Honk If You Hate Me

July 30, 2007
In a book teeming with offbeat characters and situations, debut author Halverson shows how 16-year-old Monalisa Kent and members of her community come to terms with a catastrophe that nearly ruined their town. The tragedy occurred 10 years ago when the Wayne Furniture Plant—the source of most citizens’ livelihoods—was destroyed by fire. Monalisa’s father, who worked at the plant, became a hero by saving his daughter and her friend, Glen, while Monalisa, blamed for starting the blaze, became the town villain. She finds refuge in the tattoo parlor owned by Glen’s quirky parents and in a bumper-sticker shop owned by a former fireman haunted by images of smoke and flames. But after 10 years of keeping a low profile, Monalisa decides to make her voice heard, even if it means standing on top of tables at fast-food joints and shouting her favorite bumper sticker slogans. Keeping characters (and their complicated histories) straight proves challenging, and it’s unclear why the town remains so resentful—particularly since the local university, which “ employs more townspeople than the Wayne plant ever did,” transformed the city following the fire. Though teens may identify with Monalisa’s unconventional attitude and be glad for her ultimate—and rightful—redemption, the book often feels unclear and unfocused. Ages 12-up.

December 1, 2007
Gr 8 Up-Though she can't remember it, Monalisa Kent is constantly reminded that she started the fire that destroyed Muessa Junction's futon factory and cost many people their jobs. She was only six, but still feels their blame 10 years later. Her father, who saved Mona and her best friend that night, makes things worse by reveling in the media attention each year on the fire's anniversary. She plays along, as it's the only time he pays attention to her. To prove she doesn't care, Mona dyes her hair and obsessively collects bumper stickers for their clever wisdom. When her memory of that night begins to return, she cracks under the pressure, jumping on a table in a fast-food restaurant and shouting bumper sticker sayings. Surprisingly, she feels empowered and people are intrigued. Mona unintentionally introduces "poetry raiding" to the town and is elevated to celebrity status for a new reason. This becomes an outlet as the mystery of the fire begins to unravel. Mona's character is well developed and the plot intriguing. However, in her attempt to create a quirky town and colorful residents, Halverson distracts readers from the central story with one-dimensional characters and ridiculous subplots, such as the town's inexplicable obsession with fast food (which only serves to give Mona a number of places to perform). These elements take the focus away from the main character and slow the story down. Also, the relationship between Mona and her father is never sufficiently developed."Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.