- Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
- Publication date: 12/2/2014
- Pages: 264
Child Protective Services yanks her from her home, suspecting her parents. The kids at school mock her, assuming she took it herself. And Ethan, the boy she was really starting to like, backpedals and joins the taunting chorus. Surrounded by disbelief and derision on all sides, Polarity desperately seeks the truth among her friends. Only then does she learn that everyone has dark secrets, and no one’s life is anywhere near normal.
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Review
Polarity in Motion...
I'm not completely sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, this book simplified some of the problems in today's society. The problem of racism when it comes to outright disrespect and than ignorance and blindness to what is sometimes right in front of someone. In this case, the book was a success for me. I loved how the author told this story from Polarity's viewpoint. She did it in such a way for it to feel genuine and real. It didn't seem forced or overdone which was a major plus for this book.
On the other hand, this book felt a little immature. The situation itself was a little too unrealistic and it made a lot of the book seem forced and even childish. I understand the seriousness of the situation but I didn't like how the author went about solving it. Something about the resolution just undervalued all the work that went into figuring out what actually happened. I'm sure many others would appreciate how the book was resolved, but personally it wasn't my favorite ending.
Polarity herself felt like a pretty strong character. She really took matters into her own hands and never doubted herself and what she knew to be true. She worked endlessly to prove her innocence when it seemed like no one else would. This strength worked out well in favor as she garnered the help of Ethan, a crush.
Ethan was one of those supporting characters that represents the quintessential good guy. He was tough and protective and true to what he believed in and loved. Even when he was put in the hot seat and got caught up in Polarity's situation, he pushed himself to do whatever it took to help her and any other underdog.
One facet of the book I found interesting was Polarity's relationship with her mother. Her mother, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, was one of her greatest adversaries. At times accusing Polarity of lying and taking the picture, Polarity's greatest weakness was her love for her mother. Many times these words knocked her down several pegs and cause her to lose some faith in herself and her situation. Some of the difficulties associated with this disorder for the family is what I found truly insightful.
Overall this book is very interesting and through what seems to be one problem, actually opens the door on multiple social problems which are usually ignored. The topics of racism and mental disorders were evaluated and brought to a new light in this book. Definitely a good read for those who have a fondness of self-discovery or How To Kill a Mockingbird.
I'm not completely sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, this book simplified some of the problems in today's society. The problem of racism when it comes to outright disrespect and than ignorance and blindness to what is sometimes right in front of someone. In this case, the book was a success for me. I loved how the author told this story from Polarity's viewpoint. She did it in such a way for it to feel genuine and real. It didn't seem forced or overdone which was a major plus for this book.
On the other hand, this book felt a little immature. The situation itself was a little too unrealistic and it made a lot of the book seem forced and even childish. I understand the seriousness of the situation but I didn't like how the author went about solving it. Something about the resolution just undervalued all the work that went into figuring out what actually happened. I'm sure many others would appreciate how the book was resolved, but personally it wasn't my favorite ending.
Polarity herself felt like a pretty strong character. She really took matters into her own hands and never doubted herself and what she knew to be true. She worked endlessly to prove her innocence when it seemed like no one else would. This strength worked out well in favor as she garnered the help of Ethan, a crush.
Ethan was one of those supporting characters that represents the quintessential good guy. He was tough and protective and true to what he believed in and loved. Even when he was put in the hot seat and got caught up in Polarity's situation, he pushed himself to do whatever it took to help her and any other underdog.
One facet of the book I found interesting was Polarity's relationship with her mother. Her mother, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, was one of her greatest adversaries. At times accusing Polarity of lying and taking the picture, Polarity's greatest weakness was her love for her mother. Many times these words knocked her down several pegs and cause her to lose some faith in herself and her situation. Some of the difficulties associated with this disorder for the family is what I found truly insightful.
Overall this book is very interesting and through what seems to be one problem, actually opens the door on multiple social problems which are usually ignored. The topics of racism and mental disorders were evaluated and brought to a new light in this book. Definitely a good read for those who have a fondness of self-discovery or How To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Author Info
Brenda Vicars has worked in Texas public education for many years. Her jobs have included teaching, serving as a principal, and directing student support programs. For three years, she also taught college English to prison inmates.
She entered education because she felt called to teach, but her students taught her the biggest lesson: the playing field is not even for all kids. Through her work, she became increasingly compelled to bring their unheard voices to the page. The heartbeat of her fiction emanates from the courage and resiliency of her students.
Brenda’s hobbies include reading, making things out of re-purposed wood, pulling weeds in the garden, and going to Zumba classes.
She entered education because she felt called to teach, but her students taught her the biggest lesson: the playing field is not even for all kids. Through her work, she became increasingly compelled to bring their unheard voices to the page. The heartbeat of her fiction emanates from the courage and resiliency of her students.
Brenda’s hobbies include reading, making things out of re-purposed wood, pulling weeds in the garden, and going to Zumba classes.
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