From the title, and even the cover art, of this book, I admit that I was expecting something in the way of a silly spooky teen story to get you ready for Halloween. Wasnt I surprised to find, instead of a supernatural fantasy, a wonderful story based on a true account! Here Lies Linc has a contemporary and engaging plot, full of finding connections with yourself and your past.
Linc (Lincoln) learns so many things as he struggles to find himself. Hes in a new school and has a strange mother. He doesnt know where he belongs. I have to admit that through much of the book, I didnt like Linc. He had no backbone and seemed to have no qualms with lying, stealing, and pretending to be someone he wasnt. However, he did improve and learn! It did make me think of the fact that many of us, at one time or another, feel like we want to fit in and do some pretty dumb things to do it. Luckily, Lincs mistakes take him down a very interesting path of discoveryboth of the past and of his future. He makes some wonderful friendships with very unlikely people (especially his cute old neighbor, Mr. Krasny, whom I loved) and discovers the joy of searching through the past and making lasting connections with his community.
Learning about the Black Angel monument in the Iowa City, Oakland Cemetery was so interesting, especially because it was true! We have the opportunity to follow Linc as he works to disprove the curse of the Black Angel and uncover the true identity of the woman who commissioned the monument and why she did it. I loved reading the epitaphs at the beginning of each chapter, and they become even more fun as I discovered that they are real epitaphs from actual headstones! There were funny ones, sad ones, and many famous ones. It made me wonder what I would write on mine More than anything, though, I loved seeing the joy that came to so many people as they searched through the past to uncover the truth!
This novel takes place around a cemetery, but it never gets creepy. Instead, it makes you want to go to a cemetery and wander around, just to see what stories you may find!
Linc (Lincoln) learns so many things as he struggles to find himself. Hes in a new school and has a strange mother. He doesnt know where he belongs. I have to admit that through much of the book, I didnt like Linc. He had no backbone and seemed to have no qualms with lying, stealing, and pretending to be someone he wasnt. However, he did improve and learn! It did make me think of the fact that many of us, at one time or another, feel like we want to fit in and do some pretty dumb things to do it. Luckily, Lincs mistakes take him down a very interesting path of discoveryboth of the past and of his future. He makes some wonderful friendships with very unlikely people (especially his cute old neighbor, Mr. Krasny, whom I loved) and discovers the joy of searching through the past and making lasting connections with his community.
Learning about the Black Angel monument in the Iowa City, Oakland Cemetery was so interesting, especially because it was true! We have the opportunity to follow Linc as he works to disprove the curse of the Black Angel and uncover the true identity of the woman who commissioned the monument and why she did it. I loved reading the epitaphs at the beginning of each chapter, and they become even more fun as I discovered that they are real epitaphs from actual headstones! There were funny ones, sad ones, and many famous ones. It made me wonder what I would write on mine More than anything, though, I loved seeing the joy that came to so many people as they searched through the past to uncover the truth!
This novel takes place around a cemetery, but it never gets creepy. Instead, it makes you want to go to a cemetery and wander around, just to see what stories you may find!
