Despite the unusual title,
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher is an amazing YA novel. However, even though it has apparently won an award as a children's book, it is not actually appropriate for children. It may be a very good book, but it contains some scattered but heavy swearing and some not-so-appropriate scenes between a few couples.
The entire book is written in “letters” rather than chapters. The main character calls herself "Zoe," which isn't her real name, and is writing to a man named Stuart Harris on death row because she has a story to tell that explains why she feels so guilty. She claims to have murdered a boy she was supposed to love much like how Stuart murdered his wife when he found out about her affair with his brother. Zoe thinks that Stuart is the only one who can understand because they both feel the same guilt.
In her story, Zoe has feelings for two boys, and they both have feelings for her. However, these two boys happen to be brothers. Throughout the story, readers can enjoy the humor and the drama in this book while trying to decide which brother she killed.
Alongside Zoe's boy troubles are the family problems that are another major part of her life. These add yet more drama and humor to this thrilling novel.
Ketchup Clouds is a beautiful piece of literature. It is written in a very creative and interesting style that really holds the attention of readers.
Some readers have trouble getting through the beginning, (I'm not sure why.) but it really is worth finishing.
Thrilling, funny, and realistic,
Ketchup Clouds is perfect for fans of realistic fiction and mystery.
Happy reading,
Rae
P.S.- The ending is really sad; I cried.
P.P.S.- Yes, you do find out what Zoe's real name is in the end.
P.P.P.S.- If you liked this book, you may enjoy
Chocker by Elizabeth Woods.
P.P.P.P.S.- I still don't know which book won for Virginia Reader's Choice. Sorry.
P.P.P.P.P.S.- I won't be posting much this month because I'm writing for April's Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), which is this cool program for writing an entire novel in thirty days.
