Comments about
M. E. Kerr's and Mary James' Books

The purpose of this page is to have a forum for all of us to share our thoughts and opinions about M. E. Kerr's books. I hope that we can have interesting discussions about M. E. Kerr's work and for whom it's relevant, help each other formulate ideas for paper topics and other projects we might embark on for school, etc. For the most part, you may assume that the comment is my own. If the comments were submitted to me by someone else, I'll attribute them accordingly. I'll try to organize the comments by book title, going in alphabetical order. If you would like to contribute to this page, please click here:   SOCK IT TO ME!


WARNING!!!
SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't read the book, you might want to avoid reading the comments about it until you have. The comments might give away plot points. I also recommend M. E. Kerr's short stories "The Green Killer" and "The Author" found in Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing. You'll know the significance once you've read them.


CHOOSE BOOK TITLE:

The Author (short story)
Blood on My Forehead
Books of Fell
Deliver Us From Evie
Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack
Fell
Fell Back
Fell Down
Frankenlouse
Gentlehands
"Hello," I Lied
I Stay Near You
If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?
Is That You, Miss Blue?
Little Little
Linger
Love is a Missing Person
Night Kites
Shockproof Sydney Skate
Shoebag
Shoebag Returns
The Shuteyes
Slap Your Sides
Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers
The Son of Somebody Famous
What Became of Her
Your Eyes in Stars

The Author (short story)

Date: Monday, September 22, 2003
Submitted by: Mike A
age: I have a Tamagotchi/Giga Pet/Dino Pet (but I don't play with it anymore).

Comment: The Author was too short. It just kind of ended. I wanted more time spent on the ending and more on the main character starting to really be an author.


Blood on My Forehead: What I Know About Writing

Submitted by: Brittney
Email address: brittneyc@girlslife.com
Book recommendation: Different People like different things., I love Harry Potter!
age: I have a Tamagotchi/Giga Pet/Dino Pet (but I don't play with it anymore).

Comment: When this book was assigned to me, I figured it would be a textbook sort of thing. I didn't expect interesting and well written stories that relate to young people and people like me. I really appreciate the way she takes the time to educate young readers.


Blood on My Forehead: What I Know About Writing

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: MICHELLE

This is a great book for people who like knowing the story behind the story. M. E. Kerr gives background information for five short stories and four books. I enjoyed reading the short stories because I had not had the chance to read them before. There are also sample chapters from each book that's discussed. I had read each of these books before and in fact own all but one so it was a bit of a let down to see the same material again. But I see her objective. Blood on the Forehead is a teaching book, thus the chapters were included as concrete examples of her writing process. In that sense, I must say I was in the mood to read the books after each discussion. Also, anyone interested in writing will find the guidance M. E. Kerr offers in this book to be helpful and clearly presented.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: T-Backs, T-Shirts, COAT and Suit by E. L. Konigsburg (1993)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: Where'd You Get that Vibe? (album) by Agents of Good Roots (1996)

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Deliver Us From Evie

your name: Jessie
Submitted: Monday, December 22, 2003 at 18:06:44

Book Recommendation(s): "Deliver Us From Evie"..hmm..."Weetzie Bat" by Francesca Lia Block
Music Recommendation(s): Ani Difranco---Pretty much any album of hers...but especially "Not a Pretty Girl"
Movie/tv recommendations(s): Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Lost and Delirious, Rocky Horror, Edward Scissorhands

snack choice: something with both like...um...chocolate covered potato chips.
vacation choice: hang around the hotel and enjoy the various amenities.
kickback choice: taking a nap.

Comment: I just wanted to comment and voice how much I loved Deliver Us From Evie. I read it my sophomore year, as it was the only lesbian-themed book I could find in our school library. I can't even begin to say how much it meant to me to be able to identify with this book. I found myself relating to so much of it...I'm from a small farm town, and the reactions of the other people there were so accurate. I loved that the parents were understandable...They acted the way most parents from a conservative background would...Trying to be supportive at times, yet dissaproving and not quite being able to understand. Evie was obviously my favorite character, and her little brother reminded me in some ways of my own little brother. Anyway, the story helped me out a lot when I needed it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for writing this book.


Deliver Us From Evie

Date: Friday, October 11, 2002
Time: 7:25 PM EST
Submitted by: lee
Recommended book: Dogeaters by jessica hagedorn
Recommended music: indigo girls
Recommended movie: schindler's list (movie)
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: i found deliver us from evie when i was 11 i think it was the first young adult book i read with a gay or lesbian character in it. later the book along with some others helped me realize more that i was not the only gay or questioning teen out there. it's reassuring to find a book with gay characters that are not portrayed as bad or doomed. just wanted to tell M.E. Kerr thanks for writing. i still go back and read parts of deliver us from evie when i don't feel all that great about myself.


Deliver Us From Evie

This comment is courtesy of: Alma (12/99) I just discovered M.E. Kerr after a discussion with a co-worker about what we call "the depressing wasteland of young adult literture" Not without merit, just ex- tremely depressing. I read DELIVER US FROM EVIE because I hadn't read a good young adult novel dealing with lesbianism since ANNIE ON MY MIND by Nancy Gardener. I have a vested interested in good young adult literature for gay teens. Now I'm tripping-I've read DINKY HOCKER SHOOTS SMACK, DELIVER US FROM EVIE and IS THAT YOU, MISS BLUE? in about two hours. I read fast. I'm a librarian assistant. The two aren't necessarily related, but I do love to read. Thanks for the chance to comment on a cool writer.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Deliver Us From Evie
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: Indigo Girls, Meliss Ethridge, TLC

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Deliver Us From Evie

This comment is courtesy of: M. E. Kerr (11/98) I was amazed and delighted to come upon the comment about the use of the name Parr. I did not remember that at the end of Fell Down, I had introduced a new character named Parsons, or Parr. Then, of course, years later that name was used for my protagonist in Deliver Us From Evie. That name must have some karma for me. Some names are lucky for me. Leogrande is one. Pennington is another. And Blessing. The first name, Sydney. I use them now and then, and have for years in suspense books written some time ago. I wrote a book called The Damnation of Adam Blessing, and a rock band took the title as its name. They were around for a few years in the 60's...Adam Blessing, of course, is also the name of my central character in The Son of Someone Famous. Whoever spotted the "Parr" thing, I bow to. I'll have to visit this website often, to see what I can learn from readers. I would visit it anyway, I think - it's so handsome...but it becomes intriguing when a reader spots something like that. Thanks! M.E. Kerr

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Deliver Us From Evie

This comment is courtesy of: Webmaster I read this after hearing about the various accolades it had received. So my expectations were pretty high. Though I had heard it was good, I didn't know it was set in farmlands. This setting is unfamiliar to me - aside from what I learned from reading Charlotte's Web and watching "Babe" - so it was definitely something new for me. I think it's important for people to appreciate how we non-farmers are affected by the trials and tribulations of farmers. I thought as a reader, I caught a glimpse of life on a farm. But I'm sure with technology farming is not very hands-on. Then again, what do I know? Also, I thought Parr's conflict about being supportive of Evie and yet being motivated by selfishness to hurt her was interesting. And I agree with those who found it refreshing that Evie and Patty's relationship wasn't completely doomed. Overall, my expectations were met.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Coffee Will Make You Black by April Sinclair (1994)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: Dreaming of You (album) by Selena (1995) - I got into this after I saw the movie.

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Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

submitted by: Kent Wiseman on Wednesday, January 05, 2005 at 12:36:48

snack choice: something salty.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: watching tv.

Comment: Hello M.E. Kerr I am doing dinky kockershoots smack for my literature fair in grade seven. Its is in under three weeks,i am very exited.I hope you are glad that I chose your book,I am. It was a verry good book. In fact it was the greatest book iv'e read so far in my life. I only like certain books but this one was awsome. i did'nt want to put it down and when i was done i was sad because i had nothing good to read. I hope you write back in time for my literature fair thanks!


Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2003
Time: 5:32 PM EST
Submitted by: Sheri Flood
age: I used to play Frogger, Centipede and Pacman at the arcade.

