Disclosure: I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
So I just finished reading Melt (which is to be released in November 2014). No really, like 3 minutes ago I finished the book. My hands are shaking and myheart is pounding in my chest. Wow. What a tough book!
The story is loosely tied to the Wizard of Oz tale, mostly based on the female character Dorothy. Each chapter starts with an Oz quote that sort of relates to the specific scene; however, that’s pretty much where any literal similarity ends. Some readers might read into the novel a little deeper, finding symbolism or some kind of parallel. Honestly, I was just too horrified by the abuse taking place throughout the book to think on any other level. I felt as if I was stuck in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, lodged in the survival state and trying to get to safety.
I’m no stranger to dysfunctional families, so the idea of Joey’s alcoholic Pop and his angry ways didn’t surprise me. The intensity of it did, though, and I suspect the mental images will stay with me for a long time. For this reason, I would hesitate to give this book to just any teen. The subject matter is quite mature and violent; there is a lot of profanity throughout the book although I really couldn’t blame Joey for using it considering his home environment. The contrast between the two unlikely romantically involved characters was night and day. I wavered between cheering for Dorothy’s strength of character and wanting to march her back home, dismayed at her stubbornness. I’d want my own daughter to look beyond the facade of society’s judgment; I’d also want her to be confident that I’d listen to her no matter what. This story is very powerful in both its presentation and its imagery. It’s a heavy reminder that we never know what children endure behind closed doors. Take the time to offer a smile or a helping hand when you have a chance!
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MELT by Selene Castrovilla: Goodreads
MELT is a brutal love story, set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. Sixteen year old “good girl” Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park – where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin’ Donuts.) There, she meets Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there’s his family’s secret – about to be unleashed.
Told in dual first person, Joey’s words are scattered on the page – reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason – until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?
MELT is based on true events. It is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. It will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul.
About Selene Castrovilla
Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author. She believes that through all trends, humanity remains at the core of literature. She is the author of Saved By the Music and The Girl Next Door, teen novels originally published by WestSide Books and now available digitally through ASD Publishing. Her third children’s book with Calkins Creek Books, Revolutionary Friends, was released in April 2013. She is also a contributing author to UncommonYA. Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Visit her website www.SeleneCastrovilla.com for book excerpts and more information!
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Pinterest
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Great review, Dianna! I think I pretty much felt the same way you did after finishing MELT. The ending (and story) is so powerful that I was just speechless, and shaking!
Good review and really makes it hit home how books affect us. People not always think about how some take the written word and form lasting impressions and heartache. I haven’t read the book and can only imagine the emotions that both the characters and you had.
Great review! I have read several books lately that have left me feeling emotionally flooded. It always amazes me how some books can make me FEEL so much and it takes a lot of courage to tackle tough issues in writing. Last week, I read Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall. As hard as it was to read at times, it impacted my life in a positive way. Like you said earlier, “Take the time to offer a smile or a helping hand when you have a chance!”