250 Hours

I enjoyed reading this book. My favourite part was how the author integrated a sad part of Canada’s history into the story line. It showed how new generations are reacting to the disgrace of residential schools and how those directly affected by the schools are trying to move forward. It handles the disturbing details of the residential schools in a sophisticated manner – not giving too many details to upset a younger teenager but it still gives the impression that a lot went on behind close [...]

I received a copy of this book in my Canadian, YA subscription box, Emporium Book Box. I don't always read the books that come in the subscription boxes quickly, because my TBR is already ever growing. I really liked the synopsis of this book though and it was a very small book, which was a relief compared to my other YA books. So, I moved it up the pile and read it in just a couple of days. I was pleasantly surprised by Nelson's writing. I hadn't read any of her other books but I know she has b [...]

Hello book dragons!Today I am talking to you about a book quite different from what I usually read: 250 hours. A contemporary novel that will bring you to think again about what you know of Canadian history and its repercussions on Native lives. We meet Sara Jean, young Canadian from a small town where it is the "rule" to get married at 18 with one of your neighbours and raise your children where yourself grew. She has to face a choice: stay there to take care of her very ill grandma, or leave [...]

When Jess, an arsonist, is forced to do 250 hours of community service partly at the house of Sara Jean's grandmother, the two teens seem to have little in common. After all, he lives with his mother and spends much of his time with his grandmother on the reservation with his grandmother while she lives in the nearby town of Edelburg with her morbidly obese grandmother. She's dating Rich, the scion of one of the more affluent men in town. As it turns out, Jess and Sara Jean have a lot more in co [...]

I only had one copy to give away, sadly, but it has gone to a good home. This is a truly remarkable story in its complex portrayal of the currents that run under the superficial simplicity of small-town life. I was raised in small town BC, not Manitoba, but I recognize so much of Sara Jean's life: the desire to become what you know you can be, the resentment of that which holds you back even if it is the grandmother you love. Add to this the issue of the residential school system and its affect [...]

What a page turner! Great writing and engaging characters on a timely topic. Favorite line: "A fluorescent light flickered, the tube buzzing with strangled energy." (p.82)

Two teens deal with the history forced on them by their families and try to find their own way. Some interesting themes but the emotioanl arch is confusing.

This was a good book, for being under 200 pages. I like the characters and the story was ok.