Comment: Didn't Rikki Lake play Dinky in Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack? Please let me know. Thank you, Sheri


Response:
Hi Sheri: Thanks for your question. The actress who played Dinky in the tv movie (1979) was Wendie Jo Sperber. She played the sister of Michael J. Fox' character in the Back to the Future series. -- Michelle, Webmaster of www.mekerr.com

Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Time: 11:48 AM EST
Submitted by: Shiryl
Email address: the_katz_meow2000@yahoo.com
book_name: i wanted to know more about u and would really like it 4 u to send me back
music recs: i like heavy metal -korn -best song here to stay
movie recs: every kind dont matter
books read: Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! 1972, Night Kites 1986, Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing 1998, What Became of Her 2000, The Shuteyes 1993
other book recs: Dinky HOcker was the best
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: hello i'm shiryl i didnt mean 2 put none of your bees wax but i'm 13 and we r studying about you here in innisfree delnorte school. so we were very interested in your books because you wrote dinky hocker right? we watched that here in grade 8 my teacher miss weigl is very interested in your work also and so if u could be so kind to send me back at 1 of 2 of my e-mail adddresses u can send me at any 1 of them ok here they r cream_puff13@hellokitty.com or the_katz_meow2000@yahoo.com ok so u can send me at 1 of those adrresses ok well its been very nice talking to you bye bye 4 now your favorite fan Shiryl Richards


Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Time: 11:58 AM EST
Submitted by: tweeter
book recs: r.l stine
music recs: korn
name: Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! 1972, What I Really Think of You 1982, Fell Down 1991, What Became of Her 2000, The Shuteyes 1993
other book recs: they are not as good as the others
age: I remember a time before "Parental Discretion Advised" stickers on music releases.

Comment: your books are really cool.


Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Time: 11:59 AM EST
Submitted by: matt douglas
Email address: fatmatt@hotmail.com
name: Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! 1972, Him She Loves? 1984, Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing 1998, What Became of Her 2000, Shoebag Returns 1996
age: I remember when people used to watch Beta.

Comment: your books are so cool


Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! 1972, I Stay Near You 1985, Linger 1993

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2000
Time: 5:34 PM EST
Submitted by: Candice
E-mail address: candicedawn_02@hotmail.com
Book Recommendations: We Are Still Married- Garrison Keillor, Summer Sisters- Judy Blume
Music Recommendations: Dave Matthews Band/Crash, Harry Connick Jr./To See You
Movie/TV Recommendations: A LIFE LESS ORDINARY, Boston Public
age: I remember a time before "Parental Discretion Advised" stickers on music releases.

Comment: Dinky Hocker is a smart and lively amusing book. I read it when I was younger and loved it, then I went back and read it again years later. It was like reading a different book because there was so much more I picked up on. I Stay Near You is my favorite M.E. Kerr book of all time. It was beautifully written with amazing characters and an unbelievably well-developed plot. Is 15 years too much of a time interval for a sequel? Linger is also a great book... one that has much of the same mindframe as I Stay Near You.


Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

Submitted by: Cristal, 7/00
TV/MOVIE RECOMMENDATION: Buffy The Vampire Slayer
AGE: I have a Tamagotchi/Giga Pet/Dino Pet (but I don't play with it anymore).

Comment: I think Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack was a very cool book, though a lot of my teachers shortened the name to dinky hocker (probably because the didnt want to talk about someone (even though she wasn't) on heroine, cuz the dont wanna give us ideas. I'd recommed the book for teens 12-15. Like me and my friends. Its very good.


Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!

This comment is courtesy of: Webmaster

This book is an example of Kerr's ability to combine all the essential facts of realistic YA fiction into a unique reading experience for all. According to Sutherland and Arbuthnot (1991), "In a realistic story everything that happens could happen. Sometimes the adventures of the hero or heroine may seem rather improbable but still merit the classification of realistic because they are possible. A realistic story is a tale that is convincingly true to life" (p. 344). In "Dinky Hocker", the characters and situations are somewhat offbeat and at times extreme. However, everything in the book is certainly plausible if not exactly expected or common. The themes Kerr tackles in this novel are quite serious ones, including drug and food addictions, mental illness, politics and strained parent-child relationships. And the teenage romances become complicated because of the role the aforementioned issues play in the characters' lives.

Of course, Dinky, a food addict who feels unloved by her parents, is an interesting and complex character. But the parents are an intriguing bunch themselves. Tucker's parents are well-meaning but distracted by the disruptions in their middle-class existence. Mrs. Hocker is also well-meaning but only when it comes to members of her rehab group. "The contrast between Tucker's mother and Dinky's mother is an example of one of Kerr's favorite techniques: setting up contrasting sets of characters in order to give readers more to think about" (Nilsen, 1986, p. 28). Throughout "Dinky Hocker", Kerr juxtaposes realism with borderline credibility of her plot and characters to give her readers plenty to think about.

Adapted from Koh, M. (1991)  M. E. Kerr:  A critical perspective.  Unpublished manuscript.  Teachers College, Columbia University.
References
Nilsen, A. P. (1986)   Presenting M. E. Kerr.  Boston:  Twayne.
Sutherland, Z. and Arbuthnot, M. H. (1991)   Children and Books.   New York:  HarperCollins.

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Fell

submitted by: Ellen M. Cox on Sunday, December 19, 2004 at 13:48:21
snack choice: something salty.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: hanging out in the park.

Book Recommendation(s): Gentlehands
Kerr book(s): Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! 1972, Fell Back 1989, Deliver Us From Evie 1994
other title(s): All the Fell books are great but I haven't read Books of Fell.
[Note: Ellen, I put your comment under Fell/Books of Fell because BOF is just all 3 Fell books in one so you have read it after all!]

I started reading M.E. Kerr's books for a Children's Literature course in college. She is my favorite writer because of how she describes her character's emotions and their thoughts of experiencing intimacy for the first time.


Fell


Date: Friday, January 17, 2003
Time: 5:56 PM EST
Submitted by: Katie
Email address: Alizacatz@aol.com
music rec: Green Day
movie/tv recs: Back to the Future/ Malcolm in the Middle
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: I enjoyed all of the Books of Fell, but when she left the ending as a cliffhanger I was upset and rushed to the website to find the answers. How did Nels die, DID Nels die? What's going to happen to Fell? If anyone knows the answers to these questions, Please email me! ~Kats


Fell


Date: Monday, October 14, 2002
Time: 5:47 PM EST
Submitted by: Leah
Email address: starshooter_13@yahoo.com
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: I have just recently finished reading "The Books of Fell" (Fell, Fell Back, and Fell Down) They were awesome pieces of literature that kept me guessing at every turn of the page. But when I finished "Fell Down" I was miserable as soon as I read the last sentence. A cliffhanger at the end of the series!!! I was shocked. It left me with so many questions. I would just like to know if there are more books in the series by different titles. If not, I would highly reccommend that M.E. Kerr work on a best seller, maybe by the title "Fell in Love." I must know how John Fell turns out in the end, but as it stands there isn't an end yet. Please notify me if there is another book in the series that I am not yet aware of. Thanks so much! Leah


Fell


Date: Saturday, July 13, 2002
Time: 11:29 AM EST
Submitted by: ~¤Amanda¤~
Email address: blueandpinkelephants@hotmail.com
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: I just finished all three "Fell" books, but Fell Down was so confusing! At first of course, but it all equalled out in the end. But the ending... I was so upset! You never figure out WHO killed Nels, or WHY Nels gave Anette the Sevens Diamond, and most importantly, WHAT happens to John! Like, he meets Diela's sister, and it ends! Such a cliffhanger!


Fell

Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2001
Time: 4:30 PM EST
Submitted by: Rebecca W. (Note from Webmaster: I wasn't sure how you wanted your name to appear. Hope this is okay. If not, please e-mail me.)
age: I remember a time before "Parental Discretion Advised" stickers on music releases.

Comment: I discovered "Fell" at seventeeen, loved it, and have been reading and re-reading every M.E. Kerr novel I can get my hands on since then. The characters and plots are engrossing, but most of all I love the lyricism of her writing. Her books read like poetry; after finishing one, I am always left in a sort of reflective haze. Thanks for creating works that will stay with me forever.


Fell

Submitted by: Jim K (1/01)
Email address: Ticke74@hotmail.com
movie_name: Farscape/Secret Adventures of Jules Verne
age: I remember when MTV hit the airwaves.

