse. There’s something truly amazing about finding a way to tell an entire story saturated with emotions in so few words. Behind These Hands took me to tears so many times, both with its tragedy and its beauty.
The descriptions of Claire playing the piano and composing her piece for the contest were so vivid I felt like I heard the music. Her heartache watching her brothers and knowing what their future holds hit me hard every time. The characters, especially Claire and her two best friends, felt real and full in every scene.
I didn’t expect to be as blown away by this book as I am. I want to read it a second time. I want to tell so many people about it. I love that it’s a fantastic story but also that it raises awareness of a disorder that affects real kids.
If you liked Solo by Kwame Alexander, the family issues and Claire’s courage may remind you of that story. If you’re a fan of novels in verse or moving contemporary fiction, definitely check Behind These Hands out!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The descriptions of Claire playing the piano and composing her piece for the contest were so vivid I felt like I heard the music. Her heartache watching her brothers and knowing what their future holds hit me hard every time. The characters, especially Claire and her two best friends, felt real and full in every scene.
I didn’t expect to be as blown away by this book as I am. I want to read it a second time. I want to tell so many people about it. I love that it’s a fantastic story but also that it raises awareness of a disorder that affects real kids.
If you liked Solo by Kwame Alexander, the family issues and Claire’s courage may remind you of that story. If you’re a fan of novels in verse or moving contemporary fiction, definitely check Behind These Hands out!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2018
Claire Fairchild loves playing the piano. It has always been a part of her life. When she enters a piano competition, she is as excited as can be – that is until she realizes her boyfriend, Juan, is competing against her. All at once, everything seems to fall apart.
Claire and her family find out that her brother has been diagnosed with Batten disease, and it changes their lives.
Will Claire find the will to move on, or will her life threaten to swallow her up?
Opinion:
I was very intrigued by this book as I have never read a novel in verse. When I began reading it, it took me a while to get into the feeling of it since it was such a different way of writing. But after the first ten pages or so, I really started to understand the author’s writing style. It was a very poetic read while also hard-hitting in all the right ways.
I had never heard of Batten disease prior to reading this book. Now that I’ve read the book, I’m very interested to do some more research on the disease. The book did an excellent job sharing a first-hand account of what it’s like to live alongside the disease.
The main character, Claire, reacted appropriately to the situations she was thrown into. At times, she felt a bit older than her age, but with Batten disease in her family I could understand why.
I really loved the way the author wrote this book. Not just the poetic feel to it but the way the words seemed to flow off the pages. I felt as if I were right there alongside Claire, experiencing her life as I read.
The book deals with heavy themes, so I recommend it for a more mature reader. Other than that, Behind These Hands is an incredible read that I highly recommend.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 19
Claire and her family find out that her brother has been diagnosed with Batten disease, and it changes their lives.
Will Claire find the will to move on, or will her life threaten to swallow her up?
Opinion:
I was very intrigued by this book as I have never read a novel in verse. When I began reading it, it took me a while to get into the feeling of it since it was such a different way of writing. But after the first ten pages or so, I really started to understand the author’s writing style. It was a very poetic read while also hard-hitting in all the right ways.
I had never heard of Batten disease prior to reading this book. Now that I’ve read the book, I’m very interested to do some more research on the disease. The book did an excellent job sharing a first-hand account of what it’s like to live alongside the disease.
The main character, Claire, reacted appropriately to the situations she was thrown into. At times, she felt a bit older than her age, but with Batten disease in her family I could understand why.
I really loved the way the author wrote this book. Not just the poetic feel to it but the way the words seemed to flow off the pages. I felt as if I were right there alongside Claire, experiencing her life as I read.
The book deals with heavy themes, so I recommend it for a more mature reader. Other than that, Behind These Hands is an incredible read that I highly recommend.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 19
March 10, 2018
I loved the author's first novel-in-verse, Crazy. But Behind These Hands hit close to home because my younger sister, Taylor, suffers from a form of Batten disease, the same disease that afflicts Claire Fairchild's younger brothers.
