The Dusty Bookshelf discussion

I have had this title on my shelf forever! (Well, at least three or four years.) As a general rule, I don't really like to read a book the first time after watching the movie because I feel like it's "ruined" for me, but so many people have told me this book is way better. And since the movie was good...

I started this last night. I've only read the first chapter if anyone cares to join.

I have this on my shelf too, where it's gathering dust. Unfortunately I have a stack of other book before I will get to it.

I just finished the book. Rather than copy/paste, I'll just post a link to my review here.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

April wrote: "I just finished the book. Rather than copy/paste, I'll just post a link to my review here.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

April,

Just read your review and I know precisely what you mean about the parent-roles in the book. I also agree that this book doesn't need to be rushed through, rather simmered and allow all the themes and aspects being explored blend together.

I haven't seen the movie yet, and I'm looking forward this summer to catching up on some of my movie-watching, as well as my reading! :)

I think it's a great book for introducing pre-teens and/or young adults who take diversity for granted (my son, for example) to historical racial conflict without the overwhelming grittiness of some other civil-rights novels, and explore the issues in a meaningful and accessible way.

Ruth wrote: "April,

Just read your review and I know ..."

Thanks for liking my review! I also agree with your comment on using this book to introduce young adults (or really, people in general) to racial conflict. When I read that, I remembered an early event in the book (maybe chapter two?) when Rosaleen gets clobbered over the head with a flashlight by some pissed-off white man while she's in the custody of a policeman. That part seriously sickened me. I'm glad that was the worst of it; although I'm cognizant of the fact that that barely touches on the actually atrocities that were committed during this and other race-based conflicts. Ech.