Comment: I remember Reading Fell when I was a freshmen in high school and it knocked me out. I could relate to John Fell better then any other literary character. He was the man of his house and had responsabilities similar to mine . I read all of the Fell series and I hungered for more, he was almost like a friend nd I wanted to know what became of him, after all his twists and turns, he kept true to his dreams, and never fully compromised himself. Though I hate to admit it I am 26 years old and find myself walking over to the young adults section of my local bookstore hoping to find another Fell book. Call me childish , but I do love a good book.

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Fell Back

Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Time: 10:05 AM EST
Submitted by: C. Brown (2/02)
Email address: hey_rani83@yahoo.com
movie_name: The Goonies
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: I have read Fell before and loved it, then this week I read the other two and I loved them both. I admire the way the M.E. Kerr makes the mysteries appear to be solved, but they aren't really. I liked Fell Back just as much as the other two, but I have to say, it was a little confusing at times. So how/why did Lenny Last actually die? I may have just read it too fast but maybe someone could explain it. I intend to read many other books by M.E. Kerr now that I know how well she writes and I want to thank her for her books.
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Fell Down

  I like reading mysteries so I got into the atmosphere M. E. Kerr was trying to convey. At first, I wanted the story to stay in the present without switching back and forth. But by the end, I was engaged in the Lenny Last back story also. I felt a bit out of the loop because of references to the past two Fell books. It's been a long time since I read them, and the details weren't fresh in my mind. I'm not sure how I feel about the recurrence of names. I guess it's M. E. Kerr's prerogative to name her characters how she sees fit. I'm referring to the characters named Parr (also seen in Deliver Us From Evie, who is deaf, like the character in Miss Blue..., and the one named April (to be honest, I can't remember where I saw this one before, but it sounds so familiar). I don't mind recurring characters though. I enjoy finding a good series and reading through it. I can tell, another Fell book is not out of the question. Maybe when Mary James is taking a break, we'll see another Fell book. Although, M. E. Kerr has said that she's interested in writing under yet another pen name so we have to wait and see.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E. L. Konigsburg (1967)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (album) by Lauryn Hill (1998)

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Frankenlouse

  This is the first book in the Mary James series, if I may call it that, I've read. The boarding school theme arose yet again. A possible comparison could be made between this book, Fell and Is That You, Miss Blue? since these are also set at boarding schools. These three books are all examples of M. E. Kerr/Mary James drawing upon her personal experience. Though, the latter two books are geared towards a slightly older audience. I was pretty impressed by Nick's talent. "Frankenlouse" is a highly creative concept. I thought Kerr/James was setting up for a sequel in NYC with the cast of characters including Nick, Jessie and Caleb - all being at the same fine arts high school and Aaron - studying dance. I guess a sequel isn't completely out of the question. The setting would probably remain at Blister Academy.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: I know this is a stretch, but I like the new GAP ads with Missy Elliot and Run-DMC.

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Gentlehands

Submitted by: Courtenay on Thursday, October 12, 2006
Book Recommendation(s): To Kill A Mockingbird
Music Recommendation(s): The Pink Spiders/ Teenage Grafitti/ Teenage Grafiti
Movie/tv recommendations(s): Gilmore Girls
snack choice: something salty.
vacation choice: hang around the hotel and enjoy the various amenities.
kickback choice: taking a nap.

Comment: I hated this book. The characters were stereotypical and Buddy's evolution was backwards. At the beginning, he seemed like a well-adjusted nice guy, but, by the end of the book, Buddy was a stubborn jerk. The ending was confusing, too. What happens between Skye and Buddy, and does Streaker ever get cookies again? Does Buddy ever readjust to life inside his own family? Seriously, who would end a book like that? What possessed you to do that?!?!?! It's driving me crazy that you did that and I would just like to know why.


Gentlehands

Submitted by: Melinda Ann Davis on Saturday, July 16, 2005
Book Recommendation(s): Non--fiction: Gift of a Letter by Alexandra Stoddard
Music Recommendation(s): Phantom of the Opera...CD from movie
Movie/tv recommendations(s): Phantom of the Opera
snack choice: None of the options apply to me.
vacation choice: hang around the hotel and enjoy the various amenities.
kickback choice: taking a nap.

Comment: My 14 year-old daughter recently chose to read Gentlehands (it was one of the many books she could have read...listed on her school's summer reading list). After she finished, I asked her opinion. She said that it was good, sad and a bit creepy. Until she added the word, "creepy", I was inclined to read it. I asked if the people in the book were creepy and she said "no," so I chose to read it as well.

It was a true page-turner. I read late into the night. I had just a couple of chapters left when my husband persuaded me to turn out the light. As I lay in bed, I was tired but unready to sleep as my mind was so very busy sifting through the themes in this book.

When I finished, I told my daughter that I WANTED to write a paper on this book (even though as a Mom, I would not be "required" to)!

I did not realize until I completed my reading that the book was written in 1978. Therefore, I could have read this book YEARS AGO (I graduated from high school in 1982)!


Gentlehands


Submitted by ''Sean'' on Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Book Recommendation(s): "Black Hawk Down"
Music Recommendation(s): Incubus-Morning View and all of their CD's
Movie/tv recommendations(s): Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
snack choice: None of the options apply to me.
vacation choice: None of the options apply to me.
kickback choice: playing video games.

Comment: Dear Mrs. Kerr,

I am in 8th grade and have just finished reading your book Gentlehands and have mixed feelings. The characters and the plot was strong, However, I only wish that the parts when the war criminals were exposed would be closer to the begining of the book and that there would be less of Skye and Buddy flirting at her house at the begging of the book.

Peace


Gentlehands

Submitted: Friday, May 13, 2005 by Morgan T.
website: www.mekerr.com

Comment: Dear mrs.M.E. Kerr,
i love the book gentlehands...the only thing is, is that i do not understand the part when skye and buddy smoke the pot or "grass" and they get high..do they have sexual activity? that is something that me my teacher and classmates all wondered about..
      Thanks,
      Morgan T.
Please respond


From: Mekerr13@aol.com
Date: Sat, 14 May 2005
Subject: Gentlehands
To: Morgan T.

Dear Morgan, Thanks for your question. I never thought of Buddy and Skye having sex when they smoked the pot. I'm glad you like the book.Cheers! mekerr


Gentlehands

Submitted: Sunday, October 10, 2004 at 14:36:10

website: aim.com
Book Recommendation(s): GentleHands
Music Recommendation(s): Ying Yang Twins/Whats Happeninin
Movie/tv recommendations(s): James Bond Die Another Day/WildBoyz
snack choice: something sweet.
vacation choice: relax at the beach.
kickback choice: playing video games.

Comment:
Dear M. E. Kerr

My name is Billy G. I am in the seventh grade at Centerville junior high and read your book for a book report and I thought it was incredibly interesting. It talks about many serious junctures in history and seems as if you are there seeing it all happen. Some parts were really sad and others were surprising. I never thought Buddy's grandpa would be Gentlehands! It was sad when Nicholas L. De Lucca wrote about people getting murdered in Auschwitz and when somebody killed Mignon. Some of it's stong points were how it was very realistic and dramatic, and De Lucca was very interesting. Some of it's weak points were that alot of it was really unclear like two examples are pages 167 and 174, on page 167 Buddy said "I had an idea I did know, that the "package" on its way to Stanton Stamp Shop was my grandfather.", I did not understand it ,but I thought maybe his grandfather was in the package, and on page 174 Buddy said, "I think I know where he is, and where! Renner is, too.", where was he talking about? Enormous amounts of people have read this book and liked it and I have recommended it to a lot of my friends because it was so strong and intense.

From Billy G.


Gentlehands

Submitted by: Angela on Monday, May 24, 2004 at 19:57:10
snack choice: something with both like...um...chocolate covered potato chips.
vacation choice: hang around the hotel and enjoy the various amenities.
kickback choice: watching tv.

Comment: Gentlehands is a good book; I just finished reading it in English class and it's content is very interesting. You'll be so into the book after the first few chapters.


Gentlehands


Submitted by: MandaPanda on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 16:00:52

Book Recommendation(s): Gentle Hands. Fell 1987 Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing 1998 Slap Your Sides 2001 Shoebag 1990
Music Recommendation(s): Simple Plan; Blink 182; Good Charlotte
Movie/tv recommendations(s): American Idol

snack choice: something with both like...um...chocolate covered potato chips.
vacation choice: relax at the beach.
kickback choice: going to the movies.


