Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas
Review by: Lauren
Out: April 16 (tomorrow)
Amazon Summary: Anke’s father is abusive. But not to her. He attacks her brother and sister, but she’s just an invisible witness in a house of horrors, on the brink of disappearing altogether. Until she makes the volleyball team at school. At first just being exhausted after practice feels good, but as Anke becomes part of the team, her confidence builds. When she learns to yell “Mine!” to call a ball, she finds a voice she didn’t know existed. For the first time, Anke is seen and heard. Soon, she’s imagining a day that her voice will be loud enough to rescue everyone at home—including herself.
My Review: As the first full book I’ve read in verse, I was quite excited to check out Thalia’s debut. I was definitely not disappointed. Because I am Furniture is a very emotional read, but the use of poetry gives it a much more personal, loving touch. It allowed me, as the reader, to get inside Anke’s head and see the her whole world. Everything felt as if it went together, in a way that regular narration might have ruined.
There were moments that confused me a bit, and that’s because verse doesn’t stop and explain everything out, but overall, it’s pretty understandable and I think a lot of people would like this novel. If you’re looking for a fast, thoughtful read, then this would be my recommendation. I can’t wait to see what Thalia Chaltas writes next.
My Song for this Book
“Justified Black Eye” by Joey Cape and Tony Sly
This sounds interesting, but I don’t know if I could cope with a whole book in verse. I’m not much of a poetry person.
H: Yeah, I do love poetry, but I think a verse novel is worth checking out at some point. It might be more fun to read then just plain old poems, you know?
I’ve been wanting to read this. I love in verse novels.
Great review
This one looks so good! I didn’t know it was in verse though! Thats neat, thanks for the review!!
Amelia: Thank you, and I hope you get to read it soon.
Polo Pony: Yeah, I’m a convert of verse novels now. No problem, thanks for the comment.