The Sky Always Hears Me and the Hills Don't Mind

Reader: Briana G
Age: 16
Title: The Sky Always Hears Me and the Hills Don't Mind
Author: Kirstin Cronn-Mills
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: 09/00/09
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top Ten: No
Recommend: Yes
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I'm honestly not sure why I read past the first page, not that there's anything wrong with the book, just not normally the type I'd read. But since I did read the book I must say that I thought the character was amazingly frank and blunt about the way life is and how confusing it can be, that was brilliant. It was organized, but had that air of natural teenage confusion and disorder to it. The plot wasn't original in comparison to life, but compared to the other realistic fiction books I've read, it's the only one that doesn't take things to the extreme—which is a relief. As sad as an alcoholic, extraordinarily abusive fathers or mothers are, I can only read about it so many times before getting bored. This provides a refreshing take on things, as well as a little humor. She faces the problems of being a teenager, and they aren't all resolved by the end of the book. I liked that especially, because as a teenager, there is no end to the book and the problems are NEVER all resolved.
Did the cover reflect the contents: A picture of a sky and the back of a head doesn't really do anything for me. It didn't tempt me nor turn me away—almost made it invisible really. What I liked was the title, even though I normally don't care for longer titles, I thought this one was well suited for the book.
Did you finish: Yes
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal