Category: (Book)
32 new, starting at $3.16
23 used, starting at $0.01
Jeff Greene was only seven when Melody, his mother, left him with his reserved, undemonstrative father, the Professor. So when she reenters his life years later with an invitation to spend the summer with her in Charleston, Jeff is captivated by her free spirit and warmth, and he eagerly looks forward to returning for another visit the following year.
But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing. But out of Jeff's pain grows a deepening awareness of the unexpected and complicated ways of love and loss and of family and friendship -- and the strength to understand his father, his mother, and especially himself.
A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CHILDREN'S NOTABLE BOOK
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST OF THE BEST FOR YOUNG
ADULTS
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION TEACHERS' CHOICE
INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION YOUNG ADULT CHOICE
BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE
Worth it's weight in goldReviewed by Mark A. Lowell, 2009-10-20
This book is powerful for any kid who is struggling with a divided family. The issue is in the question: "Who really loves me more...the custodial parent, who makes rules and is imperfect, or the parent who chose to leave, but bribes and makes promises that are empty?' Solitary Blue is about a young teenager growing up and learning lessons that will heal his empty feelings with truth.
Good readReviewed by DK, 2008-07-22
Good read; very complex, but not as good as Dicey's Song, which was nearly a masterpiece. By the way the Tillermans don't show up until the last third of the book!
Putting a new face on solitude...Reviewed by Joanna Mechlinski, 2006-12-11
When he was in the first grade, Jeff Greene's mother Melody
abruptly walked out of his life. The last thing she told him was
that his father was a difficult man, and that he must do everything
in his power not to disturb or upset him.
Little Jeff took his mother's words seriously. As he grew, Jeff
became increasingly distant from his father, never even calling him
"Dad" but "Professor," just like his students. Quiet Jeff struggled
to maintain a perfect home, to take care of himself and blend into
the background of his father's life, so that the Professor would be
happy and not leave like Melody.
Even after Melody abandoned them, Jeff continued to idealize her.
As an adolescent, she invites him to visit her down south, and Jeff
is elated. He views his long-absent mother as something of an
angel, perfect and wondrous. Happy to simply be in her company,
Jeff never considers her ability to hurt him.
When Jeff returns home, nothing is the same. Outwardly, he
continues as he did, but on the inside, Melody has damaged his soul
beyond repair. Jeff loses control, entering a personal downward
spiral he can't seem to stop. It's then that the Professor realizes
it's high time he stepped up to the role of father, and let his son
know just what he means to him...
good bookReviewed by E. M. Bristol, 2005-10-30
Poor Jeff Greene. He's saddled with a flighty, mercurial mother who
leaves him at age seven and vacillates from intense neediness to
indifference. His father, called the Professor, is also distant and
unavailable. Eventually, however, he reaches out and makes a
genuine connection with his son, unlike the perpetually unlikable
mother who's only there when it's convenient for her.
The problem was this book was that it was a little too quiet. Jeff
holds everything inside and he doesn't really get passionate about
anything, although he has unique interests. His confrontations with
his mother ring true, however, and so do his relationships with the
Tillermans.
dramatic heart lifterReviewed by Anonymous, 2005-05-09
At only the age of seven years,Jeff Greene finds a note on the counter in his mothers scrawl revealing that she had left him with his father, The Professor. After years of feeling alone he receives a message from melody(his mom)saying that she wanted him to come visit her in charleston for the summer. By fall he has returned and writes her every month only to find the mail box empty every time he checks until summer comes along again, and he has an oppertunity to visit her once more...but something is different about her...or was he just under an illusion on they're first encounter. This book was the best book i have ever laid eyes on. Read this sad, suspenseful novel. I promise you won't be able to put it down!
This site is not affiliated with Cynthia Voigt.
CynthiaVoigt.com is a part of the Epik.com direct navigation network.
To contribute content to this site, please contact us.
