What I Saw and How I Lied
Judy Blundell
2008
Scholastic Press
New York City
ISBN: 0439903467

Plot Summary:
Evie Spooner knows what it's like to have to scrape to survive. She and her mother were living the hardscrabble life until Joe Spooner came in and swept them both off to the suburbs. However, when Joe returns from military service at the end of the Second World War, things begin to change rapidly. Suggesting a Florida vacation, the trio leave New York for sunnier skies and sundresses.
Once in Florida, a man from Joe's military past shows up, romancing both Evie and her mother.
Peter is adored by Evie and hated by Joe, while Bev's feelings remain far too ambiguous. Narrated throughout by Evie, What I Saw and How I Lied maintains a breakneck pace up to its tragic conclusion.
Critical evaluation:
Evie's narration is maintained relentlessly throughout the novel, producing a strong, vigorously felt heroine. Evie's perspective is never broken--the reader does not see or hear information she does not. This steadfastness heightens the tension and suspense of the central conflict, revealing clues and signs to emerge and be experienced simultaneously with Evie.
Though the novel's themes of greed, honesty, lust, and goodness are complex, mature issues, Blundell sticks to Evie and her adolescent perspective, revealing a complicated, yet accessible story.
Reader's Annotation:
Evie Spooner has big dreams; in this regard she's a lot like her mother and stepfather. However, the mystery that unfolds in the autumn of Evie's fifteenth year is darker and more fascinating than even she could have ever dreamed.
Author Information:
Judy Blundell is the author of countless books under a variety of pen names. She has written novels for children, young adults, and adults, within a diversity of genres. Under the pen name Jude Watson, Blundell has written several books in the Star Wars prequel series.
Genre:
Girl's coming-of-age/ mystery thriller/ YA fiction
Booktalking Ideas:
*How does Evie's perspective develop over the course of the novel?
*To what experiences might any changes be attributed to?
*Can it be said that Evie possesses a stronger moral character than either of her parents?
*Is Peter a good person?
Reading Level/ Interest Age:
A young adult book, yet its deeper themes will resonant with adult readers.
Challenge Issues:
Challenges: The adult themes of murder, greed and lust are central to the book, yet their disclosure remains discreet. The larger historical issues surrounding the treatment of Jews in Europe and the United States are sensitively detailed. Challenges unlikely.
Answer to challenges: The book's status as National Book Award winner provide a legitimate defense to any potential challenges. Its popularity and widespread acclaim provide further support.
Why Include?:
On recommendation from in-the-know friend, and in keeping with greater interest in books which possess national critic awards.