“It's a soft-sounding word, 'never,' but its velvety timbre can't hide its sharp edges...Never pressed down on him. It grabbed him by the neck and shook him. He sucked in a deep breath, sucked in all that never and started to sneeze. Never filled his nose, his eyes, his soaking fur.”
― Kathi Appelt, The Underneath
― Kathi Appelt, The Underneath
To start my summer reading off, I chose something simple. I've heard many reviews praising this "heartwarming book". Boy was I surprised when I began reading it...
The cover of this book shows a sweet old dog and his two kitten friends. You may immediately think, "Aww, poor animals! They seem so tired and bored." STOP with those biased conclusions. The Underneath, however childish it may seem, is one of the most moving books I've ever read.
The Underneath is the place under the porch. It serves as a refuge for the cat family (Puck, Sabine and Mom) and their dog friend, Ranger. To venture from The Underneath is dangerous because of Gar Face, Ranger's owner and ex-hunting partner. When Puck and his mother by Gar Face, loyalty and trust are put to the test. Sabine must keep hidden from Gar Face while finding ways to feed herself and the chained Ranger, not knowing if she'll ever see her brother and mother again.
"The chapters are short, which sets up a fast-paced rhythm to the book. Chapters shift back and forth between the characters and in time. This adds anticipation and intrigue as the various sub-plots build. The histories of the ancient characters of a snake and an alligator are told in flashbacks.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a twisty, unpredictable plot and a whole lot of love. The Underneath is a much needed break from all the deja-vu vampire VS werewolf love stories. It tells the beautiful, heart-wrenching story you want with the true definition of love and loyalty. An easy 10/10!!! :D
The Underneath is the place under the porch. It serves as a refuge for the cat family (Puck, Sabine and Mom) and their dog friend, Ranger. To venture from The Underneath is dangerous because of Gar Face, Ranger's owner and ex-hunting partner. When Puck and his mother by Gar Face, loyalty and trust are put to the test. Sabine must keep hidden from Gar Face while finding ways to feed herself and the chained Ranger, not knowing if she'll ever see her brother and mother again.
"The chapters are short, which sets up a fast-paced rhythm to the book. Chapters shift back and forth between the characters and in time. This adds anticipation and intrigue as the various sub-plots build. The histories of the ancient characters of a snake and an alligator are told in flashbacks.
The main characters seem disconnected as their stories are presented. Though most are oblivious to one another, their lives intersect at one place in one point in time in the plot's
climax. The build-up is intense, making the book a real page-turner."
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a twisty, unpredictable plot and a whole lot of love. The Underneath is a much needed break from all the deja-vu vampire VS werewolf love stories. It tells the beautiful, heart-wrenching story you want with the true definition of love and loyalty. An easy 10/10!!! :D
I'm so happy that you posted this, I LOVE animal books. They make me cry like a crazy person. :)
ReplyDeleteConsidering the awesome review, I'll definitely be reading this book sometime in the future. >:D
This book seems very unpredictable by how you described the plot. I love books that have a twist to the ending so I would definitely give this novel a try! Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Are there any other books that you would recommend, written by Kathi Appelt?
ReplyDelete@summerstar: when i was about twelve i read Keeper by Kathi Appelt. Its a story about a girl who tries to find her mermaid mother. I remember loving the book...but I was twelve so I don't know if the plot will seem too childish now...I've heard that Kissing Tennessee is pretty good...Here's a blurb I found online (sorry its kinda long :D)
ReplyDelete"Step into the Dogwood Junior High School cafeteria. Tonight, this one night of the year, it isn't a cafeteria at all. It's the Stardust Dance. And there are stories here. Mason Hatfield and Carrie Marie Jorgensen can't summon the courage to ask each other to dance. Becca Scott has locked herself in a bathroom stall after something unthinkable has happened with her boyfriend. Cub Tanner is struggling with the feelings he has for Trent Davis. Peggy Lee Dixon has grown up with Tennessee Jones--can she ever see him as more than a friend? The doors are opening. The candles are lit. There is glitter everywhere. Hurry, it's about to begin . . ."