The House at 758
Kathryn Berla
(Author)
Description
"A moving, mysterious coming-of-age story." - Kirkus Reviews
Sixteen year old Krista is still grieving the untimely death of her mother when her father's new girlfriend moves into their home. He's already moved on and wants Krista to do the same, but she's not ready to resume a normal life yet. Distancing herself from those around her, Krista spends all of her time obsessively watching a mysterious house, the house at 758.
When a fellow classmate, Jake, takes a sudden interest in her, Krista feels excited for the first time in two years, but feelings of guilt consume her, and she ends up pushing Jake away. It isn't until her grandfather makes a surprise visit from Venezuela that Krista is finally able to confront her grief and begin to let things go.
Product Details
| Publisher | Amberjack Publishing |
| Publish Date | October 17, 2017 |
| Pages | 250 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Paperback / softback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781944995249 |
| Dimensions | 7.4 X 4.9 X 0.6 inches | 0.5 pounds |
About the Author
Kathryn grew up in India, Syria, Europe, and Africa. Her love for experiencing new cultures runs deep, and she gives into it whenever she can. She has been an avid movie buff since childhood, and often sees the movie in her head before she writes the book. Kathryn graduated from the University of California in Berkeley with a degree in English. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Reviews
"The House at 758 tells the subtle tale of a girl who is living through the aftermath of her mother's death and has developed an unhealthy fixation on its cause. The story will ring true with those who have experienced trust issues, boy troubles, loss, and growing up too soon. Krista is thoughtful, genuine, and well rounded, allowing a common plot device to result in a story that is both unique and enjoyable." - VOYA
--VOYA"A moving, mysterious coming-of-age story." - Kirkus Reviews
--Kirkus Reviews"A story of grief and coping, this title tackles the weight and confusion of losing a parent with no true place to set blame. There is an honesty and rawness to Krista's narration as she acknowledges the extreme highs and lows of her thoughts and emotions. The gradual revealing of the story of Krista's mother's death will prompt readerly consideration of moral beliefs, mental wellness, class structures, and the definition of justice. Readers will appreciate this glimpse into the messy and complicated journey towards renewal and healing."
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksGr 6 Up-Krista lives with her father who has recently let his new girlfriend move into their home. Krista's mother died two years ago, and she is stuck in a debilitating funk from which she cannot find her way out. The only way she feels control is through her constant surveillance of the house at 758. Her self-destruction leads her to an unexpected friendship with the local football celebrity Jake, but she still obsesses over what she can never get back. It is only when her Venezuelan maternal grandfather visits that she is pulled back to reality and can truly find a way toward forgiveness and acceptance. This was a wonderful story about life's struggles and not only forgiving others for unfortunate mistakes, but forgiving one's self. The slim novel starts off slow but Berla finds a rhythm toward the middle of the story, and it unfolds beautifully into a tale that teens and tweens will enjoy.
VERDICT Despite the story's slow beginning, readers will inevitably become invested in Krista's healing and will enjoy the novel's positive message. A strong purchase.-Davia Schmidt, Queens Public Library, NY
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