Although I was not too pleased with Ms. Tesauro's review of my most recent book for young adults, Angel in Vegas: The Chronicles of Noah Sark, in the December 2009 issue of SLJ, I didn't respond at the time. But now, five months later, I've finally gotten around to reading the book she cited as "a better book with a similar concept," and I feel I must speak out. Although Repossessed is a fine book in every way, comparing it to Angel in Vegas is akin to judging books about God by Billy Graham and Richard Dawkins as "similar in concept" because they are both about God.
Furthermore, your reviewer commented that Noah's "angst and asides grow wearisome." What she missed, unfortunately, is that those "asides" are the very reason this book was written. One doesn't have to look too deeply to realize that Angel in Vegas is meant to be a spoof-a satire, if you wish-on angels, heaven, and religion in general. On second thought, it is easy to see how, to a religious person, those asides would indeed grow wearisome, or worse. (One of my own favorite lines is when my so-called angel refers to the Pearly Gates as "an eye-catcher, for sure.") As much as I deplore the categorizing of people or making broad generalizations, I can't help wondering why a resident of Radford, Virginia, in the very heart of the Bible Belt, was chosen to review a book written mainly for the enjoyment of the growing population of intelligent young agnostics and yes, dare I say it, budding atheists as well, who yearn for books to which they can relate. Could it be that simply containing the word "Angel" in the title was the determining factor?
Even at this late date, I think my book deserves another look by a more liberal-minded reviewer who would recognize the book for what it is and at least be willing to recommend it for that select group of young readers for whom it was intended, even if they are not patrons of her particular library.
Norma Howe, author Sacramento, CA
Our Reviewer Responds
Just as there are rednecks and evangelicals in California there are liberal-minded people in small towns. My reservations about Angel in Vegas did not extend from offended religious beliefs; rather, it did not entertain as intended. I was at first surprised to find my professionalism called into question due to the area of the country in which I live. Upon reflection, however, I find it is a further demonstration of the lackluster imagination that considers calling the Pearly Gates an, "eye-catcher, for sure," to be effective satire. Even the seriously devout would agree the Pearly Gates are intended to be dazzling. A request for a more liberal-minded reviewer is unnecessary. Indeed, if I found the book to be offensive to any group I would have stated so explicitly in my review.
As for comparing Angel in Vegas to Repossessed by A. M. Jenkins, both books are about angels who have taken temporary possession of a teenage boy's body. While it is ultimately revealed in Angel in Vegas that the guardian angel is a delusional teenager suffering from a recent head injury, the intention throughout is to poke fun at angels and religion. The ideas explored in Repossessed are far more provocative than the jokes in Angel in Vegas; the humor more subtle yet effective. Despite the hyperbole, Repossessed remains the better book.
Caroline Tesauro, youth services librarian Radford Public Library, VA
Praise for Dan Gutman
I just had to write a response to Dan Gutman's article ("How I Corrupted America's Youth," May 2010, pp. 28-31). Dan visited my library this past March and I cannot keep one copy of his "My Weird School" books on my shelves. Boys and girls of all grades ask for them every day and Dan is so right when he says they grab hold of the reluctant readers. The parent who wrote to him that his seven-year-old was "repulsed" by the thinking and talking of the characters in the book must really be a sad child. I have read several "Weird School" books aloud to my students and I myself have been laughing out loud with the children.
As Dan states, it is not his job to provide morals to other peoples' children. It is his job to entertain. I would like to meet the "100 percent" of parents and teachers who were shocked from reading the book! It is also not our position as librarians to censor what should be on our shelves in the library. I couldn't in my wildest dreams even imagine censoring one of Dan Gutman's books. I wish there were more authors like him.
Wendy Rosenzweig, librarian Roosevelt School, River Edge, NJ
School Library Journal welcomes Letters to the Editor of 300 words or less. They may be edited for clarity and length. When submitting letters, please include a daytime telephone number. Please email letters to Phyllis Levy Mandell at pmandell@mediasourceinc.com.
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