Mundie Moms

Friday, April 8, 2011

Book Review- Rage

By Jackie Morse Kessler
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Released on April 8th, 2011
Source-ARC from Blue Slip Media/publisher for review
4.5 stars

Missy didn’t mean to cut so deep. But after the party where she was humiliated in front of practically everyone in school, who could blame her for wanting some comfort? Sure, most people don’t find comfort in the touch of a razor blade, but Missy always was . . . different.

That’s why she was chosen to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a new kind of blade—a big, brutal sword that can cut down anyone and anything in her path. But it’s with this weapon in her hand that Missy learns something that could help her triumph over her own pain: control.

A unique approach to the topic of self-mutilation, Rage is the story of a young woman who discovers her own power and refuses to be defeated by the world (quoted from Goodreads).

Rage is simply a powerful read about a girl who learns to over come self mutilation, as she learns to accept her new role as War. Written in a both a very real and symbolic way, Missy is a character that many readers will be able to relate to and connect with on some level.

Missy is a character whom I really sympathized with. It was heartbreaking reading a scene where she cuts herself due to bullying, but Jackie does a wonderful job at taking the reader inside Missy's mind set. She tackles a problem that all to often happens with teens, which is bullying and and then the hidden problem of cutting. Mixed into this is Missy's new found role as one of the Four Horsemen in the Apocalypse: War.

Jackie also adds a unique character and that's War herself. I was so intrigued with the way she wrote Missy both as herself and as the character as War. War is a separate character that resides with Missy, and I really liked the way Missy learns to overcome War's desires, and instead learns to enjoy the victories, not just as War, but most importantly within herself and over coming her cutting. The most fascinating character to me is Death. Described as good looking, this ageless character teaches Missy control. Control in her new role, control over her emotions, and her re-actions to them. These two characters also work side by side not just metaphorically, but character wise they have a great chemistry together.

Rage doesn't sugar coat the teenage life, and it's a story I would recommend to teens, teachers and parents. It may not be for everyone as it's eye opening, real, heartbreaking and empowering. Yes, there are some scenes that are mildly graphic, yes there is mention of underage drinking, sex and death. I think there's a lot of teens who will find Rage a source of empowerment in helping them overcome the things they struggle with. Rage has a powerful message and I thought Jackie did a wonderful job on delivering it. I was shocked at how engaged I was with the story, which is why I give it 4.5 stars.

4 comments:

  1. These books have been on my TBR. I've got to get to them. Wonderful review, MMs.

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  2. What I like best about these books is that they have a message with power but provide that message without being preachy. The voice is relatable for teens, she doesn't talk down to her readers but doesn't glamorize anything either. They are fantastic.

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  3. Just finished this one too! Loved it. So glad someone is brave enough and talented enough to create a story that can be connected with!

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  4. Sophie- You have to read it!

    Michelle- I agree! It's a very powerful message and Jackie writing is one teens will relate to so well.

    Beverly- I agree!

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