On the Come Up

Debut fiction can be tough. First novels can be so full of a writer’s efforts and emotions that the storyline suffers under the weight of the language or complex plot. Debut novels can also be amazing and beautiful because the story has been bottled up for so long that the writer is able to convey the story without too many words. To all of you reading this, I recommend you do not read a steady diet of debuts. Variety is the spice of reading life, too. Without mixing it up a bit, you stand to miss some amazing books. On the same note, don’t ignore debuts to wait for a writer to “prove themselves.” You’ll be missing out.

A recently released debut novel that reads like a 9^th or 10^th book of a seasoned author is On the Come Up by Hannah Weyer. Hannah Weyer is an award winning filmmaker, so she is no stranger to the written word. However, this is her first published novel. The story follows the life of AnnMarie Walker—a thirteen-year-old from Far Rockaway, Queens. AnnMarie is wise beyond her years and able to see the hold that the neighborhood (as well as drugs, violence, and government assistance) has on people. She dreams of being able to escape Far Rockaway and leave it behind her. Even with the struggles and violence that AnnMarie faces, she continues to stay strong and persevere. Four months before she’s due to give birth to her first child, AnnMarie attends a casting call for a movie on a whim. She lands the part and her life begins to change. However, after the movie and a trip to the Sundance Film Festival, AnnMarie finds herself back in New York. AnnMarie stays focused on her future, looking beyond just the day-to-day, to make sure her life is her own and will develop into something more.

Weyer based the novel on the true story of Anna Simpson. Weyer met Anna when Anna was filming the movie Our Song just after becoming a new mother at the age of sixteen. Weyer’s boyfriend at the time (now husband), Jim McKay, directed the movie. To this day, Hannah, Jim, and Anna are close. Just like AnnMarie/Anna, I can easily say that Hannah Weyer is on the come up in the world of literature. I can’t wait to read more.

Another Crossover Hit!

I just read, Divergent by Veronica Roth. This is her debut novel and it is an excellent dystopian fantasy.  If you enjoyed Hunger Games I am quite sure you will enjoy Divergent. It is a book about a teen girl who lives in a world divided into 5 factions. The factions include Dauntless who are brave; Candor who are honest; Erudite who are studious; Amity who are peaceful and fun-loving; and Abnegation who are selfless. The world was divided into factions after a major war. Each faction has an important societal role and together they promote peace. There is unrest in Beatrice’s world. Erudites are not at all pleased with Abnegations power and are doing all they can to create tension between the factions. Beatrice is a member of Abnegation. Yet she doesn't quite fit in. She is blunt, honest, and inquisitive and speaks up when she is not to speak.

The story opens showing us glimpses of Beatrice’s life and the choice she will soon need to make. All 16 year-olds take an aptitude test that determines which faction is right for her (usually). The aptitude test is always correct. Her results are inconclusive. She is determined off the records to be Divergent. She must choose a faction, but the test leaves her with 3 possibilities. If she chooses a different faction she gives up everything she’s known. It isn't like she moves across town or goes to a different school. Factions unless at school, don't intermingle. (Remember separate but equal? Hmm, not such a good thing right?) Divergents are dangerous. They don't fit in well with any one society and if she is discovered she will be killed. She is told to "Tell no one.” Now Beatrice is scared. She doesn't belong in Abnegation, but where will she fit and what will the choice she makes do to her family/world. Her choice leads her on a path fraught with danger and deadly intrigue.

This novel kept me turning pages. I read it straight through in one sitting. I needed to know who was truly Tris' friend, why would they do what they did and what it really meant to be divergent. As Tris' world begins to fall apart what will she do? Can she trust Christine, Al or Four? What about her brother and her family.

This is an excellent thriller that readers of any age will enjoy. You may be horrified, entranced, scared, laugh and just wonder why or how could this happen. How can it be stopped? I refuse to give you more information. Pick up the book and read it. If you enjoy excitement, intrigue and adventure. This is the book for you.
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