Book Review - Stop Pretending

Stop Pretending

Sones,Sonya., Stop Pretending, Harper Collins, New York, 2000, ISBN- 9780064462181

This is a unique piece of information presented in a poem format.  A 13 year-old girl, Cookie experiences her sister entering into a manic episode on Christmas Eve.  The older sister screams, and hears voices and eventually she was hospitalized.  This book is narrated by the 13 year old Cookie in  first person.  Cookie is fearful, embarrassed, and lacks understanding of what and why her family is experiencing such a mishap. Cookies parents drift apart in their on way only focusing on their oldest daughters illness. Cookie meets a young boy who helps her learn to cope with this misfortune by writing. Eventually Cookies sister recovers.  Sones base this novel on her personal experience as a child.  The author used short poems but with very powerful  meanings "When I was lost,/you were the one/who found me./Now you're the one/who's lost,/ and I can't find you anywhere."  This book is not just a book but an informational session that provides hope to others that may have love ones suffering from mental illness, and share experiences that families may face. This is a good book.

" This is one of the most beautiful and most disturbing books aimed at young people that I have ever read."
Children's Literature

"Based on Sones' own family experience, this debut novel shows the capacity of poetry " Booklist

" Individually, the poems appear simple and unremarkable, snapshot portraita of two sisters, a family, unfaithful friends, and a sweet first love." Kirkus

Awards

Christopher Award, 2000
Myra Cohn Livingston Award for Poetry. 2000
Maine Student Book Award 2001
Evergreen Young Adult Book Award 2002

Questions for discussion from Stop Pretending's reading group guide

1.		How do you think you would react to finding out that someone you knew had mental illness? Were you surprised by Molly and Kate’s reaction?
2.		Can you think of any situation in which you wish you had been a better friend?
3.		Is there anyone in your family who is throwing the whole rest of the family off kilter? How do you feel about that person?
4.		What are some ways you can support a friend who is going through a hard time?
5.		What are some ways you can support a family member who is going through a hard time