Freaky Green Eyes

Response to Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Inside cover reads:
"When her parents separate, Franky Pierson has no trouble deciding whose side she's on. After all, her mother is the one who chose to leave. And when her mother is suddenly reported missing, Franky believes she's simply pulled a disappearing act and deserted their family for good. But a part of Franky, a part she calls Freaky Green Eyes, knows that something is wrong. And it's up to freaky to open Franky's eyes to the truth."

Rxn:

This is a pretty dark teen novel. I love it. I'm not sure I like the writing style or the plot so much, but I can certainly relate to the themes of divorce, familial war-zone, and psychological/emotional abuse. So many things in this book took me back to the time my parents were going through their divorce. I'm not so sure I would recommend this because it's so dark. However, I think that anyone who's been caught in the middle of parents would relate to this novel.

It really started off intensely, but then slowed WAY down. I didn't want to read it. I'm glad it picked up, though. I like how Oates kind of keeps the reader guessing. I kind of predicted some things, which I don't like. It's more like I know what has happened, but I really hoped to God that it won't turn out like I thought. I think that anyone from divorced family can relate to this novel, but it takes off like an inconsistent roller coaster. I'm not sure many people will tolerate that. I do have a good feeling about it, so it wins a Word Nerd Seal of Approval. She's got some great description, too.

Quotes:

"...quarreling, crying, showing-around, falling-down-drunk stuff that makes you ashamed you even know these people, let alone they're your parents. And sure, there's a divorce. And it drags on, and on. And it never ends, because it's inside you, too. And you carry it with you wherever you go, like a turtle with a crooked shell" (106-7).

"I saw in Daddy's eyes the truth shining, and the truth was love, and would protect me" (215).

"My wings beat/beat/beat against the wire, desperate for a way out" (284).