Okay, I love Crystal, too, but it’s a Friday Five. And Urban makes us feel that desperation.ģ. From Mattie ‘s point of view, she has to get everything just right. She writes these things down, because she believes they will give her a way out of a situation she dreads.

Along with, again, the humor of watching how Mattie records her janitorial notes, Urban gives us a full sense of the need and hope that Mattie gives those notes, that she gives the notebook itself. So many of us writers use the convention of a journal or diary, and so many times it falls flat. He becomes Mattie’s shelter and safe place, one with just the right kind of support from which a person can push themselves out into the world to deal with things.Ģ. But, because Urban knows what she’s doing, he’s so much more than comic relief.

First of all, how can you not be intrigued by someone called that, and Uncle Potluck lives up to all the humor you’d expect from hjis name. For today’s Friday Five, I’m doing a numbered “review” of all the things that really hit home for me about this story.ġ. It hits all the marks–a wonderful, young hero who does not have the control/impact over her own life that a young-adult her would, but who still struggles to make the changes she needs to see happen. Last week, I read Hound Dog T rue by Linda Urban.Īnd I’m telling you right now, if you want to read a book that is middle-grade fiction, go pick this one up. Okay, it’s not Carl Kasell’s voice on your answering machine, but it is a copy of The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide! It’s kind of like Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me…: You win for yourself AND another person. Quick note: If you’re interested in guest-blogging here about your critiquing experience, or your thoughts on critique groups, check out my earlier post here. Posted by beckylevine on in Book Review | 12 Comments

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban