Comments on: Reviews: Heaven and The First Part Last, Angela Johnson

By: books by angela johnson | Book info

books by angela johnson | Book info — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:04:25 +0000

[…] Reviews: Heaven and The First Part Last, Angela Johnson В« Jenny's … Jan 30, 2010 … When I finished Heaven I thought: Oh. Angela Johnson writes this sort of book. Issue Books. … […]

By: The First Part Last, by Angela Johnson « The Zen Leaf

The First Part Last, by Angela Johnson « The Zen Leaf — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:28:25 +0000

[…] Good Books and Good Wine- Book Snob- Jenny’s Books- Things Mean a Lot- Thoughts of Joy- 1 More Chapter- One Librarian’s Book […]

By: Deja

Deja — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:40:19 +0000

The first part last is my favorite book. I always cry when I read it idk y. But I mean I’m very sensitive when it comes to babys I cried on Juno lol. But I recommend everyone to read this book it is and excellant book I wish they would have made a part 2 or movie.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:51 +0000

In reply to Doret.

Johnson writes beautifully – I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Oh excellent choice of words, “a story and not a pamphlet”. That’s definitely one thing I hate about some of the YA “issue” books I’ve read, that they get all preachy and unsubtle, rather than dealing honestly with the complexities of the experience.

By: Doret

Doret — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:00:47 +0000

OMG, the other day I finally read Johnson’s First Part Last. It was so beautiful I read it in one sitting. The end had me in tears.

The next day I got Heaven. Beautiful.

I loved Anderson’s Speak, still one of my favorite YA novels but didn’t care for Wintergirls – it read like forced verse.

I like YA issue books as long the author remembers they are writing a story and not a pamphlet. An author must find the right balance.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:36:13 +0000

In reply to Rebecca. It was amazing. I never give myself permission to just sit and read, for some reason; even when I make plans on a weekend to do it, something usually comes up. I may try the readathon this year, though I'm afraid I will end up super cranky with no sleep. :P

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:51:39 +0000

A reading orgy sounds just lovely! I love the read-a-thons for that very reason. 🙂

This book sounds very charming. I am glad that you were proved wrong and were able to enjoy the book!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:51:35 +0000

In reply to Ari.

I didn’t realize they were a trilogy – I was surprised and pleased to find Bobby and Feather in The First Part Last. I definitely want to get the rest of Angela Johnson’s books. I think I read somewhere she has a new one coming out later on this year? I’m excited!

Mardi Gras can get a little crazy in New Orleans, to be fair! It’s a bit much for me; doing tailgating for a whole evening for LSU games is about as much party as I can manage, and then I have to go home and sleep. 😛 The idea of New Orleans Mardi Gras makes me sleepy.

Yeah, this girl used to say a lot of things that were either straight-up racist or bordering on it – I tried to limit our contact. :

By: Ari

Ari — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:52:59 +0000

I MUST read Angela Johnson’s Heaven trilogy, especially because I love the gorgeous cover of the Sweet, Hereafter.

And I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans (I really like the Saints, have heard about how amazing Mardi Gras is and after seeing the Princess & the Frog, i knew that I HAD to get down there someday. Hopefully soon).

And ugh, COLLEGE? Those kind of comments make me realize why we do need Black History Month. I’m glad to have discovered your blog 🙂

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:39:14 +0000

In reply to Vasilly. I guess for me it depends on the issue and how well the author explores it. I get really frustrated with "issues" books that address the issue perfunctorily or lack emotional honesty.