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Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature
I knew today would be ugly...
It's the first day of high school for Mena, and already her world looks bleak: she's an outcast, all her former friends hate her, even her parents barely speak to her anymore. And why? Because she tried to do the right thing. And then everything went wrong.
But can a cute, nerdy lab partner; his bossy, outspoken sister; and an unconventional, imaginative science teacher be just what Mena needs to turn her life around?
Or will the combination of all of them only make things worse?
As Mena is about to find out, it’s the freaks of nature who survive…
**
For more fun, science-oriented young adult books featuring smart girls and smart teens, check out these additional titles by Robin Brande:
FAT CAT
PARALLELOGRAM series
It's the first day of high school for Mena, and already her world looks bleak: she's an outcast, all her former friends hate her, even her parents barely speak to her anymore. And why? Because she tried to do the right thing. And then everything went wrong.
But can a cute, nerdy lab partner; his bossy, outspoken sister; and an unconventional, imaginative science teacher be just what Mena needs to turn her life around?
Or will the combination of all of them only make things worse?
As Mena is about to find out, it’s the freaks of nature who survive…
**
For more fun, science-oriented young adult books featuring smart girls and smart teens, check out these additional titles by Robin Brande:
FAT CAT
PARALLELOGRAM series
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2007
42 people are currently reading
5695 people want to read
About the author
Robin Brande
95 books264 followersRobin Brande is an award-winning author who writes in multiple genres, including fantasy, science fiction, young adult, romance, and nonfiction. Her young adult novels have been named Best Fiction for Young Adults by the American Library Association.
She is also a lawyer, martial artist, and wilderness medic.
Connect with Robin at:
www.robinbrande.com
www.facebook.com/robinbrande
www.twitter.com/robinbrande.
She is also a lawyer, martial artist, and wilderness medic.
Connect with Robin at:
www.robinbrande.com
www.facebook.com/robinbrande
www.twitter.com/robinbrande.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews
May 2, 2011
In case you don't know this about me, I am agnostic. It is beyond my understanding why so many people think that it is impossible to be a religious person and accept science. I can roll and roll my eyes at those who relentlessly assert that the Earth's age is 6000 years and people walked the Earth along with dinosaurs. I am sorry, I understand there is a lot of unexplained about our Universe and some choose to attribute this unexplainable to a God's grace, but denying scientifically proven facts is the height of ignorance and narrow-mindedness IMO. This novel addresses exactly this issue - how to reconcile religious believes and science - and should be right up my alley. Alas, it didn't work for me.
Here is why - to put it simply, Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature lacks subtlety and reads like anti-religious propaganda. Even I, with my agnostic believes, can't appreciate uniformly one-dimensional/off-putting/LOTR-denouncing Christian characters in this book.
Here is why - to put it simply, Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature lacks subtlety and reads like anti-religious propaganda. Even I, with my agnostic believes, can't appreciate uniformly one-dimensional/off-putting/LOTR-denouncing Christian characters in this book.
April 25, 2011
My friend Janina recommended this to me after I had read Brande’s other book Fat Cat and absolutely loved it and I must say that this was a really nice read as well. I didn’t love it as much as Fat Cat but still, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
You can see from the blurb what the story’s about so I won’t go into that any further. Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature does have an awww-worthy romance included but it’s not the thing the story mostly revolves around. IMO, the main topic is how to reconcile facts and beliefs. This was extremely interesting for me, since I’m very conflicted about this subject myself.
I definitely recommend this book, the writing is flawless and I like Brande’s sense of humor and overall the story is really enjoyable but if you’re simply looking for a contemp YA romance, Evolution, Me and Other Freaks might not serve this purpose since the story does not focus on it.
My favorite quotes:
Lying is for the weak-minded. If you can’t think of a truthful way to solve your problems, you’re not thinking hard enough.
That’s what it takes to survive – the freaks shall inherit the earth. Hell yeah!
In science the word theory doesn’t mean what it does in everyday conversation. It’s not a guess or a hunch. It’s a well-reasoned, PROVABLE explanation for something we see in the natural world.
In science, it’s not a theory’s job to become a fact. Theories are there to EXPLAIN facts. To tell us why we’re seeing what we see. That’s the beauty of a unifying theory like evolution – it gives us a structure so we can understand our world.
The future is not set. Which tells me there will always be room for the miraculous. God left Himself some slack in the rope. As a scientist, I may try to know everything about this universe there is to know, but even then I will never be able to touch that part – that mystery - that lies at the heart of all things. To me, that’s where God is.
You can see from the blurb what the story’s about so I won’t go into that any further. Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature does have an awww-worthy romance included but it’s not the thing the story mostly revolves around. IMO, the main topic is how to reconcile facts and beliefs. This was extremely interesting for me, since I’m very conflicted about this subject myself.
I definitely recommend this book, the writing is flawless and I like Brande’s sense of humor and overall the story is really enjoyable but if you’re simply looking for a contemp YA romance, Evolution, Me and Other Freaks might not serve this purpose since the story does not focus on it.
My favorite quotes:
Lying is for the weak-minded. If you can’t think of a truthful way to solve your problems, you’re not thinking hard enough.
That’s what it takes to survive – the freaks shall inherit the earth. Hell yeah!
In science the word theory doesn’t mean what it does in everyday conversation. It’s not a guess or a hunch. It’s a well-reasoned, PROVABLE explanation for something we see in the natural world.
In science, it’s not a theory’s job to become a fact. Theories are there to EXPLAIN facts. To tell us why we’re seeing what we see. That’s the beauty of a unifying theory like evolution – it gives us a structure so we can understand our world.
The future is not set. Which tells me there will always be room for the miraculous. God left Himself some slack in the rope. As a scientist, I may try to know everything about this universe there is to know, but even then I will never be able to touch that part – that mystery - that lies at the heart of all things. To me, that’s where God is.
July 2, 2009
I really wanted to like this book.
I thought that it was going to be so much more then what it was...
But it wasn't.
