Mr. & Mrs. Bo Jo Jones

This is one those books that I like to pickup and read once in a while. Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones is a story about unexpected teen pregnancy written by Ann Head. I like reading simple stories about people who deal with unfortunate situations and the consequences that follow. Books I have reviewed in the past about unfortunate situations were very complicated stories with seriously flawed characters. This book is a simple story about a serious mistake. How should a 16 year old girl and 17 year old boy handle the situation?

The story was originally published in the 1960s. The choices the two teens faced then are the same today, so the book would easily reach a modern teen. Adoption, abortion, hiding out somewhere else, teen marriage. Each choice has life long consequences. And yet, these two teens decide to take responsibility for their choice and elope in the next county. What follows is a realistic portrayal of the consequences of their choice. Will they be able to survive an immature marriage, pregnancy, and possibly difficult birth? This is a story worth reading.

Chicks With Sticks - It's a Purl Thing

Click-swish. That is the sound of someone knitting. Two needles that meet and then slide a new stitch from one needle to the next. For those who knit, the process becomes very relaxing and almost hypnotic. Some say it is cheaper than therapy.

For me, knitting is relaxing but it is more than that. I like to make things. I like to make things that take a needle(s) and thread (or yarn). I like the satisfaction of making something useful and attractive. However, I would never overstate the zen I get from knitting. I can't elevate it over other useful crafts. It is what it is. In needlework geek-dom, knitting is something old ladies do while watching ball games. It is fun to see younger people becoming interested in the craft.

Chicks with Sticks by Elizabeth Lenhard is a young adult novel about girls who take up knitting. It helps one girl deal with the death of a beloved aunt, another with an identity crisis, a learning disability, a dysfunctional family, etc. The goddess-like knitting shop owner dotes over the girls. What is left is a story of overly stereotyped characters traveling through teen angst and life change. The knitting provides them the psychological crutch they need to deal with real life.

The story is a light read and typical of any novel that relies on a single craft to tie the characters together. I didn't hate the story but I wouldn't call it a must read. This is the first I have seen in the Young Adult category. There are a lot of adult novels that fall into the same category - they use knitting, cooking, quilting, and even scrapbooking as a common thread. Teens who knit would probably like this one.

Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is a post apocalyptic, young adult story. The threat of impending famine causes a radical shift in the very fabric of the United States. The President becomes a dictatorial ruler who enacts severe population and agricultural controls. Couples are only permitted 2 children. A third child would be imprisoned, or even killed, along with the parents for violating the law.

In this world, the third child of a farming family is required to remain hidden from public view, a young boy named Luke. No chance to run and play. No chance for education. His existence is lived within the walls of his home, the blinds drawn, the lights off. And he is not the only 3rd child. A new housing subdivision is built nearby. During the day, he is able to peer out an attic window and watch what are supposed to be empty houses. Until one day he sees something that should not be seen - the face of a girl looking out a window. What follows is a friendship between the two. His friendship is threatened by the girl's differing political views. She is a rebel who decides to fight for the rights of third children.

The story is thought provoking. The erosion of liberties in the face of potential crisis is a reality (post 9-11 legislation, for example). How much intrusion is ok? What should we give up to save ourselves, if anything? How would you react in similar situations? There are several ideas that could bring out interesting discussions between parent & child. The book claims to be geared toward children aged 5-8. I would have to strongly disagree with this suggestion. Perhaps older high school children would be more appropriate. The book has violence, death, and political and ethical discussions. This is a book that parents should read with their young adult children. BTW, this is the first book of a series - I doubt I will read the rest of it.

Daddy Long Legs

Jerusha Abbott is an orphan about to face uncertain life alone. Jerusha grew up in an orphanage with not much hope for a bright future until a wealthy benefactor elected to support her college education. Her anonymous supporter, John Smith, only required that she write letters about her life and college experiences on a monthly basis and to study writing so that she may become a writer. She was not to expect any response from Mr. Smith in return.

Jerusha (later changed to Julia) accepted the opportunity knowing what a rare and wonderful opportunity it would provide her. The only thing Julia knew about her benefactor was that he had financially supported the orphanage. She began to address Mr. John Smith as Daddy Long Legs in her letters, assuming he was a tall old gentleman. The letters, comprising nearly the whole story, are charming, fun, witty, and full of what a young college co-ed would experience. During Julia's experiences she meets and falls in love with a Mr. Jervie. The story ends with a romantic twist (and not unexpected, especially if you have seen the movie).

The story, written by Jean Webster, takes place in the early 1900's when few women attended college. Still, there are many things that a reader of today can glean from the story about persistence, and hard work. A story about an under privileged individual overcoming difficult circumstances is inspiring.

I am not sure how much I like the character of Mr. Jervie. He seems to have orchestrated (and controlled) much of Julia's college experience for his own benefit. When the truth is finally told at the end, I wasn't all that sympathetic toward Mr. Jervie nor did I like Julia's acceptance. I probably would not have been so forgiving. Even so the story is a worthy read.

Book Rating: 5 Stars