A first of its type for me:
Annie’s Life in Lists by Kristin Mahoney
Creative Narrative Style
I’ve enjoyed a number of children’s books with the narrative written in poetry this past year, but never a narrative written as lists! Kudos to Ms. Mahoney, because it works really well.
Summary:
“Welcome to a year in the life of a kid just trying to keep everything in order!”
Annie feels responsible for her family’s move from Brooklyn to the boonies. A brother who blames her, a missing her best friend, dealing with a new school, hiding her best assets while trying to fit in, finding family secrets…
In contrast to what you might expect from a book made primarily of lists, this is a very rich read—full of complexities: relationships, the ins and outs of moving to a new place, plus the ever-challenging path of growing up.
Overwhelmed by life?
Anyone who has felt overwhelmed by life will gravitate to Annie’s story. List-making is certainly one of my main ways of trying to keep things handled and in order. There’s nothing like a list to help keep you focused and on task when you are feeling overwhelmed!
That’s one way I empathize with Annie.
Other ways I empathize:
- Annie’s struggles as a new kid. (I moved a lot as a kid!)
- Her on-again, off-again relationship with her older brother.
- Wanting to keep her talents a secret because they’ve gotten her in trouble before.
- Learning there is space for both old best friends and new ones.
There’s more that I enjoyed about this book, but that’s plenty to encourage you to pop over to your library and put it on hold!
Annie’s Life in Lists is a unique and impressive debut novel. I look forward to what Kristin Mahoney writes next, (whether or not it is a narrative written as lists!)