Written by: Laura Ruby
APA citation: Ruby, L. (2015). Bone gap. New York: HarperCollins.
Cover image: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18806240-bone-gap?from_search=true&search_version=service
My summary of the plot: Two brothers, Sean and Finn live in a strange small town called Bone Gap. A girl named Roza comes to live with them. Finn sees Roza being kidnapped but the entire town believes she left.
Keywords: Kidnapping, brothers, bullying
My assessment: I enjoyed Bone Gap. I am a big fan of magical realism and I would say that this book was in between magical realism and fantasy. I just thought this book was beautifully written. It is the story of how beauty and love can both help and hurt you.
“There will be boys who will tell you you’re beautiful, but only a few will see you” (N.P.).
Audio review: This book was read by Dan Bittner. He did a good job.
Citation for audio book: Ruby, L. (2015). Bone gap. [Audio Recording]. New York: Harper Audio
Review from a library journal:
Gr 10 Up— It is a rare book that sits comfortably on the shelf with the works of Twain, McCullers, Conroy, Stephen King, and D’Aulaires’ Greek Myths-rarer still that a novel combines elements of these authors together. Bone Gap does just this, to superb effect. We start with a boy named Finn and his brother, Sean. Sean is the classic hero: strong, silent, great at everything he does. Finn is a pretty boy whose otherworldly goofiness has earned him the nicknames Spaceman, Sidetrack, and Moonface. Along comes Rosza, a beautiful and damaged young woman, fleeing from some unknown evil. When she disappears, only Finn witnesses her abduction and he is unable to describe her captor. He is also unsure whether she left by force or choice. The author defies readers’ expectations at every turn. In this world, the evidence of one’s senses counts for little; appearances, even less. Heroism isn’t born of muscle, competence, and desire, but of the ability to look beyond the surface and embrace otherworldliness and kindred spirits. Sex happens, but almost incidentally. Evil happens, embodied in a timeless, nameless horror that survives on the mere idea of beauty. A powerful novel.—Nina Sachs, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME
Citation for book review: Sachs, N. (2014). Bone Gap. School Library Journal, 60(12), 142.
Recommendations for library or classroom use: I would recommend this to both male and female teens, especially teens that like fantasy. I would be more likely to recommend it to a good reader.
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