Rumble by Ellen Hopkins
Can an atheist be saved? The New York Times bestselling author of Crank and Tricks explores the highly charged landscapes of faith and forgiveness with brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance.
“There is no God, no benevolent ruler of the earth, no omnipotent grand poobah of countless universes. Because if there was...my little brother would still be fishing or playing basketball instead of fertilizing cemetery vegetation.”
Matthew Turner doesn’t have faith in anything.
Not in family—his is a shambles after his younger brother was bullied into suicide. Not in so-called friends who turn their backs when things get tough. Not in some all-powerful creator who lets too much bad stuff happen. And certainly not in some “It Gets Better” psychobabble.
No matter what his girlfriend Hayden says about faith and forgiveness, there’s no way Matt’s letting go of blame. He’s decided to “live large and go out with a huge bang,” and whatever happens happens. But when a horrific event plunges Matt into a dark, silent place, he hears a rumble…a rumble that wakes him up, calling everything he’s ever disbelieved into question.
Publishes in US: August 26th 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: YA contemp in poetry
Source: Simon and Schuster
Series? No
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So, I normally don't read books that are written in poetry, but I read a book that the poetry was just an aspect and it was more narrative and I was able to enjoy. This one I just couldn't get into. The writing is undeniably beautiful and captivating, but I just have a hard time enjoying myself when I have to dig for the meaning and that I don't have as many details filled in.
This is definitely a case where it is my reading style and preferences that prevented me from enjoying, but since I was lucky to get an advanced copy, its not for me.
That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
Positive reviews:
My question to you, my lovely readers:
What's your belief system?
I still haven't read Ellen Hopkins novels and I am curious about the, but just like you, fact that it 's verse novel doesn't appeal to me - not fan of those. I might get over my fear sometime in the future - I just hope I'll end up enjoying her books.
ReplyDeleteI can't deal with poetry books. I like poetry, I like books, but no mixing for me!
ReplyDeleteI love verse novels, and have enjoyed a few from Eileen Hopkins. It's too bad you didn't enjoy it as much, but that's definitely understandable if you're looking for a more structured story.
ReplyDeleteThese all sound like something that would be right up my alley though
ReplyDeleteI never really have gotten into poetry of any kind, most are too ambiguous
ReplyDeleteThere have been a few that were more narrative than poetry or with poetry in with the chapters but that is about all on my end
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's how Kiss of Broken Glass felt to me, more narrative, which I loved. I guess they're either hit or miss, I love beautiful writing but if you don't get it, you just don't get it and it's a huge problem connecting to it. Is it weird I don't really have a belief system when I really think about it? Mine mainly comes down to ethics.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a big difference between a negative review and one that is simply unfair and this particular review is certainly fair in its conclusion that its personal on your end.
ReplyDeleteHaving been sent lots of books to review in which faith/belief plays a part lately I did think this might be to my taste but given the poetry aspect I'm now thinking otherwise.
http://pettywitter.blogspot.co.uk
I know this author is popular, particularly with teens, Brandi. But I'm with you in that her style is just not my thing. You did a good job of explaining why. :)
ReplyDeleteI struggle with verse books because I spend too much time focusing on the rhyming so I think I will pass on this.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover, too bad about the inside.
ReplyDeleteI have a problem reading verse and poetry for the same reasons. I have a few of Hopkins' books though and I still want to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
I do not think this would have been the book for me either
ReplyDeleteI have had the same issues with this writer's books...I can't get into them. I wish I could, as the subject matter interests me. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, I do love her poetry. I haven't read this though
ReplyDeleteI can understand how you feel. I am also not too sure how I feel about poetry told novels, and even though I have seen this book around I didn't know this was one of these!
ReplyDeletehttp://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/10/you-had-me-at-hello-review-giveaway.html
Ah yes it's a little difficult for me too to have books like that.
ReplyDelete