Posts Tagged: impossible

published September 18th 2008 by Dial

(first published September 18th 1994)

details Hardcover, 384 pages

setting United States

3.5 stars

literary awards Booklist Editors’ Choice, Kirkus Reviews Best YA book of (2008), Publishers Weekly “Cuffie” honorable mention winner for 2009 in the categories “Favorite Novel of the Year” and “Best Novel for (2008)

isbn 0803730020

Lucy has nine months to break an ancient curse in order to save both herself and her unborn daughter. Inspired by the ballad “Scarborough Fair,” this riveting novel combines suspense, fantasy, and romance for an intensely page-turning and masterfully original tale.

Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child’s birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won’t be alone as she tackles the list. She has her fiercely protective foster parents and her childhood friend Zach beside her. Do they have love and strength enough to overcome an age-old evil?

I picked up this book at Wal-Mart because of the awesome photography on the cover and the fact that it’s about an Elfin knight. It is a slow paced but poetic read based on folk music and fairy lore. It tackles some really strong issues like mental illness, rape, and teenage pregnancy in a mature and beautiful way. I honestly loved that it taught abstinence before marriage, taking responsibility for your baby and the power of true love. Zach is a shining example of stepping up when the going gets rough and Lucy is true to her childhood love and values. I think the material covered is best for ages 16 and older, but great for teenage mothers and those about to get married. Werlin teaches that determination and hard work can conquer the evils of this world and the curses of an unseen world.

Check out this amazing website for the book http://us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/impossible/index.html