Series: Standalone
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Buy: Amazon
| Barnes & NobleAshlyn doesn't remember dying. She doesn't remember living. And she certainly doesn't remember this broken boy she can't seem to escape in the afterlife. Though Breckon hides his despair from his family and friends, it's unmistakable to Ashlyn, who is a silent witness to his most private moments of grief. She doesn't know why she's there, or what strange power intertwined their fates, but as Breckon spirals out of control Ashlyn is determined to save him from an irrevocable fate.
My Beating Teenage Heart is unlike any tale of death and the afterlife I've ever read. It is a surreal experience, an existential look at life and death and meaning. C. K. Kelly Martin's prose envelops readers, giving them a sometimes poetic and sometimes stark look at her characters' reality. This story transcends age. Though the title references teenagers, the pain the two protagonists experience is sympathetic to anyone who's ever lost a loved one, been abused, been bullied, struggled to hang on. Martin plunges headfirst into a range of painful and hard-hitting issues, treating them all with piercing, but ultimately necessary, honesty.
Breckon's struggle with his family's tragedy is dark and raw. Martin doesn't shy away from the sometimes drastic measures people turn to in their grief, or try to rationalize the reckless abandon that comes with intense pain. He is lost and guilt-ridden and alone, pushing everyone away as he wallows in his despair. Though his feelings are understandable, at times his behavior is distancing. He doesn't try to be a martyr, which is a relief, but he's also willing to let himself hit rock bottom, to be dragged into the abyss. He doesn't try to save himself. Breckon tries so hard to suppress his emotions that they become abstract, not as viscerally wrenching for readers unfamiliar with this kind of utter devastation. The emotion behind his actions doesn't always shine through, making it difficult to connect with his motivations.
The novel features a surprising element of mystery, as readers struggle to uncover the connection between Ashlyn and Breckon, and the events that led to their separate tragedies. Ashlyn herself is in the dark (both literally and figuratively) as the novel opens. She intuitively senses that there are some things about her life she doesn't want to face, and as her memories slowly return, readers will feel the pain and frustration of injustice and cruelty alongside her. Ashlyn is a fascinating counterpoint to Breckon. They are both broken in different ways, but in life Ashlyn was determined to carry on through the pain. Her life was far from perfect, and in death she comes t
By: Trisha, Gayle, and Jolene,
on 9/16/2008
Blog: The YA YA YAs (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Reviews, Fiction, teen pregnancy, c. k. kelly martin, i know it's over, Add a tag
Nick is sixteen and still in love with Sasha when she tells him she thinks they need a break, still in love with her weeks later when she tells him she’s pregnant. In her debut novel, C. K. Kelly Martin writes with precision and honesty about an emotional subject: first love. I Know It’s Over traces the arc of Nick’s relationship with Sasha from the beginning through the end.
The book actually opens with Sasha’s big announcement, then goes back in time as Nick recalls first the events that led to their relationship, then the relationship itself. I think this structure makes the story even more effective. We know from the book description that a pregnancy is involved, and by mentioning it in the beginning, Martin, and the reader, can then focus on the entirety of Nick’s relationship with Sasha, as well as with his family and friends. Instead of waiting for the revelation, we read for the story behind it. The pace is measured and never rushed, but Nick is such a compelling character that I couldn’t put the book down. He’s flawed, sometimes awkward, popular enough that a friend is surprised that Sasha is the one who ends the relationship, but most of all, he’s real.
I don’t want to get too spoilery (read the Publishers Weekly review for that), but I do want to say that I really admired the ending. It was perfect for Nick and Sasha, and perfect for the book. That’s something that could be said about the entire book, actually. Martin sticks with emotional honesty although it’s sometimes messy and uncomfortable. Even when Nick and Sasha make poor decisions, they’re honest ones that feel true to the characters and not a device to increase the drama or length of the book. Some people won’t like the ending, but I thought it was the way the book needed to end. Any other ending would have been false and dishonest and frankly unworthy of Nick and Sasha.
I Know It’s Over is a very character-driven novel, but the writing is so good I wouldn’t be surprised if teens who usually read more plot-heavy books also enjoy it. Plus, the teens I’ve mentioned the book to have been intrigued by the fact that it’s about teen pregnancy and relationships from a male perspective. The writing reminded me a lot of Sara Zarr, so if you’re a Zarr fan, check this book out when it’s published on September 23.
Fabulous review, Casey. I love Martin's writing and was curious about this book. Though the ending was a bit abrupt, I'm more curious as to how she tackles the subject of an afterlife, death, and the meaning of life. I look forward to reading this one soon.
From what I gather, the cover perfectly suits the misty, dreamlike aspects of the book! The mystery aspects of My Beating Teenage Heart sound interesting, and Breckon's story sounds pretty intense. It's a bummer the book wasn't as great as it could have been, ending-wise, but I'm glad to enjoyed it overall! :)
Totally intrigued with this book after reading your insightful review. I love your in depth analysis of Breckon's character but left me wanting to find out about him for myself. I doubt I would have paid much attention to this one, but now I definitely want to experience it myself.