It isn't easy to convey a world shattered by this terrible disease, but Phillips's lyrical, poignant novel achieves that and more. Though I was 10 years older than the fictional Claire when my sister was diagnosed in 2006, I saw much of myself in the book's main character. Everyone worries about the effect of an illness like Batten disease on the patient and that patient's parents, but it's easy to forget about how a crushing diagnosis affects the patient's healthy siblings. In Behind These Hands, Phillips tackles a difficult subject with skill and grace, while also artfully incorporating the complex relationship dynamics that define the teen years for so many of us.
This is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced the prospect of losing someone they love or had to reconcile their own personal dreams with the needs of their family.
It isn't easy to convey a world shattered by this terrible disease, but Phillips's lyrical, poignant novel achieves that and more. Though I was 10 years older than the fictional Claire when my sister was diagnosed in 2006, I saw much of myself in the book's main character. Everyone worries about the effect of an illness like Batten disease on the patient and that patient's parents, but it's easy to forget about how a crushing diagnosis affects the patient's healthy siblings. In Behind These Hands, Phillips tackles a difficult subject with skill and grace, while also artfully incorporating the complex relationship dynamics that define the teen years for so many of us.
This is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced the prospect of losing someone they love or had to reconcile their own personal dreams with the needs of their family.
December 13, 2018
This is a good story and a good read written in verse. I also feel it is a more mature read for maybe high school battle of the books.
Claire Fairchild was born to make music and has been preparing for an elite competition that could have a tremendous impact on her future. As we learn of Claire’s talents, also learn her little brothers, Trent, 6, and Davy, 7, are diagnosed with Batten disease, a rare, incurable illness that leads to physical and mental deterioration and then death. Claire’s carefully outlined world collapses: Music doesn’t seem so important: “I don’t feel the music in me at all. / It feels dead.” Claire feels “dirty inside” for worrying about the impact this news has on her competition prep. How can she continue to make music when her brothers are dying? With the support of her friends, Juan and Mia, Claire finds hope—not that her brothers will live, but that she can use her music to celebrate their lives, no matter how brief.
Fiction. 12-17 grades 7-12
I don’t think middle schoolers will enjoy this book.
Claire Fairchild was born to make music and has been preparing for an elite competition that could have a tremendous impact on her future. As we learn of Claire’s talents, also learn her little brothers, Trent, 6, and Davy, 7, are diagnosed with Batten disease, a rare, incurable illness that leads to physical and mental deterioration and then death. Claire’s carefully outlined world collapses: Music doesn’t seem so important: “I don’t feel the music in me at all. / It feels dead.” Claire feels “dirty inside” for worrying about the impact this news has on her competition prep. How can she continue to make music when her brothers are dying? With the support of her friends, Juan and Mia, Claire finds hope—not that her brothers will live, but that she can use her music to celebrate their lives, no matter how brief.
Fiction. 12-17 grades 7-12
I don’t think middle schoolers will enjoy this book.
May 24, 2018
Review to come closer to launch date :)
March 7, 2019
My heart hurt,because I know its based on meeting students battling Batten Disease. And I know that Taylor passed away. Your compassionate,dedicated research about Battens and the emotions that family members have while watching their sibling/child battling this 'big bad' shines through with each verse.
Your verse flows effortlessly. You have such a gift to pull people into your main character Claire's emotional situation with her brothers,but as it coincides with regular teen issues of every day life. You delve into the emotions a reader would have had if faced with that seemingly no win situation. And you leave reader with a glimmer of hope.
Thank you for being a voice for people through your books, who battle diseases that are not readily known,discussed, or understood.
I love when words just speak to you on a page, so here are some of my favorites from your book:
"Batten has rearranged our family like pieces of familiar furniture placed awkwardly in a new setting."
"It bothers me that he smiles so much; maybe because it doesn't seem normal, maybe because I know for sure if I were in his shoes my smile would be the first to go."
"What they didn't mention was how healthy members of the family are supposed to keep things normal."
"How can I pretend to be the winner in middle of so much loss. Useless.Pointless. Selfish. Music or me?"
"Just as the kiss rests on my lips so does the music on my soul rests in my heart behind these hands."
"I hope what we are going to tell them will pierce the darkness in their lives like it has mine."
Your verse flows effortlessly. You have such a gift to pull people into your main character Claire's emotional situation with her brothers,but as it coincides with regular teen issues of every day life. You delve into the emotions a reader would have had if faced with that seemingly no win situation. And you leave reader with a glimmer of hope.
