Raven in a Dove House

Rating:
Summary: I found this book in a discount store
Review: (...)The book is amazing. Secrets, violence, love all wound into one book great for teens and adults alike. What disappointed me most about this book, was that when I read it 2 years ago, I found that it was not in print any more! I am glad it is back again. No one should miss out on any book.

Rating:
Summary: Completely wonderful
Review: I found this book in a discount bin and can't for the life of me figure out why. This is one of the most timely and relevant books for urban children that I can think of. This book deals with issues of teen violence, death and family.

Would you hide a gun because a family member asked you to? Is it disloyal to your family not to hide it? What if you knew that your cousin had a gun and thought it was his ticket out of the nowhere oppression of a dead end town? Would you tell? Would you tell when his best friend ends up dead because of the gun?

This story of an African-American girl trying to decide where the bonds of family loyalty lie is one of the best I've ever seen. Her father dumps her at her Auntie's house each summer, even though he acts for all the world as if he is ashamed of where he came from now that he is a rich lawyer in New York. Her cousin wants out of this town and a life of priviledge in New York, just like her father. But does he understand that it took college and hard work to get there or does he think the Raven handgun he has hidden in her dollhouse is his ticket the easy way? Should she tell her Aunt that it is there?

For all the darkness of this book, it has an affirming, loving ending. The bonds and love of family pull close around this little girl, her troubled cousin and her father. The lesson learned here is that family and love, if trusted, will prevail.