A review by kjersten
Eventown by Corey Ann Haydu
4.0
**spoilers**
Overall this book was cute, but not what I expected. I picked it up on a whim at the library, but did not understand all of the symbolism illustrated on the cover until I finished the book. Really well thought-out and beautifully designed.
This book was a clearly middle school / elementary level take at some pretty serious issues, and there were some undertones from classics like The Giver and Farenheit 451 sprinkled throughout.
Elodee was a lovely protagonist. Honestly written and really fleshed out. Her love for cooking/baking was contagious, and the descriptions of her very specific creations really added a lot to the book creatively and emotionally. I also had a soft spot for her charming but not overwhelmingly/unrealistically so Dad. Zeena and her family brought needed warmth to the story as well.
If I could tweak anything about this book it would be the pacing. I appreciate the suspense of a good reveal, but for me the first 100 pages were interesting but almost not engaging enough. I will admit I had to flip ahead to figure out just a hint of what was going on, with the possibility of not finishing the book on the line.
I also found Elodee to be a bit too forgiving of Naomi. I understand that siblings don't get along perfectly, but throughout the majority of the book it was not a good example of sibling relationships. I wish Elodee had stood up for herself a bit more in that department to show younger readers that being treated that way is not okay.
All in all it was a cute read. The setting of Eventown is enchanting and brings up interesting points about society's view towards discomfort and differences. Is living "in a bubble" as happy as it seems?
Overall this book was cute, but not what I expected. I picked it up on a whim at the library, but did not understand all of the symbolism illustrated on the cover until I finished the book. Really well thought-out and beautifully designed.
This book was a clearly middle school / elementary level take at some pretty serious issues, and there were some undertones from classics like The Giver and Farenheit 451 sprinkled throughout.
Spoiler
The library bothered me the most. Made my skin crawl!Elodee was a lovely protagonist. Honestly written and really fleshed out. Her love for cooking/baking was contagious, and the descriptions of her very specific creations really added a lot to the book creatively and emotionally. I also had a soft spot for her charming but not overwhelmingly/unrealistically so Dad. Zeena and her family brought needed warmth to the story as well.
If I could tweak anything about this book it would be the pacing. I appreciate the suspense of a good reveal, but for me the first 100 pages were interesting but almost not engaging enough. I will admit I had to flip ahead to figure out just a hint of what was going on, with the possibility of not finishing the book on the line.
I also found Elodee to be a bit too forgiving of Naomi. I understand that siblings don't get along perfectly, but throughout the majority of the book it was not a good example of sibling relationships. I wish Elodee had stood up for herself a bit more in that department to show younger readers that being treated that way is not okay.
Spoiler
I also of course question the parents' decision to bring them to Eventown in the first place, and have their memories erased without their consent.All in all it was a cute read. The setting of Eventown is enchanting and brings up interesting points about society's view towards discomfort and differences. Is living "in a bubble" as happy as it seems?