Thank you for being a voice for people through your books, who battle diseases that are not readily known,discussed, or understood.
I love when words just speak to you on a page, so here are some of my favorites from your book:
"Batten has rearranged our family like pieces of familiar furniture placed awkwardly in a new setting."
"It bothers me that he smiles so much; maybe because it doesn't seem normal, maybe because I know for sure if I were in his shoes my smile would be the first to go."
"What they didn't mention was how healthy members of the family are supposed to keep things normal."
"How can I pretend to be the winner in middle of so much loss. Useless.Pointless. Selfish. Music or me?"
"Just as the kiss rests on my lips so does the music on my soul rests in my heart behind these hands."
"I hope what we are going to tell them will pierce the darkness in their lives like it has mine."
July 17, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Claire is a 14 year old high school freshmen who loves creating music very deeply. She enters a prestigious competition for an original composition and is competing against her best friend Juan that she may like as more than just a friend.
Claire's world, however, comes to a halt when her younger brother is diagnosed with a genetic disease known as Batten's Disease which prompts the rest of the family to get tested as well, only to discover that Claire's other younger brother has the disease as well and Claire is only a carrier.
The book, told in verse, speaks into the emotions of the situations where Claire knows that she will be the one left behind and the emotions that go along with that.
While the story itself is a beautiful one, there are times where the verse falls a bit short and reads more like dialogue put into verse form. Additionally, some of the text speak that is used in this book is so obscure that the intended audience won't even know what the characters are trying to say.
However, this is a good read.
Claire is a 14 year old high school freshmen who loves creating music very deeply. She enters a prestigious competition for an original composition and is competing against her best friend Juan that she may like as more than just a friend.
Claire's world, however, comes to a halt when her younger brother is diagnosed with a genetic disease known as Batten's Disease which prompts the rest of the family to get tested as well, only to discover that Claire's other younger brother has the disease as well and Claire is only a carrier.
The book, told in verse, speaks into the emotions of the situations where Claire knows that she will be the one left behind and the emotions that go along with that.
While the story itself is a beautiful one, there are times where the verse falls a bit short and reads more like dialogue put into verse form. Additionally, some of the text speak that is used in this book is so obscure that the intended audience won't even know what the characters are trying to say.
However, this is a good read.
January 9, 2020
*Read for Beehive Award Poetry Category: Long List*
I will 100% admit that I have a hard time with books like this. It's not my usual go-to choice of genre to read, simply because I often feel that the narrative is emotionally manipulative and I'm not a fan of reading about sick and dying kids. I do recognize that these kinds of stories have a purpose, especially where it relates to the siblings who have to stand by and watch their brothers and sisters go through these illnesses. If I were in Claire's shoes, I would want to know that someone out there gets it. That there are stories about these situations.
So if I had a teen asking me about stories where someone had to cope with a family member having a terminal illness, I would be fine recommending this book to them. It's heartfelt and it's a quick read and the poetry does lend itself to telling the story (if it felt a bit pretentious in some places). But as a general recommendation to someone looking for realistic fiction? I'd.... really have to think about that. It's not a bad book - it just didn't grab me the way it was meant to, I think.
I will 100% admit that I have a hard time with books like this. It's not my usual go-to choice of genre to read, simply because I often feel that the narrative is emotionally manipulative and I'm not a fan of reading about sick and dying kids. I do recognize that these kinds of stories have a purpose, especially where it relates to the siblings who have to stand by and watch their brothers and sisters go through these illnesses. If I were in Claire's shoes, I would want to know that someone out there gets it. That there are stories about these situations.
So if I had a teen asking me about stories where someone had to cope with a family member having a terminal illness, I would be fine recommending this book to them. It's heartfelt and it's a quick read and the poetry does lend itself to telling the story (if it felt a bit pretentious in some places). But as a general recommendation to someone looking for realistic fiction? I'd.... really have to think about that. It's not a bad book - it just didn't grab me the way it was meant to, I think.