You see, I was hoping for this nice story about how a (seemingly) Christian girl found a way to defend her faith and what she's believed all her life. You know, like, Live Out Loud or something! Instead, I watched as Mena (who overall was a very believable character to be sure) learned about and then believed in something that I absolutely do not agree with.
As far as characters go, I didn't like the portrayal of Mena's old church friends because while there are of course some people out there who are like that, most aren't. Really, they aren't. Certain characters that I did like and actually came close to adoring were her science partner, Casey, and his older sister Kayla and her boyfriend Josh. They were really intriguing and realistic characters. I think that quite a bit of thought went into making them believable.
Other aspects of the book that I liked were how the plot and drama were built up. I completely agree with the other reviewers who said that the time right before the climax was the most exciting part of the entire story- it really was! Another small detail that I liked were the puppies, which sounded absolutely adorable!
Overall, if you believe in evolution, but you also believe in God then you will love this book. If you're like me and only believe in one or the other, you may have difficulties enjoying this book as you'll constantly feel like your guard is up against what you're reading.
I thought that it was going to be so much more then what it was...
But it wasn't.
You see, I was hoping for this nice story about how a (seemingly) Christian girl found a way to defend her faith and what she's believed all her life. You know, like, Live Out Loud or something! Instead, I watched as Mena (who overall was a very believable character to be sure) learned about and then believed in something that I absolutely do not agree with.
As far as characters go, I didn't like the portrayal of Mena's old church friends because while there are of course some people out there who are like that, most aren't. Really, they aren't. Certain characters that I did like and actually came close to adoring were her science partner, Casey, and his older sister Kayla and her boyfriend Josh. They were really intriguing and realistic characters. I think that quite a bit of thought went into making them believable.
Other aspects of the book that I liked were how the plot and drama were built up. I completely agree with the other reviewers who said that the time right before the climax was the most exciting part of the entire story- it really was! Another small detail that I liked were the puppies, which sounded absolutely adorable!
Overall, if you believe in evolution, but you also believe in God then you will love this book. If you're like me and only believe in one or the other, you may have difficulties enjoying this book as you'll constantly feel like your guard is up against what you're reading.
September 9, 2007
This totally takes a spot in my top 5 for 2007! (This coming from the guy who doesn't seriously practice a religion or affiliate himself with any church, herd, or mob!) Absolutely amazing, touching, funny, thought provoking..wow. Brande presents us with a girl's struggle to remain faithful to her personal Christian beliefs while:
a) learning for herself that science and religion can mix.
b) coming to terms with the fact that the Christian clique at her school (her old gang) certainly doesn't act Christian at all (but they wear all the right Jesus t-shirts while physically assaulting or belittling others)
c) that doing the "right thing" can cause an unbelievable amount of turmoil.
And it's this "right thing" that lands Mena Reece in a ton of trouble entering her freshman year of high school
It's an extremely timely, important, and even fun book to read that I hope will have a lot of appeal, regardless of religious affiliation!
a) learning for herself that science and religion can mix.
b) coming to terms with the fact that the Christian clique at her school (her old gang) certainly doesn't act Christian at all (but they wear all the right Jesus t-shirts while physically assaulting or belittling others)
c) that doing the "right thing" can cause an unbelievable amount of turmoil.
And it's this "right thing" that lands Mena Reece in a ton of trouble entering her freshman year of high school
It's an extremely timely, important, and even fun book to read that I hope will have a lot of appeal, regardless of religious affiliation!
January 29, 2009
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book in the end. Some personal background...I'm a Christian with a degree in Zoology whose favorite class at the Christian University I attended was Evolution. So, I suspected up front, that I'd either love or hate Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature.
For the first half of the book, I felt like the characters were too one dimensional... (evil, uptight, judgmental Christian pastor and kids... smart, cool, savvy science teacher... mean, controlling religious parents... kind, open-hearted nonreligious parent.) Even though I was skeptical during the beginning of the book, I ended up loving how Robin Brande tied everything up at the end of the book. The characters are not as one-dimensional as they seem at first.
I loved the main character, Mena. She's a good girl, just trying to do what she believes is right. I appreciated that she wasn't a push-over but still struggled with balancing all of her beliefs.
I'd recommend this book to any older teen. (I'd give it 4.5 if I could.) This is a subject that most kids will grapple with in one way or another. It's a good book to back up with parental discussion.
For the first half of the book, I felt like the characters were too one dimensional... (evil, uptight, judgmental Christian pastor and kids... smart, cool, savvy science teacher... mean, controlling religious parents... kind, open-hearted nonreligious parent.) Even though I was skeptical during the beginning of the book, I ended up loving how Robin Brande tied everything up at the end of the book. The characters are not as one-dimensional as they seem at first.
I loved the main character, Mena. She's a good girl, just trying to do what she believes is right. I appreciated that she wasn't a push-over but still struggled with balancing all of her beliefs.
I'd recommend this book to any older teen. (I'd give it 4.5 if I could.) This is a subject that most kids will grapple with in one way or another. It's a good book to back up with parental discussion.
November 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this one! However, it’s a difficult book to review, so I will share a quote that really stood out to me:
(Pg. 257)-“I believe that God created the universe and everything in it, and that evolution is the best explanation of what systems He used to effect it.”- Ms. Shepherd, high school science teacher
(Pg. 257)-“I believe that God created the universe and everything in it, and that evolution is the best explanation of what systems He used to effect it.”- Ms. Shepherd, high school science teacher
December 20, 2011
I recognized the cover of this book at the library and decided to pick it up. I didn't have anything else to do, so I read it immediately.
I, ack, love this book. Love it like "I would propose to this book if it was a person" love. But that's just it, I loved this book, which is why I gave it five stars. I think it's amazing. But...alas, it's not that great of a book.
There is lots of lecturing, first of all. Which didn't really bother me because what the book was lecturing wasn't bad, but it's still lecturing all the same. Which doesn't have a place in a book -- unless, you know, it's like a textbook, where you're supposed to lecture, I believe.
