All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

Jarzab, A. (2010). All Unquiet Things. New York: Delacorte Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 038573858

Plot Summary

  All Unquiet Things allows readers to catch a glimpse of the dysfunction of families who seem to have it all. Carly was a simple and smart girl until her mother dies and she starts hanging out with a tough crowd, leaving her boyfriend and best friend and cousin behind. Both her ex boyfriend Neily and her cousin and best friend Audrey loved her but neither of them knew the right way to comfort her after her mother dies. Both are shocked when Carly is murdered and Audrey's dad is arrested for her murder. 

  A year later, Audrey returns, determined to clear her fathers name and to find the real killer. Neily helps, and together they fight against all odds to find out the truth even if it means losing everything, including their lives. 

Critical Evaluation

  This was one of the first YA novels that I have read, and I am so glad that it was this one. It took me from one extreme to the other, and it left me with a heat open and ready for more. Jarzab's writing style is poignant and truthful. Her characters are believable and the story, although a murder mystery, is not far fetched. You can feel the anger Neily and Audrey have one chapter, and the sorrow and deep pain they feel for their loss in another. I have re read this book many times, and it never gets old. 

Readers Annotation

  They know who killed Carly, but so does the killer. 

Information about the Author

  Anna grew up in the suburbs located outside of both Chicago and San Fransisco. She graduated from Santa Clara University and earned her Masters from the University of Chicago. This book is her first novel and she currently lives in New York. 

  Anna served three years on the Peer Medical Board and was the Frosh Escape Leader as well as the Fiction Editor and Assistant Editor of the Santa Clara Review. While at the University of Chicago, she finished All Unquiet Things, which was actually her thesis. She works in book marketing. 

Genre

  Mystery

  

Curriculum Ties

  n/a

Booktalking Ideas

  - What does the title represent?

  - Why do you think Carly fell in with the wrong crowd after her mother died?

Reading Level/Interest Age

  9-12th grade/Young Adult

Challenge Issues

  Underage sex, drug and alcohol use, violence
   I would offer my library's Collection Development Policy which highlights how challenges and reconsideration's are handled. I would ask the challenger and the professional reviewing it to familiarize themselves with the book.

Reason for Selection

  Random book left out on a table.