Elaine Marie Alphin
Paperback | Pages: 264 pages Rating: 3.89 | 196 Users | 20 Reviews
Describe Books To Simon Says
| Original Title: | Simon Says |
| ISBN: | 015204678X (ISBN13: 9780152046781) |
| Edition Language: | English |
Commentary During Books Simon Says
Intense. Where does a misfit fit in? And what becomes of him when he's too afraid to do so?Charles is an artistic prodigy whose art has always scared people-- his parents, his teachers, his peers. Charles has learned to hide his true self in order to get along, but he no longer wants to play "Simon Says" all the time. His idol is a young author whose novel seems to indicate that he understands what Charles is going though... but when they finally meet, they develop a dark and complicated friendship, with both young men asking far too much of each other.
The only thing I disliked about this book was how everyone seemed to be able to read so much in each other's eyes, smallest actions, art, etc.-- as though the characters could all almost read one another's minds any time they were in the same room. This is something I see often in books, and for years it confused me terribly, because I assumed others would be able to know as much about me without my telling them; a dangerous assumption that is bad for friendships.
Despite this, I enjoyed the book a lot. It has an almost gothic feel to it in spite of the modern setting, and is full of philosophy, tough questions, and discoveries.
Quotes:
"I shrug uncomfortably, thinking of the way I've drawn so many teachers over the years. It's true-- I knew just what to draw to hurt them the way they'd hurt me. I still hate them, and the kids who attacked more bluntly, but I wish I could find a way to deal with them other than stooping to their level and hurting them back. What I draw is true, even if it hurts, but hurting people doesn't make them change." p 88
"[Adults] think they know everything, but they've forgotten it all, instead." p 128.
Itemize Out Of Books Simon Says
| Title | : | Simon Says |
| Author | : | Elaine Marie Alphin |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | First Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 264 pages |
| Published | : | June 1st 2005 by HMH Books for Young Readers (first published 2002) |
| Categories | : | Young Adult. Romance. M M Romance. Fiction. LGBT |
Rating Out Of Books Simon Says
Ratings: 3.89 From 196 Users | 20 ReviewsColumn Out Of Books Simon Says
I read this story when I was younger and remember loving it. It was exactly what I needed at the time; trying to learn more about my own sexuality and because I was suffering through depression. The depth in the characters is so honest and believable. It is easy to relate to the situations and the thought process demonstrated. It has a morbid touch but it is equally balanced by a satisfying ending.This book was wonderful. I absolutely loved the whole idea of "the game". I received it from the library in the morning, started it when I got home, and couldn't put it down. It was one of those books that made me really think, which I really enjoy, one of those being Thr3e by Ted Dekker. My favorite character was Charles, of course, and I found him a little relateable, because I also LOVE art! Although I didn't like the twist at the end in a way, I believe it was also necessary. I feel like the
Alphin captures the angst of loneliness in this teen drama. Picture the Chocolate War meets The Fountainhead. Charles is accepted a prestiguous boarding school that focuses on art. He's been an artist forever, but has realized that people do NOT like what he really paints, so he's made sure to paint enough of the "other stuff" to keep them quiet. He never shows anyone his work. Never. He applies to the school because he's read a book - by a teen no less - that captures exactly what he feels.
Eh. 3.5 stars. Took me such a loooooong time to finish it though. Dragged. But a great and heart moving story!
Her writing is captivating but I had a hard time relating and thought the ending to be a little anticlimactic. I would read another of her books in a hot second though.
Disappointing re-read.I first read this in high school and I LOOOOVED it. I mean, I lived and breathed this book, and I have a distinct memory of reading an early passage from it to my friends in art class. We all laughed and sighed at how relatable Charles' early rejections were. But on this go round, I found myself a little sick of Charles, to be honest, and his apparent belief that he is the actual, true center of the universe.Maybe that's an unfair evaluation.I guess what I disliked most in
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