Gentlehands


Submitted by: Edward Bell on Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 12:20:35

Book Recommendation(s): gentle hands
Music Recommendation(s): diamon rio
Movie/tv recommendations(s): one tree hill

snack choice: None of the options apply to me.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: going to the gym.

Comment: I am a 17 rd old junior at Green Run High school though i have a very busy schedule between work, school,sports,and friends i try to read a book. you are my favorite author. when i read gentle hands i felt like i was the character. I used to work in a soda and ice cream shop and hand the similar family and similar condidiions. i even dated my own personal "sky" who was at a high social class. most of what happened in the book i was able to put my life into it. The only major difference was the grandfather. I think you for writing a book i was able to take my mind off things i have just started reading slap your sides.


Gentlehands

Submitted by: Elizabeth Wetherby on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 09:04:14

Book Recommendation(s): Gentle Hands
Music Recommendation(s): keith Urban "raining on sunday"
Movie/tv recommendations(s): n/a
Kerr book(s): Gentlehands 1978,I Stay Near You 1985, Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing 1998, Slap Your Sides 2001, The Shuteyes 1993

snack choice: something sweet.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: going to the gym.

Comment: Hello!....i just want to say that "GentleHands" is the best book i've ever read. This is the only book where i can actually put myself into the charactors place, its such an Amazing book!....thanks for allowing us readers, to read your book!. Sincerly Elizabeth


Gentlehands

your name: Deadlydandelion
submitted on: Friday, January 02, 2004 at 00:11:11
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Book Recommendation(s): Anything by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes or Iris Johansen
Music Recommendation(s): Matchbox 20, Dir En Grey, Utada Hikaru
Movie/tv recommendations(s): Movie: I Am Sam TV: One Tree Hill Kerr book(s): Gentlehands 1978

snack choice: something sweet.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: surfing the web.

Comment: Gentlehands, ahh, the book that got me started with M.E. Kerr. I just loved that book and that some of the other books were set in the same town. The emotion in that book really got to me.

Nitekites was very sad, but true. It is one of my favorite books to this day. (ME Kerr being one of my favorite authors) The bittersweet ends that she puts on her books, especially this one, amazes me.

The Books Of Fell was truly.....fascinating, John Fell is my favorite character, to ever be in any of ME Kerr's books! He truly is amazing.

Well, thanks for listening, Bye!


Gentlehands

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2003
Time: 11:22 PM EST
Submitted by: Chad
Email address: thechad90000@yahoo.com
music rec: Skillet/Alien Youth
tv rec: Friends
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: I really liked the book but I didn't think that he should have lost Skye at the end.


Gentlehands


Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Time: 10:24 PM EST
Submitted by: anna
book recs: Gentlehands, Rifles for Watie, Nancy Drew
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: I liked your book Gentlehands. I had to read it in my 8th grade English class for a report about the Holocaust. I thought it was a great book in general, but when researching about the Holocaust, there was only stuff about it in the last 50 pages of the book. I think you should write a sequel and write more about what happened to Grandpa Trenker and Buddy. Also, I don't think you should have had Mignon die or at least you could have had a bigger part about Mignon's burial. All in all I loved the book!


Gentlehands

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2003
Time: 2:58 AM EST
Submitted by: waterscalming
age: I remember a time before "Parental Discretion Advised" stickers on music releases.

Comment: I read the book in middle school, I instantly fell in love with it after I was done reading it. It made me feel sudden emotions that could not be repeated from any other book. If you have not read "Gentlehands" I recommend it highly I can not praise it enough. Everyone who has not read this has no clue what they are missing.


Gentlehands

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Time: 12:49 PM EST
Submitted by: Cookie
Email address: Hot.stud.here13@aol.com
music rec: Rap/rock
movie rec: Matrix
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: What are some Sterotyping in the novel Genltehands?What are the literary Deviced you used in the book Genlthands? I thought that your book was good. It reminded me of my family because we are from the east coast. Know i live in Iowa which is fun but i miss the ocean.


Gentlehands

Date: Monday, February 24, 2003
Time: 6:14 PM EST
Submitted by: Cara Healey

book rec: Gentle hands was a great story that we recently read in my English class. I think everyone enjoyed it. We discussed the theme of the story and everyone had something good to say about it!!!

music rec: Good Charlotte...'Lifestyles of the rich and famous.'...I like that kind of punk thing....another great song is 'I'd do anything' by Simple Plan

movie rec: Movies are my thing...if you are like me and love to watch love stories "Sweet home alabama" is a good movie for you....a good teen flick is "10 things I hate about you"
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: From what I have read you are a great author. I loved gentlehands. I could hardly put it down. I wouldn't of read any of your stories if it wasn't for our school picking your book to assign to us. Thank You


Gentlehands


Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Time: 7:14 PM EST
Submitted by: Jes Jeffreys
Email address: JessNicole827@aol.com
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: Gentlehands is the best book i have ever read in my life. Which I do not like reading so that could be a reason. I read very few books. Only when I have to. It usualy takes me two weeks to read a book the size of Gentlehands, but i read it in two days. You never want to put it down or at least i didn't.


Gentlehands

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2002
Time: 12:04 PM EST
Submitted by: Garam109
book recommendation: Armageddon Summer
music recommendation: Good Charlotte/Good Charlotte/The Little Things
movie or tv recommendation: Degrassi
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: I am reading Gentlehands with my eight grade class. I finished it when we were supposed to be on chapter 4. I liked it THAT much. It is currently one of my favorite books. I didn't think I'd like it being an eigth grade boy but Ms. Kerr kept my interest until the very end. I was up until 11:30 on a school night reading it. I hope she will come out with more quality books like that. Signed, Garam109


Gentlehands

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2002
Time: 12:05 PM EST
Submitted by: Bobby Krempel
book recommendation: Harry Potter
music recommendation: Shania Twain/ Up / I'm Gonna Get Ya
movie or tv recommendation: Ripley's Believe it or Not.
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: Dear M.E. Kerr, I am reading your book GentleHands with my 8th Grade class. I am about halfway through the book and so far, I really like it. I hope Buddy ends up Marrying Skye someday. By the way, my name is also Buddy. I look forward to finishing the book and reading the ending. I am very anxious to finish. I also look forward to reading some of your other books after I am done. I really admire the way you write.I ask you to PLEASE WRITE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely, Buddy Graves


Gentlehands

Date: Friday, June 28, 2002
Time: 3:41 AM EST
Submitted by: Jaimee
Email address: jaimee@mail.com
Music Recommendations: Mandy Moore (Only Hope, Cry, and it's gonna be love).
Movie Rec: A walk to remember (movie).
Kerr book recs: Gentlehands 1978, Me Me Me Me Me: Not a Novel 1983, Linger 1993, What Became of Her 2000
Other book recs: Chinese Cinderella (a true story of an unwanted daughter), Searching for David's heart, So far from the bamboo grove.
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: I thought Gentlehands was brilliant! It was deprssing how a man took so much from a community of cowards and lemmings (an animal that follows the leader even if it jumps off a cliff). Would you PLEASE write a sequel to gentlehands...I am reading it for summer school and i am addicted to your books.Thanks! -Jaimee


Gentlehands

Date: Monday, May 20, 2002
Time: 12:35 PM EST
Submitted by: IBM
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: Why in the world did you have to end the book Gentlehands, like you did?? I mean you could have told what happened between Skye and Buddy and what happened to Grahm Cracker, but no you had to end the book with the sweater on the floor with the four operas that Skye liked all wrapped around it. THat was very rude. Why didn't he pick up the sweater and why didn't he care about Grahm CRacker coming down from the tree.


Gentlehands

Date: Sunday, April 28, 2002
Time: 12:01 AM EST
Submitted by: Robby
Email address: hammerhead@aol.com
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: Gentlehands was a very good book it was better than Harry Potter.The part where the dog died the meaning was very clear why u did that.


