1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Emily Deals with Loss, June 7, 2008
Patricia Hermes novel about family loss is a great introduction for young readers to a difficult subject. Hermes creates a story so complete that readers will cherish it for a long time. Her characters, their behaviors, and the story are everlasting monuments to life as it is. Hermes is a master storyteller.
Narrator Emily Taylor has an annoying older brother named Matthew. Matt gets all the breaks. He is even good at everything Emily wants to do. And he gloats about it. But when Emily decides to strike back and get even with her monster of an older brother, something tragic happens that changes everything.
The author uses a first person voice which makes the story more personal. As Emily struggles to realize her feelings and deal with her situation, Hermes builds genuine tension, anxiety and emotions in her star character. Though they are secondary characters, Emily's parents and housekeeper are genuine and supportive. The details woven into each character and every situation makes this story so real and familiar to readers of all levels.
Hermes also broaches a difficult subject with ease. Emily's transition from panic, denial, anger, remorse and acceptance are so cler and vivid that they give readers a sense of being there. Though every child may not face a situation like Emily's, every child can learn from Emily's feelings. Coping with loss and guilt are difficult experiences which we all deal with in very different ways. Hermes captured that well.
This was a quick easy read too. Targeted for younger readers, the book is a quick 107 pages. It is marked at a 4.5 reading level and recommended for ages 10 and up. I recommend it to anybody who can read and encourage teachers to find a place for it in their classroom collections. Hermes has impressed me twice with great fiction. Each time her story touches my heart.
Nobody's Fault is a great book for kids dealing with loss. All readers will have to deal with loss at some point, and Hermes presents a great novel that addresses a challenging issue. Her characters are genuine, her descriptions are vivid, and her plot is engrossing. Readers will definitely have a memorable experience with this book.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nobody's Fault, March 30, 2000
By A Customer
I thought this book was wonderful, because it has a good message for young adults. I read this book quite awhile ago, and it made me cry, but it also made me smile. This book brings back memories of what it's like to have an obnoxious brother, but it also teaches young people an important lesson on death and not blaming oneself for it. I would recommend this book to young teenagers as good reading material.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!, September 1, 2008
This review is from: Nobody's Fault (Paperback)
I read this book as a child in school my teacher had this book i read it and cried through it....i have since had a daughter of my own and have bought the book for her it is truely a sad book but with a good meaning....i would 100% recommended this book!!!!
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