However, I would not consider this book to be anti-Christian. What Would Emma Do?, another book I believe I rated five stars and loved, seemed actually quite anti-Christian. (That didn't stop me from loving it, but still.) This book isn't...at least to me. The main character, Mena, who I keep wanting to call Mara, starts out believing in God and continues to do so. At first I thought the author was going to play the whole "Mena finds science and learns the truth" thing, but she doesn't. To me, she handles the entire situation quite well. But I have to admit that at times the lecturing can come off as anti-Christianish and eye-roll worthy.
Note to self: whatever you do in your novel, don't lecture. Good lecturing or not it always brings down a book.
Anyway, the backstory of the book, SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS DON'T CLICK TEH BUTTON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED
Mena, as a main character...she's okay. Just okay. She's really paranoid and insecure and she doesn't use her little inkling of a backbone against the right people. There are times when I wished she would suddenly turn violent and punch the people that were bothering her in the face. But, sadly, she never did. There wasn't one time in the book where Mena stood up to her ex-friends and told them that she didn't have to take any of their bullshit anymore. And that was a tragedy, because I feel it's what would have made her really grow.
She also has this thing about telling the truth. Which, considering half of the books I've read this year, was some change. But having no backbone often conflicted with her telling the truth, as people around her (more specifically, Casey's sister) would just bully her into lying.
Casey is one of the best love interests I've read all year. He wasn't angry, a jerk, overtly condescending, rich, a jock or playboy and he wasn't even jaw droppingly handsome. (Although Mena did keep mentioning his hair and eyes, which kind of grated on my nerves after the first five times she did so.) Casey is a nerd. A Lord of the Rings and science nerd who often put on a fake British accent to amuse Mena, if only for a moment. A breath of fresh air.
And their romance felt built up. It wasn't love at first sight, and I felt that it was realistic the way Mena fell for him. And vice versa. And guess what -- it didn't take over the story, either! It was almost like a balance of the romance and the actual, you know, story. A feat I've rarely seem accomplished before.
All in all, I'll say this -- Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature is a book I'll always love in the deepest pits of my black heart. It is also a book with flaws. Many flaws. But it never gets boring, and it's definitely worth reading.
I, ack, love this book. Love it like "I would propose to this book if it was a person" love. But that's just it, I loved this book, which is why I gave it five stars. I think it's amazing. But...alas, it's not that great of a book.
There is lots of lecturing, first of all. Which didn't really bother me because what the book was lecturing wasn't bad, but it's still lecturing all the same. Which doesn't have a place in a book -- unless, you know, it's like a textbook, where you're supposed to lecture, I believe.
However, I would not consider this book to be anti-Christian. What Would Emma Do?, another book I believe I rated five stars and loved, seemed actually quite anti-Christian. (That didn't stop me from loving it, but still.) This book isn't...at least to me. The main character, Mena, who I keep wanting to call Mara, starts out believing in God and continues to do so. At first I thought the author was going to play the whole "Mena finds science and learns the truth" thing, but she doesn't. To me, she handles the entire situation quite well. But I have to admit that at times the lecturing can come off as anti-Christianish and eye-roll worthy.
Note to self: whatever you do in your novel, don't lecture. Good lecturing or not it always brings down a book.
Anyway, the backstory of the book, SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS DON'T CLICK TEH BUTTON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED
Mena, as a main character...she's okay. Just okay. She's really paranoid and insecure and she doesn't use her little inkling of a backbone against the right people. There are times when I wished she would suddenly turn violent and punch the people that were bothering her in the face. But, sadly, she never did. There wasn't one time in the book where Mena stood up to her ex-friends and told them that she didn't have to take any of their bullshit anymore. And that was a tragedy, because I feel it's what would have made her really grow.
She also has this thing about telling the truth. Which, considering half of the books I've read this year, was some change. But having no backbone often conflicted with her telling the truth, as people around her (more specifically, Casey's sister) would just bully her into lying.
Casey is one of the best love interests I've read all year. He wasn't angry, a jerk, overtly condescending, rich, a jock or playboy and he wasn't even jaw droppingly handsome. (Although Mena did keep mentioning his hair and eyes, which kind of grated on my nerves after the first five times she did so.) Casey is a nerd. A Lord of the Rings and science nerd who often put on a fake British accent to amuse Mena, if only for a moment. A breath of fresh air.
And their romance felt built up. It wasn't love at first sight, and I felt that it was realistic the way Mena fell for him. And vice versa. And guess what -- it didn't take over the story, either! It was almost like a balance of the romance and the actual, you know, story. A feat I've rarely seem accomplished before.
All in all, I'll say this -- Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature is a book I'll always love in the deepest pits of my black heart. It is also a book with flaws. Many flaws. But it never gets boring, and it's definitely worth reading.
September 7, 2010
Robin Brande has definitely become one of my favourite authors with this book. I loved her second novel, Fat Cat, and her debut, Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature, was great as well.
Mena believes she did the right thing - but the right thing got her kicked out of church, made her former friends hate her and caused her parents to stop talking to her altogether. Not the best situation to start your first year of high school.
The only bright spot is Mena's biology class and her lab partner Casey. But just when Mena believes she might have the chance for a fresh start, new issues arise as the class starts to discuss evolution ...
I simply loved the characters in this book. Mena and her struggle to belong somewhere again, not knowing anymore what is wrong and what is right. Casey and his lovable family who made Mena feel at home right away (and of course the adorable puppies who came to be the stars of Mena's and Casey's biology project).
And Brande even did a great job at making me hate Mena's so-called former friends, who believe they do others a favour by trying to convert them.
Although I'm not a religious person at all myself, I could understand Mena's struggle to unite her belief in God on one side and her interest in science on the other.
Also, despite the fact that this novel adresses somewhat controversial issues, it always left the reader to form her/his own opinion about them and it never got preachy in any way. I found it interesting to read about the fact that evolution versus creationism is still an issue at many American schools, as it is something we almost don't deal at all with here in Germany.
