And We Stay

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

Through poetry over the period of 3 months, seventeen year old Emily, works out the trauma she has gone through while she gets acclimated to the boarding school she has been transferred in order to provide her some anonymity in her circumstances. Through the verses, one per chapter, the reader learns of how Paul, Emily's boyfriend, brought a gun to school and committed suicide in front of her after finding out she was planning to get an abortion instead of marrying him. The descriptive tale telling voice allows the reader to understand the trauma that has placed Emily in a boarding school without making the situation so graphic. Hubbard uses the poetry and life of Emily Dickinson to mirror the main character's writing and her journey in coming to grips with her situation. Emily in the end is able to reveal the trauma to her roommate and make initial steps to reconcile with Paul's sister.

Overall Book Score: excellent