Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Awakening: A Nice Alternative to Twilight


In a time when bookstores are overflowing with Twilight displays, Claudia Cangilla McAdam's book Awakening is a breath of fresh air for teen readers. This religious young adult fiction novel parallels two historical periods: modern day America and Jerusalem at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. The protagonist, a middle schooler named Veronica living in a modern-day small town USA, finds herself suddenly back in time with an opportunity to save Jesus from being put to death. Once skeptical about her Catholic faith, this teen's relationship with God is renewed by the amazing journey.

Even though I have not been a teenager for quite a while, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will enthusiastically pass it along to teens and adults I know. Awakening is packed with religious substance. It has a love story, plus addresses difficult issues such as the death of parents and siblings, promiscuity, mother-daughter relationships, and relating to Jesus in the modern world. (Veronica's conversations with Jesus are very moving.)This book gives a fresh look at the last supper and the stations of the cross from a teen's perspective. The plot is well-planned and the symbolism is fun to uncover. A short read, at only 149 pages, Awakening makes a nice stocking stuffer this holiday season.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Awakening.


2 comments:

Monique said...

I haven't heard about this book! I look forward to reading it!

Loren said...

Thanks for visiting here, Chicks.

Dear Internet Traveler,

Welcome to my writer's blog, started about six years ago for fun. Over time, the writing I have posted has ranged from personal reflection, to Long Island history research, to tall tales for my own amusement, to feature articles for local newspapers. As you can see from topics listed here, I travel in many mental directions in regard to interests. Click on the tabs and labels to explore my strange mind which senses that you may be having a criss-cross day. If so, perhaps this blog will distract you. However, please note that if you tell me my blog is beautiful just to get me to advertise rhinoplasty surgery and cheap drugs from Canada in your comment, I will ask the gods to give you a tail that cannot be concealed.

Fondly,

Loren Christie

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