And I simply love the fact that Brande's main characters are into maths and science, something I've rarely encountered in YA fiction before.
The only thing I wished would have been developed a bit more was Mena's realtionship to her parents.
Altogether, a great read and I can't wait to read whatever Robin Brande comes up with next!
Mena believes she did the right thing - but the right thing got her kicked out of church, made her former friends hate her and caused her parents to stop talking to her altogether. Not the best situation to start your first year of high school.
The only bright spot is Mena's biology class and her lab partner Casey. But just when Mena believes she might have the chance for a fresh start, new issues arise as the class starts to discuss evolution ...
I simply loved the characters in this book. Mena and her struggle to belong somewhere again, not knowing anymore what is wrong and what is right. Casey and his lovable family who made Mena feel at home right away (and of course the adorable puppies who came to be the stars of Mena's and Casey's biology project).
And Brande even did a great job at making me hate Mena's so-called former friends, who believe they do others a favour by trying to convert them.
Although I'm not a religious person at all myself, I could understand Mena's struggle to unite her belief in God on one side and her interest in science on the other.
Also, despite the fact that this novel adresses somewhat controversial issues, it always left the reader to form her/his own opinion about them and it never got preachy in any way. I found it interesting to read about the fact that evolution versus creationism is still an issue at many American schools, as it is something we almost don't deal at all with here in Germany.
And I simply love the fact that Brande's main characters are into maths and science, something I've rarely encountered in YA fiction before.
The only thing I wished would have been developed a bit more was Mena's realtionship to her parents.
Altogether, a great read and I can't wait to read whatever Robin Brande comes up with next!
November 19, 2020
11/19/2020: I'm really making good use of all of the books on my shelves this year! I loved this as much the 2nd time as i did the first time. Science and religion do not have to be at war with one another.
.
I loved this book. So much so that I'm planning to buy it so I can reread it often. It's a YA book about a Christian girl and her struggles to reconcile what she believes about God and what she learns about evolution in her high school biology class. Since I love science and I'm religious, this has always been an interesting subject to me.
My favorite passage came towards the end. Mena (the main character) is talking with someone about religion and evolution.
"I believe that God created the universe and everything in it, and that evolution is the best explanation of what systems He used to effect it.
...there is a natural order to the universe. It's beautiful in its simplicity and logic. Evolution is part of that natural order. Evolution is simply true. There's nothing evil about it.
...quantum physics tells us that at the same time there's this beautiful, perfect order to all things in a very large sense, there is also a part of our universe--down at the smallest level--that will never EVER be predictable. There are just some things we cannot control.
...What it means, in a nutshell, is this: The future is not set. Which tells me there will always be room for the miraculous. God left Himself some slack in the rope. As a scientist, I may try to know everything about this universe there is to know, but even then I will never be able to touch that part-that mystery-that lies at the heart of all things.
To me, that's where God is. And it's also proof that I have free will. If the future isn't set, I can affect my course. My prayers can matter. How I live my life matters. I'm not just some computer living out my program.
That is the God I believe in. It's the God who created a universe so vast and wonderful for me to explore and test and observe, and yet I have the pleasure of knowing some mysteries will have to wait until i can ask Him face to face."
I breezed through this little book in an afternoon; I couldn't put it down, so we had a very simple dinner! I'd recommend it to anyone.
.
I loved this book. So much so that I'm planning to buy it so I can reread it often. It's a YA book about a Christian girl and her struggles to reconcile what she believes about God and what she learns about evolution in her high school biology class. Since I love science and I'm religious, this has always been an interesting subject to me.
My favorite passage came towards the end. Mena (the main character) is talking with someone about religion and evolution.
"I believe that God created the universe and everything in it, and that evolution is the best explanation of what systems He used to effect it.
...there is a natural order to the universe. It's beautiful in its simplicity and logic. Evolution is part of that natural order. Evolution is simply true. There's nothing evil about it.
...quantum physics tells us that at the same time there's this beautiful, perfect order to all things in a very large sense, there is also a part of our universe--down at the smallest level--that will never EVER be predictable. There are just some things we cannot control.
...What it means, in a nutshell, is this: The future is not set. Which tells me there will always be room for the miraculous. God left Himself some slack in the rope. As a scientist, I may try to know everything about this universe there is to know, but even then I will never be able to touch that part-that mystery-that lies at the heart of all things.
To me, that's where God is. And it's also proof that I have free will. If the future isn't set, I can affect my course. My prayers can matter. How I live my life matters. I'm not just some computer living out my program.
That is the God I believe in. It's the God who created a universe so vast and wonderful for me to explore and test and observe, and yet I have the pleasure of knowing some mysteries will have to wait until i can ask Him face to face."
I breezed through this little book in an afternoon; I couldn't put it down, so we had a very simple dinner! I'd recommend it to anyone.
June 1, 2012
Before I start my rant, let me give credit where credit is due.
The main characters are fairly interesting. There are churches like the one portrayed in the book (though I’ve only heard of them). There are Christians (or at least professing Christians) who believe in Evolution.
That being said, here are my problems with this book. (Now, I waited some time before writing this so it didn’t turn into a flame review, so some details may now have escaped me.)
1. The false dichotomy. Brande sets the story up and basically gives the reader two options. The crazy cult church who believes in Creationism (as taught in the Bible) but who are inept at defending their beliefs and who in many ways does not act like a Christian should. OR The rational, good, kind Christian evolutionists. In this book, there’s no in between. Creationism in this book is equated with unbalanced, unbiblical believers.
2. It would be nice if Brande did her homework on such things as the fossil record. Now, I’m not a scientist by any means, but I know enough from a couple college classes to know that Brande casts broad generalizations and completely ignores the evidence pointing to Creation as shown in the Bible. She doesn’t address the problem of having Evolution begin before the Fall and she doesn’t address the lack of fossils to support Evolution. A lot is just presupposed. Now, I understand this is a work of fiction, but that’s not a good excuse for shoddy research. And since the main plot is her struggle with this topic, these things should be addressed.
3. Now, this one made me really mad… taking the Bible out of context. Several times the main character takes Scripture out of context to erroneously support Evolution.
Note: I am a believer, and I fully believe in Creation as it is given in the Bible. Microevolution, which we see among species, can be seen and proven and is supported by Scripture (“kinds” in Genesis). Macroevolution is a theory and a worldview and in many ways a belief system (or religion). Many evidences in creation can be read through this lens or through Creationist lens (for instance, Evolutionists and Creationists have different views on such things as the Grand Canyon). Either way, you’re reading your own view onto the evidence.
The main characters are fairly interesting. There are churches like the one portrayed in the book (though I’ve only heard of them). There are Christians (or at least professing Christians) who believe in Evolution.
That being said, here are my problems with this book. (Now, I waited some time before writing this so it didn’t turn into a flame review, so some details may now have escaped me.)
1. The false dichotomy. Brande sets the story up and basically gives the reader two options. The crazy cult church who believes in Creationism (as taught in the Bible) but who are inept at defending their beliefs and who in many ways does not act like a Christian should. OR The rational, good, kind Christian evolutionists. In this book, there’s no in between. Creationism in this book is equated with unbalanced, unbiblical believers.
2. It would be nice if Brande did her homework on such things as the fossil record. Now, I’m not a scientist by any means, but I know enough from a couple college classes to know that Brande casts broad generalizations and completely ignores the evidence pointing to Creation as shown in the Bible. She doesn’t address the problem of having Evolution begin before the Fall and she doesn’t address the lack of fossils to support Evolution. A lot is just presupposed. Now, I understand this is a work of fiction, but that’s not a good excuse for shoddy research. And since the main plot is her struggle with this topic, these things should be addressed.
3. Now, this one made me really mad… taking the Bible out of context. Several times the main character takes Scripture out of context to erroneously support Evolution.
Note: I am a believer, and I fully believe in Creation as it is given in the Bible. Microevolution, which we see among species, can be seen and proven and is supported by Scripture (“kinds” in Genesis). Macroevolution is a theory and a worldview and in many ways a belief system (or religion). Many evidences in creation can be read through this lens or through Creationist lens (for instance, Evolutionists and Creationists have different views on such things as the Grand Canyon). Either way, you’re reading your own view onto the evidence.
March 17, 2009
I just finished this book, devouring it in one sitting. I loved several things about Evolution, Me and other Freaks of Nature: first, that it made me think, second, that I could relate to it and third, that there was a cute, funny, nerdy guy in it. But this wasn’t just a light teen book-this book had real stuff in it-stuff that makes you think and question your own beliefs (always a good thing, in my opinion) so you come to understand WHY you believe what you believe in. All the characters in this book are 3D and a lot of fun and I always like reading about smart, caring and inspiring teachers who take the time to make sure students are not just fed information, but are active participants in their own learning. Great job by author Robin Brande and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
June 10, 2020
I ended up liking this a lot more than I thought I would. In the beginning, I was frustrated with Mena. She was a victim who wouldn't stand up for herself and tried to fade into the background. She was also really absorbed into her religion and didn't have the most open mind. Once she met Casey and started spending time with him, she began gaining confidence and accepting other points of view.
The main thing I liked were the strong female role models. Ms. Shepard and Krista were awesome! They didn't let anyone push them around, said how the felt, and stuck to their guns. Mena really benefited from being around them and was able to talk to her parents and gain confidence.
This was an easy, quick read and the plot had a good lesson. Definitely recommend!
The main thing I liked were the strong female role models. Ms. Shepard and Krista were awesome! They didn't let anyone push them around, said how the felt, and stuck to their guns. Mena really benefited from being around them and was able to talk to her parents and gain confidence.
This was an easy, quick read and the plot had a good lesson. Definitely recommend!
December 19, 2008
I picked this up because I was curious to see what angle the author took on the controversial subject of fundamentalist Christians and their taboos. The verdict: it pleases me, but would sharply divide parents looking for a Christian book for their teen.
Mena Reece was raised a fundamentalist Christian in a lifeless, sterile home. She is involved in the youth group at her local Megachurch and is forbidden by her parents to pursue secular interests.
Her youth group decides to wage a campaign of harassment against the one supposedly gay kid in their school, who later tries to commit suicide. Mena writes him a letter to apologize. This Christlike act of compassion soothes her conscience but rubs the church the wrong way, especially when the boy's parents sue the harassers for millions of dollars. Mena is kicked out of the congregation, harshly punished by her parents, and villified by her former friends.
Our story begins as she starts high school a veritable pariah and is frequently treated in a very unchristian manner by members of her former church. Her only ally in this situation is her new biology lab partner, a sweet and geeky boy named Casey Connor.
Naturally, Mena is glad to have a friend. She deceives her parents in order to spend her afternoons working on a biology project at Casey's house, which she knows would be forbidden since not only is Casey a boy, he is not a fundamentalist Christian. He stokes her interest in forbidden secular pleasures such as The Lord of the Rings movies, puppies, science fiction novels, and later, smooching.
When her former church begins a disruptive protest against her wacky, loveable biology teacher's lessons on evolution, Mena finds herself drawn into a counter-campaign led by Casey's politically inclined older sister.
The book comes to a climax when both Mena and her parents are publically humiliated by the Megachurch's pastor, causing her parents to split from the church and finally begin to understand what Mena is going through with these people. The conclusion finds Mena trying to convince her parents to allow her to attend a more liberal church and un-forbid her to spend time with Casey.
The verdict: I really enjoyed this book despite not being religious at all. In fact, I finished it in one night. Although it was about Christianity, I don't consider it a "Christian" novel, because it did not wrap up with the all Mena's problems being solved because she decides to turn everything over to God. I would recommmend it to liberal Christians who have no gripe with evolution and don't think that Harry Potter amounts to witchcraft. However, fundamentalist Christians would surely be offended at the nasty (yet believable) treatment they are given in this, and the book's accepting attitude towards the secular pleasures Mena becomes interested in.
