Customer Reviews

Anna Begins

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anna Begins was really a fantastic book, I'm so glad I read it. It really explores its subjects very well in an honest light, and is masterfully written. I can't wait to read more from Jennifer Davenport.

Teenager - the period where one is no longer a child, yet still is not yet an adult, and in the world, an awkward place to be in. "Anna Begins" follows a few of these teens in a pair of two novellas. The first, the title story, follows Melissa through the pains of trying to deal with her body image, dealing with the first pressures of sex, and facing the fact that her mother and best friend don't seem to be there for her in her time of need. The other, 'A Million Miles' up, looks at Scott who faces a drinking problem, fast on the path to destroying his life despite his young age, and Elly who tries to live a happy life despite the skeletons in her family's closet - which may lead her down a destructive path of her own, as they try to find comfort in one another. "Anna Begins" is a quirky yet brilliantly written set of stories sure to give teens something to connect with and a good pick for community library young adult fiction collections.

Anna Begins is absolutely brilliant. More than just fiction, this book is a piece of literature that reaches in and reminds you what it was like to be in high school. Jennifer Davenport's style is second-to-none. She is one of those rare authors who can write in that special kind of way that the rest of us WISH we could write. Five stars, recommended reading for anyone.

AJH

ANNA BEGINS is composed of two stories. The focus is on the lives of two teens, each with personal life issues no one should have to face.

Melissa's story is told through various voices, although her voice comes through loud and clear. An overly critical mother and low self-esteem combine to create her problem. She abuses laxatives in an attempt to become the daughter her mother desperately wants, while Melissa slowly becomes the girl she doesn't want to be. She tries to make cries for help, but does anyone hear? All the people around her add their thoughts to the story, filling in the frightening facts she is too scared to reveal.

Elly's story is one of abuse. There is evidence to make what she suffers obvious to those around her, but they don't leap to her rescue. Excuses are made and heads are turned to avoid the obvious. There is one who could help her, but his love blinds him to the truth. His innocence and inexperience doesn't let him recognize the problem until it gets beyond his control. Elly's only recourse is to take matters into her own hands.

Jennifer Davenport takes readers into some very dark places in ANNA BEGINS. It is a challenging read that asks readers to focus on multiple story angles, while at the same time keeping an eye on the main character. Those who stick with it will be rewarded.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

A quick read, but I was enthralled. Great look into the life of a teenager. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

" * The book deals honestly with teenage depression and suicide, yet is very entertaining.
* The book captures the milieu of middle-class to upper-middle-class teenagers.
* The book deals realistically, and compassionately, with eating disorders and some of the consequences of sexual abuse."

I'm not reviewing my own book - just letting you know what others have said!