The Deception Artist

Fox, F. (2015). The Deception Artist. Berkeley, CA: Roaring Forties Press.

Adult / Realistic Fiction / Fantasy (? Reader must decide)

I gave this book 5 of 5 Stars

It’s California in the 80s, and for eight-year-old Ivy, it seems like everyone – and everything – in her world is changing. Her big brother doesn’t want to play make-believe any more, she gains a stay-at-home dad in exchange for a working mom, and her forever best friend has decided Ivy is babyish and has moved on from their friendship.  As her world becomes more complicated, Ivy clings to her creativity and imagination for escape and sometimes finds the lines between what’s real and imagined are quite blurry.  In “The Deception Artist,” author Fayette Fox takes adult readers into the mind of a child whose keen observations and honest interpretations make for an engaging and often humorous story.

One aspect of “The Deception Artist” that is different from typical fiction is that rather than following a distinct plot line, readers experience a chunk of time in the life of Ivy – and it works. Though the title of the book might imply otherwise, Ivy is not the only one practicing deception; truly, she’s surrounded by models of deception ranging from people who tell little white lies to whoppers.  Insightful Ivy reminds readers that we are all playing pretend in one way or another, and she becomes fairly adept at evaluating when, why, and how she and others use lies.

Ivy’s impromptu alternative scenarios are clever, and humor is found not only in her playing make-believe, but in young Ivy’s naivete. She’s seen things on TV, after all, but not enough to be able to properly fill-in all the blanks, which allows for some real laugh out loud moments. At the same time, readers will find it painful to watch as Ivy’s friends and her brother outgrow Ivy’s imagination and force her to grow-up sooner than she wants.

The writing is very well done and author Fox manages to perfectly convey the tone of an eight-year-old without the book reading like a book for kids.  Ivy’s observations are keen, and readers will pick-up on the nuances of what is happening between the adults. Fox’s characters are richly written, with each being memorable and unique, but where Fox really shines is in the use of figurative language. To begin, Ivy assesses people and then associates them with a bug sharing the same characteristics, so in her internal dialogue, she talks about Stink Bug Tommy, Caleb the Moth, Caterpillar Christa, etc. The use of numerous stylistic devices gives readers very specific snapshots of Ivy’s life.  For example, when the bell rings signaling the end of recess, Ivy thinks, “Across the playground, kids stop playing and flow toward the classrooms like a dandelion puff in reverse.” Or when Ivy is fighting her orneriness, she says, “Staying good is like trying to stay full. It’s just a matter of time before you get hungry again.”

The only part of the book that left something to be desired was the side story of “The Artist.” Ivy’s escape into her own future is one of the most intriguing tangents of the book and will definitely pique readers’ curiosities, but the unclear direction it takes towards the end will likely frustrate them as well.  Despite this, I highly recommend “The Deception Artist” because the writing is beautiful and Ivy is hands-down one of the most memorable characters readers will experience in fiction.

This book was reviewed for Reader Views, which provided me a print ARC in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR on her WEBSITE, on FACEBOOK, or on  TWITTER

Jack the Puddle Jumper

Maddox, T.K. (2014). Jack the Puddle Jumper. Self-published.

Children's Picture Book

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars

In Thomas Key Maddox's picture book, Jack the Puddle Jumper, readers are introduced to the peaceful town of Pockinshook, where rebellious young Jack bucks the rules by doing what he loves the most: jumping in puddles. Much to the chagrin of the townspeople, Jack isn't like the other children who are quiet, calm, and neat. No other children join Jack to play, which leaves Jack feeling lonely and discouraged until local scientist, Doctor Calabash, discovers that the town is in dire environmental danger and that Jack just might have the answer to saving it. Will the townspeople believe Doctor Calabash and put their faith in Jack?

This is a terrific story and what is equally impressive is that author Thomas Key Maddox was just ten years old when he penned it. Jack the Puddle Jumper is a fun and imaginative story, written at a level well beyond Maddox's ten years. There is plenty of scientific terminology thrown in, the meanings of which readers will hopefully be encouraged to investigate (and perhaps discover that it is force, not velocity, which equals mass times acceleration). Truly, the book could be used in a science class as a springboard for students to come up with their own theories. The illustrations were colorful and interesting, but they were a little small to see in eBook format and didn't necessarily match-up with the text. Nonetheless, the illustrations will be a big attraction to readers since they were made by children from all around the world. A short explanation at the end of the book, telling how Maddox went about getting and choosing the pictures, would be a great addition to future editions. The book's content will challenge and entertain young readers, and it's likely to inspire young readers to write their own stories and make their own illustrations.

