Title: The Killer's Cousin Author: Nancy Werlin
ISBN: 0385325606 Pages: 229
Publisher: Delacorte Press, New York, 1998
ISBN: 0385325606 Pages: 229
Publisher: Delacorte Press, New York, 1998
Readers Annotation:
David is still reeling from the pain of his girlfriend's death when he is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Cambridge. Through the help of his disturbed cousin Lilly, and the ghost of his cousin Kathy, David learns how to confront his own demons from the past.
David is still reeling from the pain of his girlfriend's death when he is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Cambridge. Through the help of his disturbed cousin Lilly, and the ghost of his cousin Kathy, David learns how to confront his own demons from the past.
Author Information:
Nancy Werlin is a National Book Award finalist. Nancy earned her bachelor's degree at Yale University, and has worked as a technical writer in computer software. She was named the Publishers Weekly Flying Start author for her first novel Are You Alone on Purpose? Werlin also received the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, and the ALA Best Book for Young Adults for her novel The Killer's Cousin.
Nancy has written eight novels, all critically acclaimed. Her newest book Extraordinary was just named a Teens Top 10 Book for 2010 by Amazon.com. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, and presently lives in South Boston.
http://www.nancywerlin.com/aboutnw.htm
Nancy Werlin is a National Book Award finalist. Nancy earned her bachelor's degree at Yale University, and has worked as a technical writer in computer software. She was named the Publishers Weekly Flying Start author for her first novel Are You Alone on Purpose? Werlin also received the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, and the ALA Best Book for Young Adults for her novel The Killer's Cousin.
Nancy has written eight novels, all critically acclaimed. Her newest book Extraordinary was just named a Teens Top 10 Book for 2010 by Amazon.com. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, and presently lives in South Boston.
http://www.nancywerlin.com/aboutnw.htm
Plot Summary:
David Bernard Yaffe has recently been acquitted of murder for the accidental death of his girlfriend, Emily. David's parents send him to Cambridge, Massachusetts to live with his aunt and uncle. Although this is supposed to be a new beginning for David, he stills shoulders the guilt of Emily's death. He loved Emily and her absence haunts him every day.
His life at his cousin's house is not as simple as he assumed it would be. His aunt does not want him around, and his eleven year old cousin Lilly is an odd and disturbing child. Additionally, his older cousin Kathy's suicide seems to have had an awful effect on everyone there. From the beginning of David's stay, he hears mysterious sounds in his room which once belonged to Kathy. It doesn't take long for him to discover that Lilly's problems were created by deep emotional wounds. David learns how to cope despite his pain, and endeavors to find a way to help his cousin Lilly as well.
Critical Evaluation:
This book eloquently portrays the tension and pain in David's life. The reader identifies with his difficulties in coping with loss and estrangement from everyone and everything around him. When David hits a new low, he turns to religion, a further connecting point many readers. The author utilizes the ghost of Kathy, along with its accompanying 'humming' sound, as a tool to create a suspenseful and supernatural undertone throughout the story line. The reader can also appreciate the conflict David has relating to his troubled cousin Lilly. The book is skillfully written, incorporating suspense and realism. Additionally, the reader can see growth in the main character. The telepathic connection between David and Lilly adds another level of interest and intrigue.
This book eloquently portrays the tension and pain in David's life. The reader identifies with his difficulties in coping with loss and estrangement from everyone and everything around him. When David hits a new low, he turns to religion, a further connecting point many readers. The author utilizes the ghost of Kathy, along with its accompanying 'humming' sound, as a tool to create a suspenseful and supernatural undertone throughout the story line. The reader can also appreciate the conflict David has relating to his troubled cousin Lilly. The book is skillfully written, incorporating suspense and realism. Additionally, the reader can see growth in the main character. The telepathic connection between David and Lilly adds another level of interest and intrigue.
Genre: Psychological Thriller/ Ghost
Curriculum Ties: Psychology
Booktalking Ideas:
1. David accidentally killed someone he loved, and has to learn to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. Is there anything you've done that has affected you in such a profound and life changing way?
2. David's Aunt Julia and Uncle Vic have reached a point in their marriage where they can only talk to each other through their child Lilly. How do you feel about parents talking through their children and not directly to each other?
1. David accidentally killed someone he loved, and has to learn to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. Is there anything you've done that has affected you in such a profound and life changing way?
2. David's Aunt Julia and Uncle Vic have reached a point in their marriage where they can only talk to each other through their child Lilly. How do you feel about parents talking through their children and not directly to each other?
Reading Level/Interest Age: 16+
Challenge Issue: Teenage killing, Inappropriate language
- Book won the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, and the ALA Best Book for Young Adult's. The author is a National Book Award finalist
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy
- Book won the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, and the ALA Best Book for Young Adult's. The author is a National Book Award finalist
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy
Why I chose this item: The strong male lead was one reason I chose this book for my collection. Another reason is because of the awards both the book and the author have won.
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