Mena Reece was raised a fundamentalist Christian in a lifeless, sterile home. She is involved in the youth group at her local Megachurch and is forbidden by her parents to pursue secular interests.
Her youth group decides to wage a campaign of harassment against the one supposedly gay kid in their school, who later tries to commit suicide. Mena writes him a letter to apologize. This Christlike act of compassion soothes her conscience but rubs the church the wrong way, especially when the boy's parents sue the harassers for millions of dollars. Mena is kicked out of the congregation, harshly punished by her parents, and villified by her former friends.
Our story begins as she starts high school a veritable pariah and is frequently treated in a very unchristian manner by members of her former church. Her only ally in this situation is her new biology lab partner, a sweet and geeky boy named Casey Connor.
Naturally, Mena is glad to have a friend. She deceives her parents in order to spend her afternoons working on a biology project at Casey's house, which she knows would be forbidden since not only is Casey a boy, he is not a fundamentalist Christian. He stokes her interest in forbidden secular pleasures such as The Lord of the Rings movies, puppies, science fiction novels, and later, smooching.
When her former church begins a disruptive protest against her wacky, loveable biology teacher's lessons on evolution, Mena finds herself drawn into a counter-campaign led by Casey's politically inclined older sister.
The book comes to a climax when both Mena and her parents are publically humiliated by the Megachurch's pastor, causing her parents to split from the church and finally begin to understand what Mena is going through with these people. The conclusion finds Mena trying to convince her parents to allow her to attend a more liberal church and un-forbid her to spend time with Casey.
The verdict: I really enjoyed this book despite not being religious at all. In fact, I finished it in one night. Although it was about Christianity, I don't consider it a "Christian" novel, because it did not wrap up with the all Mena's problems being solved because she decides to turn everything over to God. I would recommmend it to liberal Christians who have no gripe with evolution and don't think that Harry Potter amounts to witchcraft. However, fundamentalist Christians would surely be offended at the nasty (yet believable) treatment they are given in this, and the book's accepting attitude towards the secular pleasures Mena becomes interested in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2007
High school isn't starting out like Mena had always dreamed it would. Her friends aren't speaking to her because she's responsible for most of their parents being sued. She's been excommunicated from her church because she did the right thing and put a stop to the evil things her friends were doing. Her parents aren't even exactly speaking to her right now because her actions caused them to lose a big chunk of their business clients.
The only bright spots in Mena's world are her new biology teacher, the brilliant and quirky Ms. Shepherd, and her lab partner, the super smart geek Casey. Mena's doing a project with Casey and he's determined to have the best project in their class. When Mena goes to his house to work on their project, she finds that Casey has an awesome, warm house and a loving family. But everything Mena has found becomes jeopardized when Ms. Shepherd announces that their next unit will be evolution. The church kids immediately turn their back on the class and demand that intelligent design be taught as well. Mena is stuck between her past and her future and the only thing that keeps her together is the knowledge that no matter how crappy everything is right now, she did the right thing.
A thought-provoking novel that examines some pertinent issues. I literally could not put this book down. Mena is a great character dealing with some tough conflicts and I found myself rooting for her the whole way. Brande doesn't tell you what the church kids did that was so horrible until about halfway through the book and I was totally expecting it to be anticlimactic, but... it wasn't. Highly recommended.
(I wouldn't be at all surprised if this book got some Printz attention...)
Readalike suggestions: For another teen book about religious issues dealt with in a very accessible and readable way, try A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt. For something else about evolution being taught in school, suggest Monkey Town: The Summer of the Scopes Trial by Ronald Kidd. For a novel featuring an outcast female character trying to support a challenged teacher and dealing with family problems, suggest The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger.
The only bright spots in Mena's world are her new biology teacher, the brilliant and quirky Ms. Shepherd, and her lab partner, the super smart geek Casey. Mena's doing a project with Casey and he's determined to have the best project in their class. When Mena goes to his house to work on their project, she finds that Casey has an awesome, warm house and a loving family. But everything Mena has found becomes jeopardized when Ms. Shepherd announces that their next unit will be evolution. The church kids immediately turn their back on the class and demand that intelligent design be taught as well. Mena is stuck between her past and her future and the only thing that keeps her together is the knowledge that no matter how crappy everything is right now, she did the right thing.
A thought-provoking novel that examines some pertinent issues. I literally could not put this book down. Mena is a great character dealing with some tough conflicts and I found myself rooting for her the whole way. Brande doesn't tell you what the church kids did that was so horrible until about halfway through the book and I was totally expecting it to be anticlimactic, but... it wasn't. Highly recommended.
(I wouldn't be at all surprised if this book got some Printz attention...)
Readalike suggestions: For another teen book about religious issues dealt with in a very accessible and readable way, try A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt. For something else about evolution being taught in school, suggest Monkey Town: The Summer of the Scopes Trial by Ronald Kidd. For a novel featuring an outcast female character trying to support a challenged teacher and dealing with family problems, suggest The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger.
March 23, 2020
For those who haven’t read the book, here’s a very brief synopsis: Mena, an Evangelical Christian on the outs with her own Church, for reasons not made clear at first, starts high school as a social outcast, but getting assigned to Ms. Shepard’s biology class starts to change her world.
The book deals with themes of evolution vs. creationism, bullying, and prejudice. I was fascinated with Mena’s character growth in this very readable book. Sadly, I can foresee some Creationist-minded Christians trying to get this book banned from school libraries, which would be a shame, because Brande created characters who are ethical, caring, interesting and realistically normal at the same time. Some other reviewers on GoodReads have complained about the one dimensional characters of the religious kids, when the reality is that the attitudes and behavior displayed by the religious kids makes them seem pretty one dimensional, just as it does in real life when people behave similarly. Having witnessed first hand the mass ignorance and bad behavior displayed by so-called "intelligent" design (aka Creationism) fans toward those who disagree with them, I found the book very realistic in its portrayal of the characters and situation. (And yes, I'm aware that the situation could be reversed as well, but that has not been my experience.)
