Massey Title page |
Shooter by Caroline Pignat Shooter is a powerful, character-driven novel about a school in lock-down mode when a shooter is spotted in their midst. The story is told through the voices of five teens who are stuck in a boy's bathroom together - introverted rule-follower Alice, her autistic brother Noah, popular Student Council President Isabelle, troubled bully Hogan and the socially awkward Xander. Each of these voices is unique and has it's own life story to tell, and one of these characters knows more about the shooter than they are letting on.
Shooter is a really good book, but may not be what you you expect it to be. This novel is not really a book about being in peril, nor is filled with action (although these themes are present more as the novel progresses). Caroline Pignat has written a modern day Breakfast Club * in which we learn that everyone has a story and this forms who we are and the choices we make. Through the voices of the main characters, we are given themes of parental pressure, self-identity, guilt, responsibility, depression and mental helath issues. That's a lot of deep stuff! And yet, somehow, the author has crafted a fast, enjoyable read. The only complaint I have is the "perfect timing" behind bringing these particular characters all into the boy's bathroom for the lockdown. Of course, if these high school stereotypes weren't together for the story, it wouldn't really be a story (plot manipulation to the point of not quite being believable). On the whole, though, I highly recommend you check this book out. The characters are well developed and sympathetic. The subject matter - a school shooting - is contemporary and thought provoking. The writing style is simple and flows well. Enjoy! *http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088847/
0 Comments
|
AuthorThis book lover's blog is brought to you by the Learning Commons at Vincent Massey School, Calgary. Specifically, Ms. Gammon and various student book reviewers. We want to share our favorite titles with you! Archives
May 2017
Categories
All
|