Gentlehands

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2002
Time: 3:10 AM EST
Submitted by: Courtney
Email address: celliott02@houston.rr.com
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: Hi, I just recently read Gentlehands in my English class. I am in 8th grade and have Renae Tice as my teacher. She told our class that she wrote you and that you responded so I think that is really sweet of you because not very may people actually write back. Anyway I think that was one of the best books I have ever read and I thought it was cool that it was actually based on a true story. Don't listen to what people say about the ending because I thought it was good and I was so happy when Skye broke up with him because if he where to find out she was using him he would be even more heart broken then he is with them breaking up. I thought that it was a good thing he turned Grandpa in because he deserved to go to jail, I mean he was a sweet guy in all but murdering innosent people is just wrong. But I think you could have left the dog part out, but if people think about it a animal dieing is not as important as likke 20 Jews dieing everyday for no reason. Well you a! re know one of my favorite authors and I think you should make a sequael to this book. Well I just thought you would like to here my opinions to your wonderful book. Well g2g (got to go)


Gentlehands

Date: Friday, March 22, 2002
Time: 10:20 AM EST
Submitted by: Mary Kate
age: It's none of your beeswax.
movie_name: Yes it should become a movie

Comment, part I: I thought the book was written really well, I don't like how it ends just like that.

Comment,part II: I do not like how the story just ends that way right in the middle of nowhere. I also didn't like the part when the doggy died it wasn't fair it was plain rude! Just because Nick was mad at Grandpa Trenker didn't mean he had to kill Mignon, But also Grandpa Trenker did not have the right to kill his cousin.


Gentlehands

Date: Sunday, March 3, 2002
Time: 6:44 PM EST
Submitted by: Black Kitty
movie_name: Clue
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: In the book Gentlehands, Why the hell did the dog have to die?!!! I don't want to sound totally hateful but that was really not necessary! I know it was to prove the point that people hated grandpa because he used to be a nazi, but she could have shown it a different way. That just turned me off of all your books. Do the animal lovers a favor and stop the killing. Y ou had to put in all the lovely details, and i was starting to like the book, i thought that for once school had made me read a whothwhile book. Oh well can't change the past, just thought i'd let you know!

-concerned reader

Response from: M. E. Kerr

We should ask the reader why the jews had to die? Typically, we react to one animal, but not six million plus innocent people.


Response from: Webmaster

I thank Black Kitty for submitting the comment above and am happy to add it to the Comments section here. I just wanted to say that M. E. Kerr is an avid animal lover and has a long history of rescuing cats and dogs from the animal shelter.


Gentlehands


Date: Thursday, January 17, 2002
Time: 3:07 PM EST
Submitted by: Ryan Schneer
Email address: Metboy3118@aol.com
book_name: no more dead dogs, future eden
music_name: weezer, red hot chilli peppers
movie_name: happy gillmore
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: is gentle hands based on klaus barbie? they share qualities, they both love animals, fled to south america, were caught by nazi hunters, and were found in the 70s


Gentlehands


Date: Saturday, May 12, 2001
Time: 7:29 AM EST
Submitted by: Hussein Al-alak
Email address: hussy_al_2000@yahoo.co.uk
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: I first read Gentlehands when I was in my third year in high school. The first time I read this book I was fixed from the start and had to read it again. What amazed me, was the way the characters interacted with one another and how Kerrs genius was able to break through the barriers of social stigma.

The thing that interests me though, is the character Frank Trenker. In the book, Kerr is able to draw out this character with all his contradictions. She is able to bring a character to life, who in the book was fiction, but in reality these people existed. This is the issue that draws you into the book. On the one hand Trenker is handing out his words of wisdom to both Skye and Buddy on relationships, music etc. On the other hand, Trenker displays his disgust at the way animals are treated, like when Graham gets caught in the trap. With Frank you do get to feel that he is a genuine fellow and this is where Kerr knocks you down as the reader.

Even six years on as I re-read Gentlehands, Kerr proves her skill as a writer as her books stand on there own, but I am curious and would love an answer, Did Frank Trenker exist in reality?


Gentlehands


Date: Monday, March 26, 2001
Time: 9:42 AM EST

Submitted by: See Thao
book_name: beauty, gentlehands
music_name: Savage Garden, Westlife
movie_name: Mad TV
age: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: I liked ME Kerr's book, Gentlehands, very much.


Gentlehands

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: Rachel Kellerman (2/00)   Comment: hello, My name is rachel Kellerman. We are reading your bood in our class and i am doing some extra credit. I need to know some info. for my exitra credit and i would like to ask you some questions about your book. First what gave you the idea for writing this book? How long have you written books. Why did you write this book. Please send me some answers to my questions.

Gentlehands and Fell

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: RACHEL (2/99)   I have read so many of M.E. Kerr's books I feel as if I am an expert on her writing. I love how, even though she is a girl, she can pull off writing from the male's opinion. Her writing style is so mysterious!

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Gentlehands, I Stay Near You, Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing and Shoebag

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: J Louis M (2/00)   I enjoyed her books more than any other that I have ever read.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Gentlehands
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: No Dobt/Tragic Kingdom/Spiderwebs/pop-alternitive, Korn/issues/Falling away from me/Hardcore, Limp Bizkit/Significant other/Nookie/Rap,

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"Hello," I Lied

  First of all, I wasn't crazy about the cover, but of course, I didn't judge it from just that. While I was reading the book, I just didn't picture Lang Penner as looking like the guy on the cover. I didn't envision any character in the book looking like the illustration. But superficial impressions aside, I really did read the whole book so I have more to say. For some reason, I found the story a bit hard to get into but once I did, I found it a good read. The premise seemed like a teenager's fantasy - spending the summer on a rock star's estate and getting involved in his life. And I like fantasies. It was interesting that Lang was already in a developed romantic relationship from the onset since relationships usually develop over the course of time in M. E. Kerr books. But this only added to the soap opera of Lang's life as he became friendly with Huguette. This book left me wanting more. I really wanted more to happen between Huguette and Lang. I wondered what would happen between Lang and Alex. This book is easy to picture as a movie. But M. E. Kerr's experience with "Dinky Hocker", the afterschool special, didn't whet her appetite for more. She said she learned she prefers to work on her ideas on her own rather than with others, as she had to do with the tv special. She said she was especially disappointed with the casting of a skinny cat for Nader, Dinky's obese cat. So it's not likely that this book will be seen as a "film", as Alex would say.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg (1996)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: Led Zeppelin BBC Sessions (1997) (album)

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I Stay Near You

Date: Sunday, April 13, 2003
Time: 5:58 PM EST
Submitted by: Vanessa (Nessy)
Email address: sailorvnus2000@aol.com
music rec: I hope you dance
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: I am writing a report on authors and I was wondering how much they got paid for a book. Can anyone help me? I really want to be an author myself.


If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003
Time: 11:41 AM EST
Submitted by: moose
music recs: any type of rock and roll
movie recs: southpark
othertitle_name: your books are cool
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: i am in grade eight and that is all you need to know. please reply!


If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

Date: Saturday, January 25, 2003
Time: 4:39 PM EST
Submitted by: Cwaire
Email address: claire.dee2@virgin.net
music recs: buffy soundtrack various/dawsons creek soundtrack various
movie/tv recs: buffy/dawnsons creek
book recs: forever - judy blume
age: I remember when people used to watch Beta.

Comment: I just wanted to say how much I love the book - if I love you am i trapped forever I remember reading it at school when I was 13 along with forever - by judy blume - i would like to say i have just purchased both books as i have lost my original unfortunately - if i love you am i trapped forever is not being published anymore so i will have to make do with a second hand copy - i am now 28 years old and these two books are still the best and make me remember so many things, feelings and dreams some i would like to forget but most of all love and poetry and ones first love its amazing to think these books are over 25 years old and yet never seem to date and make perfect sense today as they did then many thanks


If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2003
Time: 5:38 PM EST
Submitted by: craziiiiiiii
Books read: If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever? 1973, What I Really Think of You 1982, Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing 1998, None, Shoebag Returns 1996
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: they are really good.


If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever?

This comment is courtesy of: bRZN gRL (10/98)   IT IS THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD! It motivates the reader to become romantically involved. The use of poetry within it, helps the reader become interested in a world either foreign or different to them. romantically involved. The use of poetry within it, helps the reader become interested in a world either foreign or different to them. The situation is an everyday one, boy and girl are together, and then the oddball comes in and steals the day, but it is not quite not that simple. It showws the growth that occurs within some people in highschool. It shows maturity and heartbreak. It renews faith in those who have not had an experience as unforgettable as she did. It WAS THE BOMB. I read it in seventh grade, and it is still one of my favorite.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: The Hottest State by Ethan Hawke and Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION:
TORI AMOS, BOYS FOR PELE, AND THE ROOTS, DO YOU WANT MORE?!?