July 23, 2018
Fourteen-year-old music prodigy, Claire Fairchild, is headed towards a music competition. Her only worry is if she takes first place over her best friend Juan--who is actually proving to be more than "just a friend." The book opens with Claire's piano practice interrupted by her younger brother Davy who is visually impaired and recently diagnosed with a learning disorder. He smiles a lot and Claire thinks,
It bothers me that he smiles so much,
maybe because it doesn't seem normal;
maybe because I know for sure
if I were in his shoes
my smile would be the first to go. (p.6)
This is her first attempt to write down the music she has composed for the competition:
"The Kite" takes off
in the dead silent stillness
of this tiny room
as if the breezes were driving
through these walls,
and I chase it with the melody
that has gelled in my brain
these weeks of practice,
experimentation,
frustration,
doubts,
and now
certainty
and
exhilaration.
I slide on the bench
to the little table,
and begin the task of setting down the notes
that are strung across my brain,
ready to pluck down
like washing on a clothesline. (p. 15)
Into the middle of her preparation that is constantly interrupted by her parents worries about Davy, his medical tests, her need to watch both brothers while her parents work, and her own self-doubts, comes devastating news:
The suspense is over.
Our house feels like
those pictures you see
after a tornado levels
everything
but the victims are alive,
shuffling around the debris
in a daze.
It's called Batten disease.
.....
and
it's going to get worse. (pp. 31-32)
In heart-wrenching verse Linda leaves nothing to the imagination as Claire and her family reel from the news that truly does get worse: Davy will die from the disease, Claire is unable to concentrate on practice, she wants to give up music all together because it feels meaningless, she is pummeled with guilt, her father won't talk about the diagnosis within the family, everyone acts like their family is normal when it is anything but, her mother is coming unraveled from lack of sleep and worry, and a cooling off with Juan that she can't explain--these are all more than Claire can bear.
Batten has rearranged our family
like pieces of familiar furniture
placed awkwardly in a new setting. (p.72)
When genetic testing reveals that her other brother, Trent, also has Batten, Claire finds out devastating news about herself:
What does that mean
what she just said?
Carrier?
What does that mean?
I put my head in my hands
seriously feeling faint now,
nauseous,
miles away as if I had just stepped
out
of my own body. (pp 96-97)
Into the middle of this devastation steps Claire's best friend, Mia, who drags her along on a journalism assignment. Together, they befriend Mrs. Shepherd, an elderly woman who shares her past sorrows as well as her wish that she had celebrated life more. This, along with attending the Batten Disease conference with her father, gives Claire the tools and drive to regain purpose and a plan to combat "the beast."
I know I'll find a way to help my brothers.
I know that wasting my time feeling sorry for myself
needs to be a feather
not a rock.
I know that celebrating life needs to be a rock
not a feather.
I know it might not be a bad day after all
if I keep this up. (p.199)
BEHIND THESE HANDS doesn't cut corners or pretend something is pretty when it isn't. Batten Disease cuts short the life of young people and leaves families devastated by pain and loss. But it is the story of a brave young woman who faces it head on and learns to celebrate the life of her two young brothers. In the end, she, Juan, and Mia meet with her parents to plan a fund raiser for Batten research. Other friends come to the house singing one of Mrs. Shepherd's favorite songs, "This Land is Your Land."
We all join in.
Out of the corner of my eye
I see Davy and Trent sitting at the top
of the stairs,
smiling and clapping.
Mom brings them down and we finish the song.
"Are we having a party?"
Davy says.
"Yeah," Trent says, rubbing his eyes,
"How come you didn't invite us?"
All eyes fall on me.
"This is just a preview, guys,
the first of many
and you will be invited
to every single one of them.
I promise." (p. 288-9)
***********
GIVEAWAY
This book belongs in the classroom to help young adult readers gain empathy for those facing severe medical difficulties. As Linda demonstrates in two scenes where bullies tease her brothers; it is often easy to pick on those who are weak. Giveaway ends 7/27.
It bothers me that he smiles so much,
maybe because it doesn't seem normal;
maybe because I know for sure
if I were in his shoes
my smile would be the first to go. (p.6)
This is her first attempt to write down the music she has composed for the competition:
"The Kite" takes off
in the dead silent stillness
of this tiny room
as if the breezes were driving
through these walls,
and I chase it with the melody
that has gelled in my brain
these weeks of practice,
experimentation,
frustration,
doubts,
and now
certainty
and
exhilaration.
