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When She Was Good
When She Was Good
Author: Norma Fox Mazer
The story of Em Thurkill, and her life alone with a sister whose rage and instability frequently erupts into violence and terror.
ISBN: 461249
Pages: 235
Rating:
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0 stars, based on 0 rating
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
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reviewed When She Was Good on + 105 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book in just a few hours. The main character (Em) just grabbed me and I couldn't help but keep reading. The book is written in a rather spontaneous way, bouncing between Em's inner thoughts, dialogue, and narration. Though a bit hard to follow, at times, this writing style allows the reader to really feel for Em.

This book is depressing and sad right from the first page. I found myself actually hoping the main character would give up. It was almost painful to read about Em's endless string of dissapointments. Day after day Em goes through the same routine. Where she finds hope is a mystery, but she finds it and she holds onto it.

What I like about this book is the 'realness' of it. Em is a believeable and pitiful character. Her situations are as likely as the sun rising. This is the story of someone who never had anything and never really finds anything. Again, I was almost hoping to read about how Em gave up or was killed or killed herself or was somehow taken out of her miserable life. But Em just keeps on living, her reasons known only to her.

I would certainly recommend this book, it is gripping. But be warned that this is not a happy story, not at the beginning and not at the end.
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NJSurferGirl avatar reviewed When She Was Good on
This was a really interesting read for anyone looking for something a little offbeat. It was written in a stream of consciousness style and I breezed right through it.


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