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Is That You, Miss Blue?, What I Really Think of You 1982, Deliver Us From Evie 1994

This comment is courtesy of: Perry Gray (1/99)
I am interested in the religious theme that runs through these books. She is one of the few YA writers who includes characters who go to church (Deliver Us) or are ministers themselves (What I Really Think) or are deeply religious (Miss Blue) or in situations where they pray (Linger). There are more examples than this in all her books. Another preacher in Little,Little. Curious to know why....Also curious to know if there are any other books about the Gulf War. I think Linger is the only YA. Anyone have answers?
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Linger
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION:
"Signs Following" by Kate Campbell


Is That You, Miss Blue? 1975, Me Me Me Me Me: Not a Novel 1983, Linger 1993

Submitted by: Ashley (9/00)
Email address: xxrenee2005xx@hotmail.com
Subject: Comments about M. E. Kerr's Books
TV Recommendation: The wonder years (nick at nite)
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: Your a great writer with spirit.You are so down to earth. Your writing stlye is territory other writers haven't touched on as well as you. What else is there to say...Your simply the best! Good luck!


Is That You, Miss Blue? 1975

This comment is courtesy of: WEBMASTER
When I created this site, I decided to read M.E. Kerr's most recent books first. So I read a slew of them written in the male voice, as MEK currently writes since she found a wider audience with a male narrator. So in going back and reading this book, I found myself reading a story told completely in a female voice. So what's my point? I guess it's that I am glad there is a mix of narratives for fans to read, including the books in which the male and female voice alternate. Now, more about the book. Flanders definitely puts her finger on the hypocrisy of the Charles School, an Episcopal school, booting out Miss Blue for her religious convictions. It is also ironic that her parents are atheists and yet she ends up at Charles. The way that Flanders is first embarrassed by Miss Blue, then impressed by her teaching skills, and ultimately a champion of Miss Blue, is very believably described. It really shows some growth in her thinking. I don't know that I was so mature at her age. As the comment above this one raises, M.E. Kerr seems to show religion in all possible forms - positive, negative, neutral. There are characters who don't mean any harm and just want to live true to their beliefs (such as Miss Blue). Then there are those who treat religion as a business and try to use it to manipulate others (perhaps Knox Lionel in Little Little). There are atheists, agnostics, "unbelievers" (as Flanders calls herself) who are not religious in a conventional sense or at all. I can also appreciate the fantasy Flanders has at the end that she might run into Miss Blue on the street and see that she's doing all right. Who hasn't had similar thoughts, envisioning a nice resolution to a messy situation that may or may not have been within one's control?
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Little Little


Submitted by: Auburn Red on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 10:11:51
Book Recommendation(s): Too many to mention!
Music Recommendation(s): Loreena Mc Kennitt and Navan
Movie/tv recommendations(s): Merlin and the 10th Kingdom

snack choice: something salty.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: watching tv.

Comment: I am rereading Little Little for the first time in a long time (about a couple of years) I used to read and reread that book religiously all through high school, but now that I am older I appreciate it all the more. I love it for its satire, its humor (mostly in the words and the witty and sometimes even sarcastic narrations of Sydney and Little Little), and the characterizations mostly in the two protagonists and how very different the worlds that they came from were. (Particularly moving are the scenes when they both described when they first saw other dwarves. You can see how much that contact meant to them). Mostly I related to that book, because being a misfit myself I understand their reaction. How sometimes there is no sense "in a real world where you can't reach the handles of doors."


Little Little

 I recently re-read this book and was amazed at how many book recommendations M.E. Kerr had managed to fit into the story. It's a very impressive feat. I also enjoyed the alternating narrative, i.e., going from Sydney Cinnamon's POV to Little Little La Belle's. I also like how education is stressed. Sydney regrets dropping out of high school and tries to feed his mind with books. And then he goes back to school in the end. And Little Little loves English class so much she counts the minutes until class time. Of course, there's classic M.E. Kerr word play to liven things up such as "Sara Lee" - "similar and regular and like everyone else", how "Miss Lake's" cottage was "Mistakes" and how "Knox Lionel" takes the stage name "Opportunity Knox". What else is interesting is how Sydney and Little Little both give the reader background information on their pasts at the same time developing present story lines. So the reader is able to surmise some of the motivation behind these characters behavior and words. What's also nice is how they don't have a storybook romance. It's more about how they're kindred spirits who have similar beliefs and interests. And they have more important things to concentrate on besides thinking about marriage like finishing school, achieving personal goals (such as having your writing read outloud in English class) and developing their friendship.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: About A Boy and High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: De La Soul

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Linger

  This was the first M. E. Kerr book I read after a number of years of being behind. I had stopped keeping track of her new books after Fell Back due to other things I had to pay attention to in my life. I liked this book a lot. I liked how she wrote about the Gulf War and tried to show the point of view of different sides. On the other hand, Gary Peele's parents' blind admiration for Mr. Dunlinger and his restaurant seemed exaggerated. I guess it was supposed to be kind of pathetic and it was to me. Also, I thought the suicide of Carlos Elizondo was glossed over. It was such a shocking plot point, and yet, it was written almost as an aside. I understand M. E. Kerr was implying that he was devasted by the turn of events in which his father's business was ruined and INS wanted to send him (Carlos) back due to his illegal status. But I would've liked more explanation. I just don't think the issues of life and death should be treated lightly. At the same time, I appreciated Kerr's effort to address classism and class differences. This is a recurring theme in her books and would make a good paper topic.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Clockers by Richard Price (1992)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: "Linus and Lucy" [a/k/a Peanuts' theme song] by the Vince Guaraldi Trio

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Love is a Missing Person


Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2001
Time: 5:35 PM EST

Submitted by: Shari Vaughn
age: It's none of your beeswax.

Comment: I want to hear reactions from people who have read "Love is a missing Person" by ME Kerr


Night Kites


Comment by: Lovett
Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 21:37:51

Music Recommendation(s): Maroon 5, Kanye West...
Movie/tv recommendations(s): I like 80's and 90's movies... and anything w/ Tom Cruise...
snack choice: something sweet.
vacation choice: go see the sights.
kickback choice: going to the movies.

Comment: I just finished reading "Night Kites" by M.E. Kerr, and thought it was great! It was the first book I've never read anything written by her, and I was impressed. I was impressed by the reality of the novel with the struggels every character went through, and how it didn't end like a fairy tale, and I thougt it was better for that decision. What impressed me the most though were her characters, and how just their personalities and lives created such a good story. I also like it because I can relate with embracing being different and sometimes pushing it away to be one of the crowd. I would like to thank M.E. Kerr for writing this novel. It's made me realize even more so that life is to short, to waste it being somebody you're not.


Night Kites


Submitted by: Jockey on Friday, June 11, 2004 at 10:33:09
Book Recommendation(s): Am I Blue, or maybe its Are You Blue, a collection of short stories about being gay

Comment: I read Night Kites after I read that it was the first young adult novel dealing with gays. In Night Kites, Pete has some book ideas that sound kinda familiar. Did you or maybe someone else ever write a book with those ideas? Or maybe a short story? And you need a thing on your comments where I can put my website. Which is bibliofiles.blogspot.com, and I am about to review Night Kites on it.


Night Kites.....but I love them all


Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Time: 1:38 PM EST
Submitted by: Kat ~Ater_Aliquis~
Email address: ater_aliquis@hotmail.com
Re: Gentlehands 1978, Night Kites 1986, Hello, I Lied: A Novel 1997, What Became of Her 2000, None
age: I remember when MTV hit the airwaves.

Comment: I'd just like to say that all of your (M.E. Kerr) books have had an effect on me, whether I've felt that I became "part" of the book or that it left me with some sort of feeling when it ended. I'd like to read your whole collection of books, it's all a matter of getting a hold of them! Anyways, I just wanted to tell you that you've inspired me to read so much more now. Thanks. ~Kat


Night Kites

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Time: 2:12 PM EST
Submitted by: Jana
Email address: LOVE_Jane@web.de or Janosch0302@aol.com
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: Dear Miss Kerr, My English is not so good,but I hope you can understand me a little bit. Ihave read many books of you and now I read "Night kites".Its very interesting and I understand it good. I get it from my teacher and I must write a summary over all 19 chapter.But I dont know how. Can you help me perhaps?My grade in English is very good,but not to good for people in England or America to understand. Could you send me a summary about all 19 chapter(For 1st chapter,2nd chapter....)??? Please! You are the own author and best writer.I read your books every time and I like them,because you give some own feelings in the book back,I think. Please help me!I have time to Monday,the18th. Thank you!I will never forget that.I will be your greatest fan.And I will tell all my friends about your books!!!!Its a real word. Your fan Jane


Night Kites

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Time: 7:36 PM EST
Submitted by: Felicita
Email address: wolve1017@hotmail.com
book_name: I Stay Near You, In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
music_name: Usher, Mudvayne
movie_name: A Walk To Remember
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: The Book Night Kites was a very good book, but I just thought that Nicki was a wench in a half to be so...EVIL! Was the character based on a person you knew? How do you come up with the idea for this book? I could never have thought to write a story like that. I didn't even think It was possible. I have been inspired!


