ISBN: 0805090983
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (2010)
343 p.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (2010)
343 p.
Reading Level: 9th and above.
Summary:
Sam is a fast-food-working, college dropout who is whiling the hours away with his friends, but feels that he is missing something and wishes for more out of life. One day, though, a bit of fun in the parking lot turns into a broken headlight for an angry man, Douglas, who sees something in Sam that stirs up feelings in him. We come to learn that Douglas is a necromancer who is hired by those who wish to raise the dead, and he sees Sam as a potential convert. As Douglas leaves Sam to find an answer to his offer, Sam panics and is unsure of where to turn. With the help of his friends, family, and a beautiful werewolf, Sam must make life-altering decisions and choose his path in life. Although this sounds very morbid, this novel is infused with humor and heart and will keep the reader furiously turning the pages to see how Sam resolves his predicament. Some of the best portions of this novel are not only when Sam is with his friends trying to come up with a plan for his friend Brooke, but the back-stories of Sam’s father, mother, and brother-in-law. I, for one, hope that this is the beginning of a very interesting series.
Critical Evaluation:
The layout of this novel is quite entertaining and interesting. Although the bulk of the story is in first-person, other portions are written in third-person subjective, so the reader is able to view the tale from different perspectives, with the strongest and most constant one being that of Sam’s voice. However, the reader is also able to learn of some insights before Sam does, helping to move the story forward and, at the same time, gain crucial back-story. This makes the later scenes more fraught with excitement, especially those with Sam and Douglas. The chapter headings are all taken from songs, which give the book a jovial and humorous tone, even though it deals with such actions as raising the dead and experimentation on animals and humans. The story deals with supernatural entities, but still manages to convey life in its everyday ordinariness, and the fast-paced tempo keeps the reader fully engaged.
The layout of this novel is quite entertaining and interesting. Although the bulk of the story is in first-person, other portions are written in third-person subjective, so the reader is able to view the tale from different perspectives, with the strongest and most constant one being that of Sam’s voice. However, the reader is also able to learn of some insights before Sam does, helping to move the story forward and, at the same time, gain crucial back-story. This makes the later scenes more fraught with excitement, especially those with Sam and Douglas. The chapter headings are all taken from songs, which give the book a jovial and humorous tone, even though it deals with such actions as raising the dead and experimentation on animals and humans. The story deals with supernatural entities, but still manages to convey life in its everyday ordinariness, and the fast-paced tempo keeps the reader fully engaged.
Reader’s Annotation:
“I couldn’t see any blood.
In fact, the wound looked cauterized, which didn’t make it any more pleasant.” (p. 49)
In fact, the wound looked cauterized, which didn’t make it any more pleasant.” (p. 49)
Author Biography:
Raised in the Pacific Northwest, McBride spent time away while attaining her MFA in fiction from the University of New Orleans. As she writes on her blog, “Her main goal in going to college was to become a writer so she could wear pajamas pretty much all the time. She enjoys reading, movies, comics, and preparing herself for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.” (Retrieved from http://www.lishmcbride.com/biography).
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is McBride’s first novel. For now, she lives in Seattle with “her family, two cats, and one very put-upon Chihuahua.” (Retrieved from http://www.lishmcbride.com/biography).
Genre: Paranormal. Elements of Horror and Comedy
Curriculum Ties:
This novel could be used as an illustration for creative writing of both serious subject matters and humor, but it’s mostly a great book for students to read and enjoy amidst all their strenuous activities.
Booktalking Ideas:
-As Sam finds out the truth about himself, whom does he turn to?
How should they have helped him?
How should they have helped him?
-What meaning do the chapter titles hold?
-As Sam starts to realize how much of the world he doesn’t understand,
what does he do?
-Discuss the relationship between Sam and Brid and Sam and Ashley.
what does he do?
-Discuss the relationship between Sam and Brid and Sam and Ashley.
Read-Alikes:
-The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan.
-The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong.
-The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff.
Challenge Issue:
Learning that the main character is a necromancer might steer some parents away from this novel, but I would let parents know that the topic is handled honestly and humorously in this supernatural world that looks exactly like the one we inhabit. Of course, there are witches and other supernatural beings in the book, but this is presented with more zest and fun than what those topics might usually suggest. Although there is a scene that is sexual in nature, it is treated with high humor. I was not able to dig up any comments on anyone’s wanting to censor this novel, but one never knows what tomorrow may hold.
Reason to include in blog:
The red and black cover of a young teen and the title caught my eye at the bookstore. This book had a very interesting premise, and I ended up being very pleased with it and thought it a great addition to my blog.
References:
McBride, L. (2010). Hold me closer, necromancer. New York: Henry Holt.
McBride, L. (2011). Lish McBride biography. Retrieved from
McBride, L. (2011). Lish McBride biography. Retrieved from
http://www.lishmcbride.com/biography
Book Trailer:
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