I slide on the bench
to the little table,
and begin the task of setting down the notes
that are strung across my brain,
ready to pluck down
like washing on a clothesline. (p. 15)
Into the middle of her preparation that is constantly interrupted by her parents worries about Davy, his medical tests, her need to watch both brothers while her parents work, and her own self-doubts, comes devastating news:
The suspense is over.
Our house feels like
those pictures you see
after a tornado levels
everything
but the victims are alive,
shuffling around the debris
in a daze.
It's called Batten disease.
.....
and
it's going to get worse. (pp. 31-32)
In heart-wrenching verse Linda leaves nothing to the imagination as Claire and her family reel from the news that truly does get worse: Davy will die from the disease, Claire is unable to concentrate on practice, she wants to give up music all together because it feels meaningless, she is pummeled with guilt, her father won't talk about the diagnosis within the family, everyone acts like their family is normal when it is anything but, her mother is coming unraveled from lack of sleep and worry, and a cooling off with Juan that she can't explain--these are all more than Claire can bear.
Batten has rearranged our family
like pieces of familiar furniture
placed awkwardly in a new setting. (p.72)
When genetic testing reveals that her other brother, Trent, also has Batten, Claire finds out devastating news about herself:
What does that mean
what she just said?
Carrier?
What does that mean?
I put my head in my hands
seriously feeling faint now,
nauseous,
miles away as if I had just stepped
out
of my own body. (pp 96-97)
Into the middle of this devastation steps Claire's best friend, Mia, who drags her along on a journalism assignment. Together, they befriend Mrs. Shepherd, an elderly woman who shares her past sorrows as well as her wish that she had celebrated life more. This, along with attending the Batten Disease conference with her father, gives Claire the tools and drive to regain purpose and a plan to combat "the beast."
I know I'll find a way to help my brothers.
I know that wasting my time feeling sorry for myself
needs to be a feather
not a rock.
I know that celebrating life needs to be a rock
not a feather.
I know it might not be a bad day after all
if I keep this up. (p.199)
BEHIND THESE HANDS doesn't cut corners or pretend something is pretty when it isn't. Batten Disease cuts short the life of young people and leaves families devastated by pain and loss. But it is the story of a brave young woman who faces it head on and learns to celebrate the life of her two young brothers. In the end, she, Juan, and Mia meet with her parents to plan a fund raiser for Batten research. Other friends come to the house singing one of Mrs. Shepherd's favorite songs, "This Land is Your Land."
We all join in.
Out of the corner of my eye
I see Davy and Trent sitting at the top
of the stairs,
smiling and clapping.
Mom brings them down and we finish the song.
"Are we having a party?"
Davy says.
"Yeah," Trent says, rubbing his eyes,
"How come you didn't invite us?"
All eyes fall on me.
"This is just a preview, guys,
the first of many
and you will be invited
to every single one of them.
I promise." (p. 288-9)
***********
GIVEAWAY
This book belongs in the classroom to help young adult readers gain empathy for those facing severe medical difficulties. As Linda demonstrates in two scenes where bullies tease her brothers; it is often easy to pick on those who are weak. Giveaway ends 7/27.
August 22, 2018
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This was my first ‘novel in verse’ and I was pleasantly surprised. The story is about 14-year-old music prodigy, Claire Fairchild. Both of her young brothers have just been diagnosed with a fatal, inherited disorder called Batten disease. Claire and her parents try to deal with this devastating news while taking care of the two young boys and dealing with their own lives. Through her friends, family, and a 100-year-old woman they meet along the way, they discover a way to celebrate her brother’s lives instead of mourning and grieving for what lies ahead. This book was a joy to read.
March 11, 2021
Wow. Gut-wrenching.
Excellent addition of a free verse novel for middle school. Appropriate for all ages middle school. Heavy subject but approached exactly as it should be for this age.
There are a few stories happening but they are woven together believably as the main character is struggling with many things at the same time. Main character is well developed and real. Students will relate to her ups and downs.
Recommend!
Dedication: To Anna and Luke, who already know how to celebrate life with their hands.
First line: Late afternoon sun slants through the windows in dancing patterns.
Excellent addition of a free verse novel for middle school. Appropriate for all ages middle school. Heavy subject but approached exactly as it should be for this age.
There are a few stories happening but they are woven together believably as the main character is struggling with many things at the same time. Main character is well developed and real. Students will relate to her ups and downs.
