The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
Right off the bat I want to say that if you have not read this book, READ IT - not only for the fabulous storyline but also to study Kathi Appelt's mastery of craft.
I chose The Underneath for my first MG review because it is sadly under-appreciated. This book should be hailed as a don't miss, must read, future classic. I kid you not.
I don't know anyone who has read The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and not marveled at the beauty of the language and the cadence of the sentences. The Underneath is the MG equivalent of The Kite Runner. Seriously. Within the first chapter, I was captivated by the originality and beauty of the writing. I fell under the spell of the sentences and the words and the rhythm of this book. I did not want it to end.
In addition to the magic of the individual sentences and language choices, Kathi weaves together three seemingly unrelated storylines. She gets and holds our attention while shifting between characters and their stories, and then expertly brings them together for a stunning conclusion.
I can't explain the overall beauty of this book. When I think of it or share it with someone, I'm never sure whether I love it more for the story or for the beautiful way the story is written. It is a masterful example of craft.
*** Giveaway ***
Because I believe so passionately that everyone should read this book, especially other writers, I am going to give away one paperback copy and it's open internationally. And I'm going to make it easy for you ('cause I'm cool like that).- Be a follower of this blog
- Leave a comment on this post by Friday, Nov.12th
What is one book you're willing to beg people to read?
Since you recommended it so highly, I'd love to read it. Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteDreamyCowgirl@hotmail.com
I am a follower.
I love reading pretty much anything. And you are very insistent that everyone read this so I would love to!
ReplyDeletekristen_babygurl@hotmail.com
Kristen
My Bloody Fairy Tale
Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteShannon, you don't have to enter me in the giveaway since I've read this book--but I just wanted to add my YES! this is a great book. To whomever wins, ENJOY :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review Shannon! I love the passion a writer has for a book so this one has definitely been added (that is, if I don't win it!)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my son! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteAs for the one book I would beg people to read, it would be "Danann Frost Falls From Grace" by Joanne Valiukas. You can read the teaser here: http://www.joannevaliukas.com
My new all time favorite author and book!
the_happy_soul at yahoo dot com
Thank you so much for this international Giveaway!! =D
ReplyDeleteYou can count me in
tibiux at yahoo dot com dot br
(GFC follower - Tiemi/@Tibiux)
Shannon, seriously...you are rocking with middle grade, lately!! LUV it!! I'm in!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love this book. Passionate girl!!! :O)
ReplyDeleteI have to say I tried this book and couldn't connect. Certainly willing to give it a second chance!
ReplyDeleteAwwww what a great giveaway!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI would beg people to read Terry Pratchett's Small Gods.
:-) Take care
x
I can't believe I haven't read this one.
ReplyDeleteEnter me!
Shelley
I'd love to read that one. Especially with my (almost)middler.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
This book sounds incredible! I'm definitely putting it on my TBR list. As for the book I'd recommend, I've been begging all of my friends to read The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. Such a powerful book.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you spotlit (is that a word) this one! It's one of my absolute favorites.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to add this book to my list, so it would be great to win it! I'll have to think about a book that I'd "beg" people to read. I recommend books all the time. "A Northern Light" by Jennifer Donnelly comes to mind. YA
ReplyDeleteI love contests with easy entering, lol! I've heard of this book, and now I can't wait to read it even more. Thanks for the suggestion and the contest!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many amazing books I beg people to read. I really can't choose just one!
A book about a dog and cat becoming friends? Count me in!!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds AWESOME! I think it's hard to pick a great book for everyone because there are so many different tastes in reading (I've tried forever to get some of my kids to read certain great books, but they are just not interested).
ReplyDeleteYay for middle grade love--thanks for helping spread the word, #2! That definitely qualifies you for #1 status! And what an awesome review. Don't hate me, but I haven't read this one yet (I'll pause while you yell at me). I am adding it to my TBR list immediately!
ReplyDeletefun! Sounds great! Awesome contest!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book Shannon! The one book I would beg people to read is Self Help by Lorrie Moore.
