My Nest of Silence

Juvenile/YA Nonfiction 

     Matt Faulkner, author of My Nest of Silence, was horrified when he learned about the treatment of Jewish ✡️ people during World War II.  Then his mother dropped a hard truth on him.  Some of his relatives had been forced into the Manzanar Relocation Center.  

     "After all the reading I'd done, I must have been doubtful.  I must've said Wait.  Hold on, Mom, we didn't build concentration camps in America."

     Fast forward to 9/11 when people were talking about similar camps for Muslims.  While writing Gaijin, American Prisoner of War Faulkner also learned more about the horrific experience some of his relatives had endured and realized he had to write about that dark stain on America's history.  His My Nest of Silence is a narrative for young readers told in a unique and highly appealing format.

     Mari was torn away from her community--her home, friends, and school--and imprisoned in a concentration camp in the very inhospitable desert.  She and her parents and brother must share a 20' by 20' space.  (Take a moment to imagine your family in that predicament.)  Meals are monotonous and unpalatable.  The camp is surrounded with barbed wire fences and patrolled by armed guards who see them as the enemy.

     Things are about to get worse.  Big brother Mak has turned eighteen.  He's being sent off to war.  His family may never see him alive again.  Mari vows to not speak again until he's safely home.

     The story unfolds through their alternating voices.  Through Mari's, told in prose, readers see the hardships of imprisonment, the grief of losses, the strain on her family, and the fear of losing her beloved brother.  Through Mak's, shown in graphic format, we see the confusing, terrifying, and heartbreaking 💔 aspects of combat.  Together they create a gripping and moving literary experience.

     My only concern is the juvenile listing.  Juvenile covers a wide range of ages and levels of emotional maturity.  Not all kids are ready for graphic presentations of war.  I would recommend this fine book for juvenile readers who can handle the content, the YA crowd, and adults.  It would be a good adult book club selection because of its unfortunate relevance to the times we live in.

On a purrrsonal note, UMaine is gearing up for Hurricane 🌀 Lee.  The big football game has been moved from Saturday to Friday.  Outside events for the weekend have been moved inside.  Everyone in admin is sending cautionary emails.  Last night was great.  My leadership class was lit.  Everyone was making great contributions to the discussion.  Wilson Center was wonderful.  We had a yummy vegetarian meal and a presentation by the wonderful group Food and Medicine.  Finally we got to do rock 🎨 ing.  I got a ❤️ shaped rock heavy enough to be a paperweight.  I painted lead on it as from lead from the heart.  I'm going to give it to Seth in my leadership class.  (Jules)

Yesterday the sky was blue.  It's hard to believe a hurricane 🌀 is roaring up the coast.  But the meteorologists keep saying it's coming.  And they studied weather in school.  (Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to leadership class, Professor Leah, the Wilson Center crew, and Food and Medicine.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

     

     

Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone