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Things aren’t so great in 11-year-old Michael Murray’s life at the moment. His dad has been out of work for a while, which makes things strained between him and his mom. And then one night, Michael’s mom comes home upset and bloody. Michael listens behind a closed door but can’t quite figure out what’s going on. Finally his dad and grandma tell him that she ran into a flasher in the woods. But is that all it really was? Michael is determined to find out, so he keeps listening at Closed Doors
I listen at doors now. It’s the only way to find out stuff. No one tells me anything (page 19).
The entire story is told from Michael’s point of view, which is an interesting device at times and slightly repetitious at others. It really takes one back to the thinking and actions of 11-year-olds. That said, if you think that it makes it a clean novel, you’d be wrong. There is plenty of cursing, which is not too far off the mark for boys from working-class families in a small Irish town.
In addition to trying to figure out what really happened — and if there’s anything he can do — he’s busy with neighborhood friends Fat Ralph and Paul, trying to impress his crush Marianne and stay away from his enemy Dirty Alice. He’s practicing keepy uppies with his soccer ball in hopes of blowing the other kids out of the water at the neighborhood talent show.
What I liked most about this was the look at a family from the eyes of a child. He’s old enough to make assumptions, to be able to express his fears and worries and observations, but throughout — even in the midst of real trouble — he’s self-centered in an age-appropriate way.
Kids are mostly not allowed to know anything about grown-up stuff. Marianne’s ma an da are probably fighting about it every night but Marianne will be asleep or pretending it’s just a normal fight (page 62).
This book shows us the life of a family, the life of a town, and in particular the life of one boy.
Find out more at the TLC Blog Tour page for Lisa O’Donnell and follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
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Theresa N says
Sounds like a very interesting book.
amanda hardesty says
This sounds like a catchy story that my son would love
amanda whiltey says
this sounds like something i wouldn’t put down once i start.
Daniel M says
sounds like an interesting read
Benita says
I’d love to read this book told by one boy’s perspective.
Beth C says
I need some summer reading material! Sounds good!
Suzy says
I loved Lisa O’Donnell’s first book, The a Death of Bees. It was one of my favorites in 2013. I really want to read Closed Doors.
Suzy says
I loved Lisa O’Donnell’s first book, The Death of Bees. It was one of my favorites in 2013. I really want to read Closed Doors.
Heather J says
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
Anita Yancey says
It has been a long time since I have read a book from a child’s point of view. It would make for interesting reading. Thanks for having the giveaway.
Samantha Wagner says
This would be an interesting read.
Linda Kish says
This sounds really interesting. I haven’t read anything from an 11 y/o’s point of view before.
Liza Vladyka says
sounds like a good read
Jeanna says
This sounds like an interesting read & i’m always looking for a good book!
Karen says
I have a 10 year old and a 12 year old, I think it would be pretty interesting to read a book that’s written from the perspective of an 11 year old!
Birdiebee says
I would love to have this to read this summer. I have not read a book for about 2 years now.
anne says
I listen to audiobooks in the car when I drive around town and out of town.
Angela Saver says
I have listened to audiobooks with my kids in the car before & they enjoyed it.
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