Week Thirty-One Book Twenty-Six--Because I Am Furniture

I've really started to enjoy novels written in verse. I know they can turn readers off at first--reading poetry for fun?!?--but they truly make for a fast-paced, understandable read.

Because I Am Furniture is the story of Anke's family; Anke is the youngest of three siblings and helps her family hide an intense secret: her father is abusive. He sexually abuses her older sister and physically abuses her older brother, but surprisingly he leaves Anke alone. And this leaves Anke with mixed emotions--relieved that she is left out of his abuse but also jealous that he doesn't seem to care for her. What an interesting twist on that plot!

So while Anke starts high school, joins the volleyball team, and contemplates her feelings for older students Kyler and Jed, she also struggles with whether or not to keep the family secret. What will happen if word gets out?
And when Anke's father's abusive behavior starts to trickle outside the family boundaries, will that prompt her to take action faster?

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the ending was a little rushed, but I was definitely in-tune to Anke's story. It's so sad to think that these kinds of secrets can be kept, especially when they are so dangerous. But that's what makes this story so effective! Very well-written...some of the lines sent chills down my spine. It's amazing how few words can be so touching. Read this in two days! Definitely give it a try!