ISBN: 0060092726
List Price: $16.99
Amazon Price: $11.04
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Criss Cross
If Felicity, Clarity and Poetry were streets, they would intersect at CRISS CROSS.
The greatest compliment one actor can pay another is to honestly feel that they witnessed a performance of such quality that feel they could never play it as well -- that the right actor was cast for the part (a part that few actors can play well). The same goes for writers. Though I am an English teacher, I am also a playwright. As I got through the second (brilliant) chapter of this book, I knew that this gorgeous and insightful writing deserved my kudos as I could NEVER write anything this perceptive, insightful, or delicious.
In fact, if I had one word to describe CRISS CROSS, "Delicious" would be that word. Most delicious of all are the chapters about Hector; they're sweet, poignant, funny and likely to strike a chord with readers who can relate to the foibles of attempting to make a suitable impression on others, or realizing what it is that you want to do. These are among the best YA chapters I've EVER read.
The problem with this book is that it should be for adults, not kids. It is not meant to tell a linear story, but reveal characters and their thoughts and feelings -- the awkwardness of not knowing what to say when you've got a crush on someone; the feeling that Nancy Drew's friends resent her; that sense of not knowing whether or not you'll ever find the love of your life; the glory of exploring the terrain of the ordinary by travelling through someone else's perspective.
This writing is, as I mentioned, delicious. Kids won't recognize it as such because they want to keep the car moving and not stop the car to get out and see the sights. perhaps the test of whether or not you should be reading this book is to determine whether you care to have a conversation about all the stupid things you did when you were fourteen -- the embarassing little things that you don't want to admit. Because, frankly, that's what CRISS CROSS is all about.
Personally, I LOVED the book because I found Lynne Rae Perkins style and insight tapped right into the part of me that recognized the fidgety lessons of adolescence that life had to teach me. If you haven't been there before, you can't recognize the triumphs and failures (which are triumphs of their own) of learning to be yourself.
Summary: pleasant, but not especially interesting
This book was pleasant, however the characters were quite ordinary, and I did find some parts so boring I just had to skip them to get through it. I saw no great depth of character or special insight anywhere. I suspect this would mostly be enjoyable if there's a nostalgia factor (if you were an teen of average popularity in the early 70's, then you might well like it.) There was some humor that might have tickled me if I'd been in the right mood for it, but apparently I wasn't. My daughters read this as part of a 'Mock Newberry' club they were in (the members, age 11 - 13, read and discussed Newberry candidates.) My girls found it boring, and it was not especially popular among the children.
Summary: A very well written story
Criss Cross is perfect for ages 10 and up... it's about two people, confused, going through a hard time.
It is written perfectly, though main events are hard to name; the plot comes to you in the midst of a well-written tale of desicions, fate, and people. Humorous, fun... you won't want to put it down.
"Criss Cross" is a one-hour radio program that brings the characters together.
This book is a definite yes for anyone who loves books about relationships, an occasional broken heart, and friends. There are a few pictures scattered, making it even more enjoyable.
This book is worth it. Perfect for teenagers!
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