Title: Letters to LeonardoAuthor: Dee White
Release Date: 1st July 2009
My Rating: 4/5
Blurb:
Dear Leonardo,
Truth is important in art, don't you think?
Truth is important full stop.
Matt
Truth is important in art, don't you think?
Truth is important full stop.
Matt
It's Matt Hudson's 15th birthday and all he wants is some art lessons. Instead, he gets a card from his dead mother. How can someone who died ten years ago send you a card? Simple answer - they can't. This awful truth changes Matt's life forever.
My Review:
When Matt discovers that the mother he though died 10-years ago is actually alive, he sets out on an emotional roller coaster to find her and get to know her. He has so many questions and it is a lot to deal with. Part of the story is made up of letters that Matt is writing to Leonardo da Vinci for a school assignment. Through these letters, Matt is able to talk his way through the frustration and new discoveries he makes about his life as he knows it and the mother he has never gotten to know.
This is a story about family, friendship, art and the experiences of having a family member with bipolar disorder.
The extremely emotional ending is a real tear-jerker and very well written. I look forward to reading any reviews by people who have experience with a family member who has bipolar.
I read this book long before I started writing these reviews but it is such a fantastic book that I wanted to share it with you.
Ages 12+
When Matt discovers that the mother he though died 10-years ago is actually alive, he sets out on an emotional roller coaster to find her and get to know her. He has so many questions and it is a lot to deal with. Part of the story is made up of letters that Matt is writing to Leonardo da Vinci for a school assignment. Through these letters, Matt is able to talk his way through the frustration and new discoveries he makes about his life as he knows it and the mother he has never gotten to know.
This is a story about family, friendship, art and the experiences of having a family member with bipolar disorder.
The extremely emotional ending is a real tear-jerker and very well written. I look forward to reading any reviews by people who have experience with a family member who has bipolar.
I read this book long before I started writing these reviews but it is such a fantastic book that I wanted to share it with you.
Ages 12+
You know, I actually thought about DeCaprio for a second there. :-P
ReplyDeletewow. I really want to read this, so thanks for reviewing it.
ReplyDeleteooh - I just checked my library's online catalogue and they dont have it and either does the book depository...
I'll have to keep my eye open for it :)
Kate- DiCaprio is totally my default Leonardo as well :p
ReplyDeleteNomes- Glad you liked the review :D
Such a great review for such a great book. My grandfather had bipolar disorder. I found it particularly interesting when I started my degree and learned more about mental illness and psychology.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important that we have books with male protagonists. Do you really think that 12- year-olds would like this book. The plot sounds pretty complicated.
ReplyDeleteI've just awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award. Take a look at the details here and enjoy! http://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/08/versatile-blogger-me.html
I suppose I probably should have given more detail on my age recommendation. I'm used to saying what age a book is appropriate for. Judging from the content in the book, I wouldn't give it to anyone under twelve.
ReplyDeleteWith a book like this, it is going to appeal to teens who like reading books of this style. I think it is up to the individual to decide if it is the type of book they might enjoy. I think ages 15+ would probably enjoyit more/get more out of it but a teenagers' age should not limit them in terms of if they will enjoy a book or not as not everyone has the same maturity level or circumstances...
Sorry, I tend to ramble sometimes...
Thankyou very much for my Versatile Blogger Award! It's my first award and I am rather excited :D
Hello there! I found your blog through Kate. Awesome! I love it! I am a new follower :)
ReplyDeleteI like your interview. And your review sound great!
Savannah
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