Night Kites

Submitted by: Ron Cerabona, 5/00.
MOVIE/TV RECOMMENDATION: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV show not movie)
AGE: I used to play Frogger, Centipede and Pacman at the arcade.

Comment: (I tried to put this in the discussion area), Re Night Kites: Good book but what puzzled me was (a) Erick seemed to have only one friend and (b) after News of his brother got out it seemed there should have been some sort of scene between Erick and Jack and/or Dill 9not saying it had to be a reconciliation, but SOMETHING). Ron


Night Kites

Submitted by: M. E. Kerr, 5/00.

Comment: Hi, Ron. Thanks for your interesting comments. When I wrote that book AIDS was so new (called GRID when I began it- Gay Related Immune Deficiency) there were many things I didn't do, mainly advise condoms, and cut the dad's speech about getting all the experience he could before he married.

It was my feeling Jack would never forgive him, ever, for taking his girl, but I feel you're right, (plus there was in those days a certain embarrassment about AIDS acknowledging those who had it etc.) but you're right, Dill would probably have reacted. and it should have been mentioned in some way. Thanks a lot for your interest, ron. Ciao! Mekerr
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Shockproof Sydney Skate

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2003
Time: 1:38 AM EST
Submitted by: Syd Pumpkin
Email address: Lupton
book rec: Holes
music rec: Eminem
movie rec: Catch Me if You Can
age: My favorite shows include "Arthur" and "Rugrats."

Comment: Hi, Does anyone out there smoke Galoise cigarettes?


Shoebag

Submitted by: JS on Tuesday, May 03, 2005
snack choice: None of the options apply to me.
vacation choice: relax at the beach.
kickback choice: going to the movies.

Comment: Ms. James My class has just got through with Shoebag. They loved it!! We are trying to find Shoebag Returns. We are having trouble finding it. They are dying to find out what happens next. I have never seen them so excited about a book before. Do you have any idea where I can get the book? I have been doing Shoebag for three years now with my class. I would love a copy of the sequel.

My response is: Shoebag Returns is currently out of print but let me refer you to the M. E. Kerr Bookstore. - Michelle, Webmaster


Shoebag

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2002
Time: 6:58 PM EST
Submitted by: Belinda Carer 5th grade teacher
Email address: carter.david.w.m@worldnet.att.net
age: I remember a time before "Parental Discretion Advised" stickers on music releases.

Comment: I read Shoebag to my class. They devoured it! I am in the process of trying to locate a copy of Shoebag Returns. They were thrilled about writing letters to Mary James. You can imagine their delight when she responded to EACH of the students!! She even sent the class a gentle, lovable cochroach that lives in the classroom and has become a sort of class mascot!! The story had hidden golden messages about the importance of having friends and caring about others - and that beauty is indeed only skin deep.


Shoebag

I love this book! I can't wait to read Shoebag Returns. Even the "About the Author" section is interesting: "Shoebag is a story about change, by a popular young-adult author who's changed her name, too, to Mary James." The story has the theme of being a young celebrity - like in Little, Little - and the superficiality, the distorted reality of Pretty Soft and her family experience. The character of Shoebag is very likable. He redefines the idea of being a "social misfit", that is, one whose differences play a part in social interactions, and he becomes empowered by the concept. I mean that through his words and actions, he shows that he and the others at his lunch table do "fit" somewhere, somehow. This idea of "misfits" is common in M. E. Kerr's books and really comes across in a thoughtful, non-patronizing way. I think she successfully introduces the idea of tolerance to her readers without being too preachy about it. One question I have is where did Shoebag learn to read and write? I was a little worried that when he went to school, he wouldn't have these skills. I guess with his strong cockroach memory, he retained what he picked up here and there.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: In the Best Families by Rex Stout (1950)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: Bed by Juliana Hatfield (1998) (album)

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Shoebag Returns

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Time: 4:24 PM EST
Submitted by: Angela Hart
Email address: Cousinan@hotmail.com
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: Need to know where to purchase Shoebag Returns book...please help me...
Angela Hart
cousinan@hotmail.com


Shoebag Returns

Again, I hope that a sequel is in the works. Like all of her books, this one has an ending that leaves room to imagine what might happen next. Again the boarding school theme arose as did the existence of an exclusionary social club. The reverse of a scenario in Frankenlouse is evident in that Stanley Sweetsong is the first and only boy to attend a private school established for girls. Stanley is spoiled but I suppose he starts to mature and does nice things for others. He was likable but he still whined. Well, that's what makes books interesting - when the main characters aren't flawless. Josephine Jiminez, aka the Doll Smasher, did seem to need interaction with a counselor of some kind. I thought the portrayal of the school psychologist was stereotyped a bit. He seemed so eager to interpret her dreams, and apparently sprayed when he sneezed (not that this is part of the stereotype of a psychologist). But he did help arrange for Gregor Samsa's visit. And I suppose it's true that kids notice comical idiosyncrasies in adults - perhaps to make them more human. I totally remember how we made up funny names for our teachers in grade and middle school. Shoebag emerged once more as an interesting character. I like how he's sort of taken on a superhero quality in that he appears when a child is in need of assistance. I foresee a long life for Shoebag. And maybe he'll take on an apprentice at some point.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl (1977)
MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: The Last Dog and Pony Show by Bob Mould (1998) (album)

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The Shuteyes

 This books tells a story about a boy, Chester, who finds himself on a planet where he is an oddball because he needs to sleep.  It is reminiscent of Star Trek, Star Trek: Next Generation, etc. in that tolerance and intolerance of differences are examined in a straightforward but creative manner.  I was also reminded of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.  You may recall, assuming you had the pleasure of reading this book, that it starts off with a boy, Milo, sitting at home complaining about having nothing to do.  Chester's situation is more complicated than mere boredom, but there is a degree of ingratitude involved in both cases. Then both boys  end up taking a journey to an unknown land/planet where they are bewildered by new customs and beliefs, ridiculed about theirs and re-educated or instructed to change in order to fit into the new society/environment better.  Also, both books use frequent word play which readers are likely to find humorous and catchy.

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Slap Your Sides

Comment submitted by Natasha on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 15:42:40
Book Recommendation(s): SLAP YOUR SIDES, Fell
snack choice: something with both like...um...chocolate covered potato chips.
vacation choice: Don't make me choose!
kickback choice: surfing the web.

Comment: back to the person who was complaing about how they didnt get most of the parts in the story is weird...cuz im in gr 7 and i thought this book was FANTASTIC it was an easy read and i though M.E.Kerr did a great job of describing everything.

I liked how you hinted any of the chracter's personality along the story and how you described the settings carefully:D

i LOVE UR BOOKS =D


Slap Your Sides


Submitted by: M. Wood on Thursday, April 22, 2004 at 07:09:42

Comment: I understand that you will be speaking at the Pamunkey Regional Library Anual Full Staff Meeting. So, as a new manager, I decided to do my "homework." I pulled Slap Your Sides from the shelf yesterday, read it through last night, and was thoroughly absorbed in the story. Your creation of a World War II era microcosm with its multi-layered issues, without easy answers, drove me to appreciate your skillful character and plot development. I look forward to reading more of your books and meeting you in the near future.


Slap Your Sides


Date: Friday, January 17, 2003
Time: 8:53 PM EST
Submitted by: michelle taylor
Email address: gohan1971@yahoo.com
book rec: slap your sides
music rec: dana lyons - cows with guns
movie rec: lord of the rings!!! - fellowship, two towers and (when it comes out) return of the king!!!
age: I have a Tamagotchi/Giga Pet/Dino Pet (but I don't play with it anymore).

