Poemsia

November 4, 2019
Leav (Sad Girls) writes the kind of hugely popular poetry (she has more than 500,000 followers on Instagram) that is simultaneously credited with drawing young people’s interest to the genre and also accused of dumbing it down. The heroine of her YA debut, 19-year-old Verity, also writes poetry, but she’s too shy to show it to anyone. When her best friend challenges her to go public, rapid success—followers, celebrity fans, and a publisher—astonishes her. For Verity, a trip to New York City, so far away from Sydney, Australia and the beloved grandfather who raised her, not to mention her new boyfriend—is equal parts exciting and intimidating, even with best friend Jess tagging along. The book rehashes the fight over work that some derisively call Instagram poetry, but it offers no examples of Verity’s writing, leaning instead on overly simplified good-bad dichotomies. Verity is kind, wise, and lovable, while would-be-mentor Mena turns out to be shallow and money-hungry. Closer to home, Verity’s boyfriend’s ex will do whatever it takes to discredit Verity. Alas, a book about the power of words ends up relying on clichés. Ages 14–up. Agent: Al Zuckerman, Writers House.

New Zealander Saskia Maarleveld is the perfect narrator for the Down Under story of Verity Wolf. While Maarleveld's accents provide a strong sense of place, she's also skilled at evoking the warm relationships that are the story's strength. Verity has a poetic gift and a best friend who sees her talent. Maarleveld depicts the closeness they've had since meeting at age 7. Maarleveld also depicts the positive relationship Verity has with her adored grandfather and her boyfriend. When Verity's fame takes her on a publicity tour to New York City, Maarleveld contrasts the story's earlier warmth with harsh American accents and attitudes as Verity suffers the jealousy of others and the coldness of the publishing world. Happily, Maarleveld returns listeners to a tender, happily-ever-after conclusion. S.W. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine