Kimberly Marcus

Gateway possibility, novel in verse, rape, friendships, photography

Liz and Katie are forever-friends. Katie is a dancer, and Liz, a photographer. They have spent the last ten years doing everything together. But after a Slumber Saturday sleepover fight, nothing is the same. Liz’s growth and descriptions are so enjoyable. I made many notations that struck me as beautiful, wonderful, poignant, and memorable. I read this book in three class periods at school and it made me cry, and I kept on reading even though the kids could see me! Some of my favorite quotes:

Because nobody needs to tell
Elizabeth Grayson
Photogirl,
to focus. P.1

He reaches out
For his half-empty bottle of beer
But I grab the bottle before he can
And throw the beer in his face.

Then I leave him
brewing. P 7

“I’m fine, thanks.” I say
Every time Mrs. Pratt asks how I ‘m doing,
A smile pasted on my face
With Please-God-Save-Me Glue. P. 149

I let out a sigh, then swallow hard.

Relief and disgust
are two emotions
not easily blended. P. 165


… (plus d'informations)

I’m always looking out for more novels in verse to read. Ever since I read my first, I can’t get enough. I found Exposed through a random Goodreads search, and I’m glad I came across it. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

I thought the way the author chose to incorporated a X (real word omitted to avoid a spoiler) into the book, but not give X the main focus to be interesting. What could be the main plot line of another book was a “minor” plot point in Exposed. It helped to drive characters, family and friends, apart, but also allowed Liz, the main character and narrator, to show a view on X that isn’t often seen in literature. The view of someone caught in the middle, but not a main player.

Aside from the main conflict, I also enjoyed the author’s ability to use the verse novel form. It’s one thing to write a novel in verse, but to use a form that’s more limited with words, that makes the words used have more emphasis, there were many lines in the book that made it feel like a book of poetry as opposed to a novel. There were many moments of pure poetry to convey Liz’s emotions, her view of a situation, and (a favorite part of her character for me) what she sees through the lens of her camera.

This was a great young adult novel told in verse. It was also a great look into another view on an important issue we may all encounter at some point in life. Despite a few vague areas for me, I felt this was a great debut and as I said earlier, I’m looking forward to more from this author.… (plus d'informations)