Code Name Verity

It's June 10 already! Time to talk about Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. Word on the street is that a some of us (me!) had a hard time getting into this book and for the life of me, I can't quite put my finger on what was bugging me. Soooooooo, I'm very eager to discuss this!

Here are a few short reviews of the book that will spur some discussion. The Brits, the Scots, and the Canadians sure loved this book.  You?

See you at my house, 706 Greenwood Ave., at 7:30.

It has been a while since I was so captivated by a character ... Code Name Verity is one of those rare things: an exciting - and affecting - female adventure story.--The Guardian

[a] tale of espionage, torture and female derring-do.--The Times

This is a remarkable book, which had me horrified and totally gripped at the same time, and although it is billed as a Young Adult title, don't be put off - it is a very grown-up story.--The Daily MailThis is a rich and rewarding adventure story with multi-layered heroines and complicated emotions. All 450 pages really do fly by. Expect to see Wein's name in the running for the Older Readers Category of the Scottish Children's Book Awards next year.--The Scotsman 

It's a compelling, uncompromising read which makes few concessions to the age group it's written for - either in subject matter or narrative technique. The bits about flight and women in the war are well researched and the terrifying, but exciting, atmosphere is good.--The Independent

... a rare young adult novel entirely about female power and female friendship...--New York Times

[It] does more than stick with me. It haunts me. I just can't recommend it enough.'-- Maggie Stiefvater, bestselling author of Shiver