The Quiet and the Loud (YA fiction)

     Maybe you know someone like George (Georgia), narratorof Helena Fox's The Quiet and the Loud:

*someone who feels it their duty to solve their friends' and family's problems 

*but wouldn't impose by stating their own needs 

*dutifully keeps the secrets that might embarrass or discomfort others 

*despite the price they pay for doing so.

Maybe you are that person. 

     When we first meet present day George she is kayaking in Sydney (Australia) Harbor. Her estranged father, all the way across the ocean in America, has requested her to call him. He has some news that he really needs to share, news that she really doesn't want to hear.

     Her father is a piece of work. When she was a little kid on a family camping trip he'd rowed her out to the middle of a lake and swum back, leaving her stranded. That was only one of the irresponsible stunts he'd pulled while under the influence of alcohol, leading to a divorce. His news: he's dying due to alcohol caused heart damage. After laying that on her, he advises her not to tell her mother, the responsible adult in her life. And she doesn't talk to her friends about daddy dearest for fear of the effect on her mother of spilling family secrets. 

     Then there's her BFF, Tess, who is about to give birth. There's no dad in sight. A one night stand with a stranger planted the seed. Tess is very anxious and needy. She's leaning on George for all the help she needs, expecting her to come running every time she calls.  

     Another friend, Laz, is sure that the world is coming to a human caused, catastrophic end. The catastrophic large scale fires burning seem to confirm his beliefs. 

     When George falls in love with newcomer Calliope, who reciprocates her feelings the demands of family and friends claim time she needs to nurture this precious relationship. 

     No wonder George wants to spend as much time as possible alone on the ocean away from human demands and drama. 

     George has always been too quiet when it comes to her needs and wants. Does she have it in her to become louder before it's too late?

On a purrrsonal note, it's beginning to look a lot like Halloween 🎃 on the campus of Maine's flagship university. More and more decorations are popping up. And the activities have started. Today I was paparazzi for a mask making event. Of course I made a mask too. Thursday at mending club we'll be working on costumes. And Friday there will be activities all day. Amber and I love Halloween. 

A great big shout out goes out to everyone one who's getting into the spooky 👻 season spirit. 

Jules Hathaway 

     

Sent from my Galaxy