The Lovely Bones

The movie version of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is available in limited theatrical release starting this weekend, but the reviews have been mixed. I'd curl up at home with the book if I were you! If you've already read it, here are some read-alikes recommended in this month's Teen Scene email newsletter:

• Many Stones by Carolyn Coman
• Waves by Sharon Dogar
• The Stolen Child by Keith Donohue
• Where I Want to Be by Adele Griffin
• The Afterlife by Gary Soto
• Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Book Review: The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
(Click on the book cover to see which libraries own it.)

SUMMARY: On December 6, 1973, 14-year-old Susie Salmon was brutally murdered. From her perch in heaven (which looks a lot like her school playground), Susie watches over her family and friends as they pick up the pieces of their lives and move on. But when her father starts a risky quest to find her killer, everything changes.

OPINION: This is a book written for adults that has high teen appeal. The storytelling style is very unique because its gentle tone softens the true evilness of a child predator and murder. Grief and loss have never been so interesting, let alone miraculous. If you liked A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer or Elswhere by Gabrielle Zevin, this book may be a good choice for you. It's a tough read at times, so only pick it up if you are ready to have a good cry!