Wind Blows Backward [Paperback]

Mary Downing Hahn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1994

Although they share a love of poetry and problems with their parents, shy Lauren's attraction to popular Spencer is tempered by her fear of his moody, self-destructive side. "...hands down, Girl Book of the Year."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A high-school girl perseveres through a disturbing relationship; PW praised the "realistic empathy and deft style" of Hahn's "taut and emotionally driven story." Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 9-12-- High school seniors Lauren and Spencer cling to one other in an insensitive world peopled by affluent, snobbish classmates and preoccupied adults. They had been middle school misfits, bonded by braces and a love of fantasy and science fiction. But time, different lifestyles, and peer pressure interferred. He became the "Prince of Jocks," while she remained an introverted loner. When he suddenly rekindles their friendship, Lauren is wary until she realizes that Spencer is deeply troubled and values the honesty and camaraderie they once shared. As their romance intensifies, he confides that he is haunted by his father's suicide and disturbed by his pretentious lifestyle and uncommunicative mother. Drunk and depressed on graduation night, he is nearly killed in a motorcycle accident. His physical, psychological, and emotional healing begins with devoted Lauren by his side. The couple confronts modern perils of youth--sex, alcohol, and suicide--with little adult intervention. Lauren's divorced mother is sympathetic but distracted by her own romantic involvement. Spencer's mother and stepfather are more concerned with social appearances than reality. Mr. Walker, their English teacher, dismisses the young man's poetic perception of death as plagiarism. Stereotype characters abound; and, the nearly tragic climax is a long time coming. Nonetheless, YA readers will identify with the pressures, conflicts, and concerns facing these teens. And, poetry fans will enjoy excerpts from Keats and Whitman. --Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham, NC
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (August 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380775301
• ISBN-13: 978-0380775309
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #542,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Downing Hahn, a former children's librarian, is the award-winning author of many popular ghost stories, including Deep and Dark and Dangerous and The Old Willis Place. An avid reader, traveler, and all-around arts lover, Ms. Hahn lives in Columbia, Maryland, with her two cats, Oscar and Rufus.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wind Blows Backwards blew me away, May 26, 2000

By 

melpomene28 (Tennessee, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wind Blows Backward (Paperback)

The Wind Blows Backwards is one of the most powerful and influencial books that I have ever read. Though at first glance it might be confused with a pathetic teen romance, the book is the home to many deep, raw truths to which countless teens will relate. I found this book as a freshman in high school, and I have faithfully read it at least once a year since then. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who appreciates love and a terrific read!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A touching and tender story of love against all obstacles, April 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wind Blows Backward (Hardcover)

I first read this book in my sophomore year of high school and it has been one of my favorite books ever since. Every person can find something within this story that speaks to them in a personal and profound way. It is so much more than just a young adult romance. Laura and Spencer deal with issues that most adults have not yet resolved in their own lives. I'm currently a college student and I have read this book at least once every year since I first discovered it. Each time I read it I find something new that I can relate to. It is a tender tale of young love but more importantly it makes a statement about people's struggle with despair, a struggle we have all been through at one point in our lives. This book tells the reader that love is not an easy path to tread but an utimately rewarding one. I will probably continue to read this book every year of my life because it is that powerful and timeless.I have recommended this book to all of my friends, male and female, and not one of them have come away from reading it without being deeply moved and finding a part of themselves in the process. This book is truly one that should be read by everyone.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talking Silly Talk, March 20, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Wind Blows Backward (Paperback)

The Wind Blows Backward
By: Mary Downing Hahn


Lauren is shy, insecure, and smart. What could she possibly want with the big man on campus, Spencer? Better yet, what would he want with her? Still recovering from their unexpected split as friends in middle school, Lauren wonders whether or not to let Spencer back in. Spencer struggling with his own dark past presses his emotional feelings on Lauren. Will they stay strong or fall apart due to Spencer's dark moods? Mary Downing Hahn brings such a realness and life to the characters in such a way you relate to them almost instantaneously and you feel like they relate to you. If you love suspense, love, tragedy, and teen angst, then The Wind Blows Backward is the book for you. I recommend it to anyone who wants something they can relate to and can't put down.