REVIEWS+

And Then Things Fall Apart

by Arlaina Tibensky
256p. 978-1-44241-323-8.
COPY ISBN
Gr 9 Up—Keek has had nothing but bad luck lately. Her parents are getting divorced, she had a huge fight with her boyfriend, and she's holed up at her grandmother's house for the summer before her sophomore year while she recovers from chicken pox. As she struggles with her myriad problems, she draws inspiration from Sylvia Plath's life and The Bell Jar and pounds her thoughts out on an old electric typewriter. The protagonist is a strong female character who lends insight into the way teenagers react and deal with everyday situations. Tibensky examines the art of expressing oneself through poetry and prose, and Keek's language and thoughtful writing enhance her emotional development, sustaining the story until the end.—Katie Wilkinson, Gar-Field High School, Woodbridge, VA
Bitingly funny and painfully honest, Keek is one of the standout narrators of the year. Fans of E. Lockhart’s Ruby Oliver series will find a new friend here. Keek’s infatuation with Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar captures what it feels like to find that book as a young reader. But as Keek tells her story—and grows accustomed to her grandmother’s ancient typewriter—she finds her own truths. It’s a subtle, inspiring ode to literature and language and how they help people of all ages to endure and to grow. And Then Things Fall Apart has plenty of drama—divorce, alcohol abuse, adultery, virginity-loss-related anxiety, best friend breakups, and Internet deprivation. But Arlaina Tibensky handles these issues with a deft touch, ensuring they don’t become melodrama.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?