Recommend!
Dedication: To Anna and Luke, who already know how to celebrate life with their hands.
First line: Late afternoon sun slants through the windows in dancing patterns.
January 17, 2021
This book felt like every book I've ever read before. The plot felt stale, the characters bland, and the relationships tired, overused, and unrealistic. If this book weren't in verse I wouldn't have read it. And even then, it didn't have any of the poetic aspects of a book in verse. It felt like a bad draft for a regular novel that got reformated to be in verse to make the writing seem "stylistic" not just flat out bad.
While I understand it was meant to tackle grief, there are much better examples of writing out there that do it much better.
While I understand it was meant to tackle grief, there are much better examples of writing out there that do it much better.
October 25, 2020
A great story in verse about Claire whose life is upended when her brothers are both diagnosed with Batten disease, a genetic disease that leads to an early death. It becomes difficult for her to find joy in the music she has always loved and leads her to question the goals she has set for herself.
December 17, 2022
3.5 rounded up
Music (keyboard/piano focus), great look at ongoing grief - how that might present as guilt, depression, changes in personality or priorities,
I hadn't heard of batten disease, and my heart went out - what an incredibly hard blow on so many levels. The verse is well done and it's particularly good as examples of enjambment to show mental state.
Music (keyboard/piano focus), great look at ongoing grief - how that might present as guilt, depression, changes in personality or priorities,
I hadn't heard of batten disease, and my heart went out - what an incredibly hard blow on so many levels. The verse is well done and it's particularly good as examples of enjambment to show mental state.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2018
I was handed this book by the author at American Library Assocation conference. Took it along on doctors visits. It's basically about a disease I'd never heard over "Batten" and how it affects a young musician and her family when two younger brothers are found to have the disease.
May 28, 2019
I was interested enough in the events to finish reading, but I didn't love this one. I couldn't feel anything for the main character, I didn't understand why it needed to be written in poetry, and I felt like a lot of the dialogue seemed unrealistic.
January 9, 2019
Very sad. Girl learns that she is a carrier and both of her brothers have a debilitating disease. Told in verse novel form, she and her parents are dealing with survivors guilt.
September 24, 2020
Behind These Hands is a novel in verse about Claire who is a piano prodigy who suddenly has some major changes going on at home. There changes that are scary and leave her worried and struggling to play piano, but with the help of her friends, she is able to figure out how to handle everything that's going on at home and play the piano again.
Overall I did like this book. Claire while only being 14 and having her own worries and future ahead of her sees what's happening with her brothers and wants to help and is extremely worried about them. Her parents of course try to protect all of their children from what is happening until they know more and that's completely understandable to a certain extent. At about halfway through the book, I did feel like that point was gone and it was now time to start being real and trying to accept and work with what was happening. You can really see throughout this story with Claire wanting to help and figure out what is happening and how to find a new normal to help her brothers along in life and still be kids. Claire took that initiative time and time again and I really liked that about her character. Yes of course she also had times where she struggled but she got used to the idea of what was happening and focus on living on the now instead of worrying about what was going to happen in the future. This book was a good reminder to live in the present and while its important to be aware of the future to try not and dwell on it.
I would like to say that I knew nothing about Batten going into this book so I'm not sure if the representation for that part was good or not.
Overall I did like this book. Claire while only being 14 and having her own worries and future ahead of her sees what's happening with her brothers and wants to help and is extremely worried about them. Her parents of course try to protect all of their children from what is happening until they know more and that's completely understandable to a certain extent. At about halfway through the book, I did feel like that point was gone and it was now time to start being real and trying to accept and work with what was happening. You can really see throughout this story with Claire wanting to help and figure out what is happening and how to find a new normal to help her brothers along in life and still be kids. Claire took that initiative time and time again and I really liked that about her character. Yes of course she also had times where she struggled but she got used to the idea of what was happening and focus on living on the now instead of worrying about what was going to happen in the future. This book was a good reminder to live in the present and while its important to be aware of the future to try not and dwell on it.
I would like to say that I knew nothing about Batten going into this book so I'm not sure if the representation for that part was good or not.
December 17, 2018
This is a fantastic book! If you love poetry this is the book for you! The story is moving and heartwarming. The main character is very relatable and I love her! I wish this book was a series because I love this so much!
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