ReplyDeleteawesome!! I will put this on my tbo list because I believe you- if you say it's great, it's great and I really need to buff up on my MG! Thanks Shannon!
ReplyDeleteWith a glowing review like that, how can I not want to win this?
ReplyDeleteOkay, I must read this book!
ReplyDeleteTotally off subject, but you WON the logline blogfest! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteCome on over to see the results
www.steenaholmes.blogspot.com
This sounds like an amazing book! Count me in! :D
ReplyDeleteAnd CONGRATS!!!! :)
Awesome contest! And congrats on winning the logline contest! Your logline was awesome.
ReplyDeletehey, just wanted to congratulate you on your win @ chocolate reality!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful review. I'll definitely keep and eye out for this book.
ReplyDeleteThe book that struck me in the same way this book struck you was Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. Beautiful!
Sounds like a wonderful read for all ages--I'm a follower of you too, so count me in on the contest!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one yet - sounds like I need to and to get a copy for my classroom!
ReplyDeletea book I'm begging people to read... besides mine? :) ha ha!
ReplyDeleteYou Belong To Me by Marisa de los Santos. One of my favs! More recently, Live Through This, a memoir, has really gotten under my skin and I've already bought it for someone as a gift. Gotta love pushing books!!
I'm already a follower!
These books sound amazing, especially Underneath. I would love to be in it to win it. So many contests aren't open to Aussies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the enthusiastic reviews!
awesome giveaway!! i´m in!!
ReplyDeleteandiiblogs(at)hotmail(dot)com
answering to the question:
it would be "the hunger games" that´s one of my favorite books!! i live it :)
thanks!
This sounds like a great read! I'd say The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill is a must read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! and it'd have to be Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo:) Classic.
ReplyDeletek_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI love great mg's!
Ok, you got me! I would read this!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book yet, but I'd like to.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone would read Clive Barker's The Thief of Always.
Hi Shannon -
ReplyDeleteMy honorary niece would love this book. (Of course, I'd read it first. Ahem, must make sure it's suitable.)
Please enter me. I'm a Follower.
susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com
Blessings,
Susan :)
Wow - that does sound good! Don't enter me in the contest since I just won your pre-order contest (yippee!), but I've begged people to read The Hunger Games trilogy.
ReplyDeleteShannon, "The Indigo Notebook" by Laura Resau. I may have mentioned the author or one of her books here before, but have heard so little about her and think she's a beautiful writer who deserves more recognition. I have enjoyed all her books so far; there are five or six.
ReplyDeleteOoh, enter me, enter me! Two other people have recommended this book to me in the last two weeks - the Universe has spoken, and I will read it.
ReplyDeleteLately I've begged people to read Going Bovine by Libba Bray (YA), Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston (MG), and The Hunger Games (first book) by Suzanne Collins (YA).
Here's to hoping I win. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds great. I wish everyone would read Life of Pi. I just love that one.
ReplyDeleteMy very first book report was on Myster by Moonlight by by Mary C. Jane. So perhaps I'm a bit biased, but this is a book I would recommend off the top of my head.
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me because we have it and my son is reading it based on his teacher's recommendation. But what a nice thing for you to do. Now I'll have to read it.
ReplyDeleteWhat would I recommend? The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
Neil Gaiman's Coraline :D
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
I haven't read this one yet, so please enter me with huge thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I've heard so many great things about this book. Hope I win :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book but from what you have said about it, I would like to.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that I would tell everyone to read GOD AND DOG by Wendy Francisco.
Hi Shannon .. I know I'm late for the party - but I just wanted to say - what an amazing review and bringing in the comparison with The Kite Runner .. so I must definitely put it on my list .. "The Underneath" ..
ReplyDeleteThere are books I couldn't do without - Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable .. love it!
Thanks - Hilary
Not entering the contest because I just won your other awesome contest (I think it's too late also) but just want to chime in here to say YAY for Middle Grade!
ReplyDelete