The part I thought wasn’t fleshed out well was Mena’s relationship with her parents. She obviously loves them, but never seems to question why they wouldn’t support her or show more empathy toward her. Surrounded as she was by hate and vitriol on all sides, I’m surprised she seemed so calm (relatively speaking) and accepting.
The book deals with themes of evolution vs. creationism, bullying, and prejudice. I was fascinated with Mena’s character growth in this very readable book. Sadly, I can foresee some Creationist-minded Christians trying to get this book banned from school libraries, which would be a shame, because Brande created characters who are ethical, caring, interesting and realistically normal at the same time. Some other reviewers on GoodReads have complained about the one dimensional characters of the religious kids, when the reality is that the attitudes and behavior displayed by the religious kids makes them seem pretty one dimensional, just as it does in real life when people behave similarly. Having witnessed first hand the mass ignorance and bad behavior displayed by so-called "intelligent" design (aka Creationism) fans toward those who disagree with them, I found the book very realistic in its portrayal of the characters and situation. (And yes, I'm aware that the situation could be reversed as well, but that has not been my experience.)
The part I thought wasn’t fleshed out well was Mena’s relationship with her parents. She obviously loves them, but never seems to question why they wouldn’t support her or show more empathy toward her. Surrounded as she was by hate and vitriol on all sides, I’m surprised she seemed so calm (relatively speaking) and accepting.
February 10, 2009
Brande leads with a bit of a mystery: why, exactly, has Mena been banned from her church and ostracized from all of her old church friends? She's miserable, friendless and even her parents are giving her the cold shoulder... and yet she's not about to apologize for doing what she thinks is right. The new friends she makes, starting with her cute/geeky lab partner, Casey, are cool, smart, pro-active and exactly the kind of people her parents would forbid her to hang out with, if they knew. When she finds out that her old pastor is plotting to drive her favorite science teacher our of town for teaching evolution, this time Mena won't stand by and watch it happen. She finds herself assisting Casey and his sister, a journalist, with her own thoughts about how to interpret the Bible's teachings about science.
Though Mena is presented with a number of ethical dilemmas throughout the story, she follows what she's been taught and manages to navigate a wonderfully nuanced path between belief and science - and not a bit of it is preachy. I would absolutely recommend this to any teens who are struggling to understand the arguments on both sides, or who might be a bit more conservative but also willing to be enlightened; but also to anyone looking for a well-told story about someone struggling to find their beliefs among the many fighting for their attention.
Though Mena is presented with a number of ethical dilemmas throughout the story, she follows what she's been taught and manages to navigate a wonderfully nuanced path between belief and science - and not a bit of it is preachy. I would absolutely recommend this to any teens who are struggling to understand the arguments on both sides, or who might be a bit more conservative but also willing to be enlightened; but also to anyone looking for a well-told story about someone struggling to find their beliefs among the many fighting for their attention.
August 29, 2011
I wanted to like this more than I did. I am one of those people who happens to believe that science and faith should not be mutually exclusive. I believe in God, believe that this world was CREATED, didn't just happen... but I believe God used scientific principles to do that creating. Do I know HOW he did it? Of course not, but I think it is far more likely He "used" science than fought it. But besides that, I believe in evolution within the species, natural selection, etc. I also don't think LotR is evil. Or Harry Potter.
But despite the fact that the subject and issues are familiar, I couldn't really care about Mena. I should have been able to relate to her, but I couldn't. She felt only slightly more complex than the other flat characters in the book. So many annoyances... Seriously? ALL of the Christians are horrible little jerks? They all mercilessly pick on the gay kid and hip check Mena in the hall? And what kind of person is MENA that she was EVER friends with the biggest b***h of them all? Anyway, not great writing, but it was okay and moderately entertaining.
But despite the fact that the subject and issues are familiar, I couldn't really care about Mena. I should have been able to relate to her, but I couldn't. She felt only slightly more complex than the other flat characters in the book. So many annoyances... Seriously? ALL of the Christians are horrible little jerks? They all mercilessly pick on the gay kid and hip check Mena in the hall? And what kind of person is MENA that she was EVER friends with the biggest b***h of them all? Anyway, not great writing, but it was okay and moderately entertaining.
February 4, 2008
One of my favorite books I have ever read. It has something for everyone, romance, humor, conflict, and food for thought. While it centers around a religous topic, I think anyone of any religon should read this. It is definately worth reading, and while I at first thought it was going to be a chiche "high school girl" story, I was pleasently surprised.
It is the story of a girl who just entered high school. She is responsible for the sueing of half the people in her church, including her parents. Her friends have abandoned her, her parents refuse to talk to her, and her only friend is her quirky lap partner, Casey (boy), his sister, and her strange Biology teacher.
I loved this book and think everyone should give it a shot!
It is the story of a girl who just entered high school. She is responsible for the sueing of half the people in her church, including her parents. Her friends have abandoned her, her parents refuse to talk to her, and her only friend is her quirky lap partner, Casey (boy), his sister, and her strange Biology teacher.
I loved this book and think everyone should give it a shot!
April 10, 2021
My god this is one of the most pitiful books I've read in some time. Now I have read my fair share of trashy books although this one really takes the cake. This is going to be a bit of a rant but I dont have the patience to sit down and go into the many flaws and problematic themes this book holds so instead I shall give you a quick summary of this tragic fail at what some might call literature.
privileged little catholic girl bullies feminine boy to the point of attempted SUIC!DE along w/ her group of homophobic church friends. she feels bad because she's done some pretty terrible shit so goes and writes a half assed letter about how she's sorry and it wasnt her fault because she would never do something like that. Being the idiot she is, she confesses to pushing this kid to commit suicide. She then faces no consequences whatsoever except now the church kids dont like her. Wow, how sad. The book now continues to center around her feeling bad for herself and completely misses the point that she almost got some kid killed. It goes on like this for some time, then she meets a boy (different one). Learns about Lord of The Rings and is a changed person. She doesnt care about her church group friends, she'll find another church, she now believes in science and god, she's a whole new girl. Wow. *slow clap*
This is the premise of the novel. The whole book is just her feeling bad about loosing some friends. She feels no guilt about the bullying and feels that she was in the right as she wrote the letter so ya know she did what she could. All the adults in the book are irresponsible and as a teenager myself I can confidently say that I know no one with the level of lack of empathy the protaganist posses.
