It’s a bit embarrassing, really. I claim to love verse novels, but I’ve only read a few. I’ve sold a verse novel and plan to write more, but I’ve spent little time studying other authors who write in verse.
So I’m starting a Verse Novel Challenge: I’ll read at least five verse novels by the end of 2010 and post about them here. Want to join me? If so, write a post about the challenge and link back to this post. If you make it to five, I’ll enter you in a drawing for a signed ARC of MAY B., which I should have to give away in early 2011. Leave a comment so I know who’s participating.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out this wonderful list compiled by Susan Taylor Brown.
Happy Reading!
**CARVER: A LIFE IN POEMS will be my first book of the challenge.
Verse novels? Wow. There you go. You learn something new everyday. I’ll have to take a look at some on the list.
Wow. Great challenge.
Oh, you know I am SO in. Just posted my blog informing everyone of the contest. 🙂
Challenge accepted! Post about the challenge going up on my blog tomorrow!
Sounds like a true challenge indeed! I need to look into these novels.
What is a verse novel? I feel very silly….like when I didn’t know what MG stood for. 🙂
Katie, no embarrassment allowed! A verse novel is a story told through unrhymed poetry. Each poem should be able to stand alone on its own and add to the overall story.
Thanks, Caroline. I was with Katie – I thought I knew, but I wasn’t sure. I’m glad you clarified it. Sounds like a fun challenge. I look forward to your reviews. 🙂
Oh I will join this. have to link my post later though since I don’t have time to make one right now. I’ve read two verse novels so far this year, Wicked Girls (about the Salem Witch Trials) and 3RR. Have any more historical recommendations though? I think I’ve read most of the ones out there…
Awesome challenge. I look forward to reading your reviews!
I’ve read two: Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas and Home of the Brave by Katerine Applegate. I really enjoyed both of them. While we were on spring break I bought I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder. I’d love to be part of this challenge!
I’m too busy to join you in this challenge, but I will recommend Ellen Hopkins, though I will warn you that her books are gritty and don’t pull any punches.
Congrats on selling your book. It sounds irresistible. I personally didn’t know much about verse novels until I found your blog. My earlier experience with verse was in a verse play (or rather, a play-in-verse), David Hirsh’s LA BETE, which was on Broadway a few years back. I think it’s interesting that you didn’t read too many verse novels–maybe you wanted to stay fresh and bring something original to the genre! Great post!
…or maybe I didn’t know what I was doing!
The idea of a novel in verse fascinates me, especially as it relates to the notion of book-as-experience (i.e. how book-as-object can create an experience beyond the object itself). I love that the form in which the author chooses to write can create a unique reading experience that goes beyond the pages of the book. In fact, I’m so fascinated with this idea that I’m writing my thesis on it!
Love this challenge! I’m in. Post will go up on my blog tomorrow. Question: do we read the same verse novels as you or 5 of our choosing?
Gabi, welcome! Read any verse novels you like (though it would be fun if there was overlap. I’m not fully sure yet what my five will be).
I’d love to hear more about this thesis of yours!
Rebecca,
I haven’t read this one yet, but here’s another historical novel-in-verse: CROSSING STONES by Helen Frost (YA).
I’m in, I think this is one challenge I actually stand of a chance of competing!
Kate — welcome! I’ll add you to the list.
I missed this earlier!!! Count me in, Caroline. I’d love to do it. (And for a chance to win YOUR ARC, go ahead: twist my arm!)
I definitely want to join this challenge! I read tons of novels in verse and even teach some. Students like to read them for a variety of reasons. One of the best I’ve ever read is Patricia McCormick’s Sold. I totally, absolutely think that you should check it out! I’ll post about this challenge soon. Thanks for hosting one!
Thanks for stopping by my site to remind me of this awesome challenge! I posted my progress so far, but I need to ramp things up! http://midnightbookgirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/verse-novel-challenge.html
Yes, I’m going to do this! I’m so glad you gave me until the end of 2010!
I learned about the challenge (and verse novels) from Amy at The Green Bathtub, and I’ve fallen in love with them. I’m glad it isn’t too late to join in the challenge.
I’ve read six so far, and I’m reading my seventh now. I blame you and Amy for my messy house and my new addiction. : )
I’ll get to work on my blog post later today.
Becky, welcome! I’m glad Amy’s got you hooked. 🙂 Looking forward to hearing what you’ve read.
Wish I had known about this earlier … thanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck with your book!
Hi Caroline,
My blog post about the challenge is up today. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
: ) Becky
I am in and I’m done! I went from never having heard of verse novels to devouring them. Thanks for introducing me to these treasures!