Comment: loved frankenlouse! Okay, about "slap your sides" was that a bit biographical? Were portraying yourself through daria or jubal (or no one). If it's okay to ask, did your brother come back alright? Love your books, am reading "linger" and "deliver us from evie". cool.


Slap Your Sides


Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2002
Time: 7:47 PM EST
Submitted by: Harry J
Email address: probiker27@aol.com

Comment: Why don't you have any summaries on the books it makes it a lot easier if you dont get part and we could come here and find out the point of the part of the book that we don't get. Well, I'm reading your book Slap Your Sides about World War 2 but I don't get a lot of parts in it so if you could send me a summary and I'll will try and figure out the point of this part im stuck on so it would be a big help if you could do that.

Response: Harry: Thanks for visiting the site and for your comment. In response to your questions, we only provide brief book summaries on the site. There are a few excerpts of reviews of Slap Your Sides in the "Reviews" section. You might find those helpful. Also, we might be able to help you out if you would be more specific about your questions regarding Slap Your Sides. Michelle


Slap Your Sides

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: Julian (3/02)
age: I remember a time before "Parental Discretion Advised" stickers on music releases.

I thought Slap your sides was a very well Written Book.

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Slap Your Sides

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: Michelle, Webmaster (9/01)
SYS combines themes of religious beliefs and differences, sibling relationships, teen romance and general human nature. Kerr does a great job of introducing all sides of the issue of supporting WWII, with the character of Aunt Lizzie marrying a Jewish man and trying to educate her family about the plight of Jews in Europe and with Daria's brother telling her that he understood Bud's viewpoint. I also loved the relationship between Daria and Jubal. I found it interesting how it was never defined as a romance by either of them though it was. Bud's letters and Radio Dan's broadcasts were excellent tools for moving the story along and helping the reader feel like s/he was interacting with the characters, and also, the letters and broadcasts definitely contributed to the creation of the setting of the story. All in all, the tone is pretty serious. I was pretty surprised by the ending, but it was effective (I won't give it away here). I think teachers will find it a good springboard for discussion with their students about pacifism, the role of the military, morals and ethics and more.

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Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: Saleena (11/03)
snack choice: something sweet.
vacation choice: relax at the beach.
kickback choice: None of the options apply to me.

Comment: I think your books are great this might be coming from an 11 year old but the book called Snakes Dont Miss Thier Mothers is the best book Im reading I hope you write more books about animals. you are a wonderful person!

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The Son of Someone Famous

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: Clara (4/05)

Comment: I read "The Son of Someone Famous" years ago, in the '80s, and it always stayed with me--the plot was *very* unpredictable, and yet it wasn't about the plot, it was about the characters. It wasn't about a neat little ABC After-School Sepcial about A Lesson--it kept surprising you. It was about layers and secret and hidden strengths. I loved the development of Christine and Adam's "romance" and how BB expected that she and Adam would end up together. And that poem "Why do you walk through the field in gloves..." is lovely--I even wrote a parody of it for my cat ("Why do you stalk through the field in white gloves/Hissing so much and so much?"). Just a great book.


The Son of Someone Famous

THIS COMMENT IS COURTESY OF: Heather Martinez (2/00)
  I personally didnt like the book. I thought you jumped around too much. I also didnt like what the book was about. No offense but Ive read better books. It could have been about more.

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What Became of Her

Submitted by Miss Tea on Wednesday, June 14, 2006
website: www.myspace.com/spiritofthewanderingrose
Kerr Book Recommendation(s): Your Eyes in Stars
snack choice: something sweet.
vacation choice: relax at the beach.

Comment: I am in love with all of M.E. Kerr's writing, solely because of the plots. The first book I read was "What became of her" and I had just recently moved. Every book I have read, I am happy to read, because your writing style isn't happily ever after. You choose to let reality set in, and us, the readers, deal with it, even if it is sad, because we do the same thing in real life. Get over it, and move on. The sense of unfairness and regret, or the classic, "if only" syndrome is unforgettable, and I think it is great that someone in the writing world is not afraid to give the readers a story that could be valid in real life.


What Became of Her

Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Time: 11:38 PM EST
Submitted by: Jenny
Email address: peachie5556@hotmail.com
age: I have a Tamagotchi/Giga Pet/Dino Pet (but I don't play with it anymore).

Comment: Interesting way to get "a clue about your age" I like it! :) But anyways I was just wondering if anyone else was disapointed that there IS NO REAL LIFE "EDDIE"!! I was truly disapointed. Never before have I read a book that was more convincing of the fact that the "narrator" WAS the author. Do you know what I mean? By the end of the book I was truly expecting there to be some M. E. KERR out there that WAS Eddie. (Just changed the name to "protect the innocent" and all that, ya know.) So anyways, I'm sad, but looking forward to reading other books by *sigh* Mary James. I don't quite know what it was. Maybe just that Eddie always stayed so COOL, its like he never let anything faze him..I wanted to TALK to this guy, ya know? But alas, he was just another character in a book.


What Became of Her


Date: Friday, July 27, 2001
Time: 9:47 AM EST
Submitted by: R.O.
Book recommendations: Myrtle of Willendorf, Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack
Music recommendations: Afro Celt Sound System, Squirrel Nut Zippers
Movie recommendation: Dumb and Dumber
age: I remember when people used to watch Beta.

Comment: I loved What Became of Her. The Doll dressed up and treated just like a person sounds familiar to me. The jacket copy indicates that there really was doll like this. Does anyone know the real-life counterpart to this fictional doll? I'd love to learn more about it.


What Became of Her

Date: July 29, 2001
Submitted by: Michelle, Webmaster

Below is an excerpt from one the interviews on the site. Click here to read the entire interview.

Q: On the book jacket, it mentions that a real life model for Peale exists. Did you know this doll? And was s/he also your model for the similar character(s) in Fell Back? Also, was Rosalind Slaymaster's character inspired by a real person?

A: Yes, a real life model for Peale did exist. He is now in the Sag Harbor cemetery. His name was Wambly. When the woman I call Rosalind Slaymaster went out to dinner, a highchair was always brought to the table for Wambly. She, too, is in the Sag Harbor cemetery now. She was from London, originally, and quite a character, very rich and very self-absorbed. But she was generous to her employees, left her house to the maid, left a lot of money to the tailor who did Wambly's clothes, put several local kids through college, and gave Sag Harbor a huge whale, Christmas lights, other things. She lived to be ninety-six and the graves are on seventeen plots, very elaborate.


What Became of Her

Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2001
Time: 8:43 PM EST
Submitted by: Rebecca
TV show recommendation: Friends
age: I have a Tamagotchi/Giga Pet/Dino Pet (but I don't play with it anymore).

Comment: Her book What Became Of Her was the best book that I have read this summer and I plann on reading other books written by M.E.Keer. I hope she comes out with books similar to What Became of Her.It was the only book that had my full attention and the only one I didn't want to end.


What Became of Her

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2000
Submitted by: Melissa
age: I've always known someone with AOL.

Comment: I just found out that Mary James is M.E.Kerr's penname-or visa versa. I read Shoebag a couple years ago and had a great time with that. I thought it was very creative and it tied in well with the class's assignments of that time. We would write mostly "a Day in the Life Of.." short stories. I have always enjoyed the art of writing and found her books very creative and witty. Recently, I took my usual trip to the library and bumped in to an interesting looking book in the Young Adult section. I believe the book is her most recent book.."What Became of Her". I read it in three hours because I could not put it down. I postponed a lot of chores and several things I had to take care just to finish the book. I thought it was a wondrous novel and I cannot wait to get the the library to check out more books by her. I was pretty much dry out of books because I finished all the books ever written by my favorite authors and so I was discouraged in the reading department. Though, now I have found M.E.Kerr's writings and will have much to read. A great big thanks to her!

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Your Eyes in Stars


Submitted by: Lee Ann Rautenberg
Wednesday, May 03, 2006 at 08:43:01

Book Recommendation(s): Your eyes in Stars
Music Recommendation(s): Celine Dion
snack choice: something with both like...um...chocolate covered potato chips.
vacation choice: relax at the beach.
kickback choice: going to the movies.

Comment: Excellent book. Ending really made you think. i would love it to be a required reading for all high school children. It would make a great discussion for people to debate. So much to this book. I have a german background and found it to be so interesting.

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