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite, who provided me a free eBook in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

Navigating Early

Vanderpool, C. (2013). Navigating Early. NY: Random House 
            Children's Books.
Free ARC received through NetGalley -- Thanks, Random House! Release date January 8, 2013

YA Adventure

QuickNEasy, 315 pages, ages 10-14 (though older kids will enjoy it)

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads

OUTSTANDING. This is the best book I've read in a while, and I've been reading a whole lotta books lately. John is the narrator and main character of the book, but who really steals the show is Early, who could be the younger brother of Owen Meany -- or even Owen Meany himself.  These two characters are richly created and their voices are authentic, perfectly fitting for young teenaged boys.  They are flighty -- but also deep -- and most of all REAL.  They are imaginative and surprising and Early was absolutely fascinating with his quirks and perspectives.  He clearly is a genius, but he's awkward and thinks waaaay outside the box.  Probably Asberger's, but I appreciate that Vanderpool didn't try to label him as anything but unique.

John and Early are each dealing with loss, and since John is narrating, we get to feel him work through his feelings towards his dad and his mom and struggle with a broad -- and completely understandable -- range of emotions. By story's end, John has reached new conclusions about his life circumstances, and the reader just wants to hug him for getting there so well.

Navigating Early is layers of story -- really, it's several stories within a story.  This can often have disastrous results, but Vanderpool weaves the story perfectly so that everything connects, and no character is included by chance.  There are parallels that readers will love and recognize at face value, but there are also parallels that require deeper thinking.

This is a stand alone book (whoo hoo!!!) that ties-up its loose ends, makes surprising and wonderful connections, and leaves the reader with plenty of thinkin' material.

Clean-O-Meter rating is a perfect 10.  There is no vulgar language, sex, or sexual situations. There is mild violence (mostly suggested violence).  Immature readers younger than 10 could be a little scared at a few different points. 

Hokey Pokey

Spinelli, J. (2013). Hokey Pokey. NY: Random House.

*Young-YA or YA or New Adult or Adult / Fantasy

*ARC provided by Random House Children's book via NetGalley -- thank you!

*QuickNEasy, 304 pages, Ages 10-14? Over 30?

*I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads

In case you can't tell from my notations above, I am just not sure what to think or do about this book.  I had a hard time getting into it and the place called Hokey Pokey but perhaps it's because I'm too far removed from childhood.  In any case, I am glad I stuck with it and would recommend it to others. . . maybe. depending. . .

The book is a quick and easy read, and it's written in elementary language; however, I am not sure if anyone who's either still a child or freshly out of those carefree days will want to read it.  They probably don't yearn for the lost days of childhood like those who have serious distance from it.  It would probably be confusing to a younger audience, but by the same token, a younger reader might actually experience suspense and mystery in the book.  As an adult reading it, the ending was pretty predictable and the literary tools obvious.

The descriptions of Hokey Pokey -- a child's world -- are very detailed and the creative, made-up words the kids use are perfect.  So, from a writing perspective, this would be a great example of rich words to create a certain feeling and mood.  It is easy to imagine herds of bicycles like horses, and monsters floating above a dreaming child. Hokey Pokey is familiar and safe.

There are layers of meaning in the story, some much deeper than others, but the real struggle for me is who is the intended audience.  It's clearly not for everyone. Who would I gift this book to? Just not sure.

On the Clean-O-Meter scale, it's a near perfect 10 out of 10.  No sex, no vulgar words (though there's some pretty amusing name-calling), no violence.  Subject matter is safe.

Of course, I have to nit-pick. . . 

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If kids have grown-up and disappear on a regular basis, why doesn't anyone in Hokey Pokey remember them? I needed a flashback chapter of the remaining two amigos, for example, to see if their life was going on as if Jack never existed (will no one remember there were three amigos yesterday??) or if they were mourning or dealing with it somehow.
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