Terrible review for a terrible novel.
Save yourself from the suffering and just dont waste your time on this book. You have been warned.
privileged little catholic girl bullies feminine boy to the point of attempted SUIC!DE along w/ her group of homophobic church friends. she feels bad because she's done some pretty terrible shit so goes and writes a half assed letter about how she's sorry and it wasnt her fault because she would never do something like that. Being the idiot she is, she confesses to pushing this kid to commit suicide. She then faces no consequences whatsoever except now the church kids dont like her. Wow, how sad. The book now continues to center around her feeling bad for herself and completely misses the point that she almost got some kid killed. It goes on like this for some time, then she meets a boy (different one). Learns about Lord of The Rings and is a changed person. She doesnt care about her church group friends, she'll find another church, she now believes in science and god, she's a whole new girl. Wow. *slow clap*
This is the premise of the novel. The whole book is just her feeling bad about loosing some friends. She feels no guilt about the bullying and feels that she was in the right as she wrote the letter so ya know she did what she could. All the adults in the book are irresponsible and as a teenager myself I can confidently say that I know no one with the level of lack of empathy the protaganist posses.
Terrible review for a terrible novel.
Save yourself from the suffering and just dont waste your time on this book. You have been warned.
April 17, 2013
So I found this to be a book that makes you think. Like really think. It also makes an impression. Well at least it did on me. This is a story about a girl who grew up and church and is shunned for doing something that she believed was right. She wanted to help someone who she thought her friends had wrong. Not knowing that things would be blown out of proportion. Then the same people who shun her start a stupid protest against evolution. She slowly develops a relationship with her lab partner who helps her see the world differently. Slowly she starts to believe in her self and comes to a point were shes able to handle the world with her beliefs and integrity in tack. That’s not always an easy thing for a person especially when you’re a kid at 14 trying to deal with your world falling apart. I know at that age I was going along with what my friends said and nothing else. I wish I could have been more like Mena the main character.
So what I love about this book being that I was raised in a christian home is the following thing. It calls people on stuff that they don’t normally want to talk about. Like faith, how science fits in with the whole god thing. I wish I could have read this book when I was in Jr. High. The whole time I was reading it I was like wow I never thought of things that way. See I grew up the same way as the main person. That witch craft ect. was not right and of god. The thing though is the following I was also raised to make my own choices and have my own beliefs. My parents taught me young that if you believe in something than I should stand up for that. Though that was not always the case with me at a young and sometimes I still don’t. That’s what you see with Mena. She still believes in god but she also believes in evolution. That according to her old group of friends of friends is not right. So slowly while she is going through the motions. Before I read this book I never thought that there would be things about evolution in the bible for one. That I think is what made me keep reading. Also the Science teacher Ms. Shepherd. She is an inspiration. She stood up and said that what she believes and what she is supposed to be teaching are to separate things which makes me admire her. The thing i took from this is the following that sometimes doing the right thing is hard. Also even people with the best intentions at heart tend to do more harm than good. Also just because you believe one thing doesn’t mean its your job to force the whole world to see things your way. Which takes me back to how I was raised. People will have different opinions and not always agree it’s a fact of life. That is what we have free will to make choices and try to do the best we can with what we got. I truly enjoyed this book because it kind of close to home with me. It is a good read in my opinion. I think if you have a chance to pick it up you should.
So what I love about this book being that I was raised in a christian home is the following thing. It calls people on stuff that they don’t normally want to talk about. Like faith, how science fits in with the whole god thing. I wish I could have read this book when I was in Jr. High. The whole time I was reading it I was like wow I never thought of things that way. See I grew up the same way as the main person. That witch craft ect. was not right and of god. The thing though is the following I was also raised to make my own choices and have my own beliefs. My parents taught me young that if you believe in something than I should stand up for that. Though that was not always the case with me at a young and sometimes I still don’t. That’s what you see with Mena. She still believes in god but she also believes in evolution. That according to her old group of friends of friends is not right. So slowly while she is going through the motions. Before I read this book I never thought that there would be things about evolution in the bible for one. That I think is what made me keep reading. Also the Science teacher Ms. Shepherd. She is an inspiration. She stood up and said that what she believes and what she is supposed to be teaching are to separate things which makes me admire her. The thing i took from this is the following that sometimes doing the right thing is hard. Also even people with the best intentions at heart tend to do more harm than good. Also just because you believe one thing doesn’t mean its your job to force the whole world to see things your way. Which takes me back to how I was raised. People will have different opinions and not always agree it’s a fact of life. That is what we have free will to make choices and try to do the best we can with what we got. I truly enjoyed this book because it kind of close to home with me. It is a good read in my opinion. I think if you have a chance to pick it up you should.
December 5, 2016
I chose this book based on the description, which made it sound like a good discussion book, from YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults list. The main character's life reminded me of a young person I know who has strict Christian parents who seem to want to shield him from the reality of the world. There is a whole subplot about the girl not having watched or read Lord of the Rings because it depicts sorcery--I find this argument against classics like LotR and books like Harry Potter so silly, because no one believes that they can actually use sorcery after watching or reading this stuff, and really the stories are about good versus evil, and probably you could find stories in the Bible that are very similar to the plotlines. I feel that seeing good triumph over evil is more important than whether or not there is some fantastical element like wizards. But then again, I'm a Catholic, and apparently that means I worship idols and I'm going to hell. The main character of the book actually says that (not to me personally, but apparently all these Christians think that Catholics are going to hell. Don't we all believe in the same God? According to a Christian friend from high school, I'm going to hell because I worship the Pope. Clearly these people don't know anything about Catholicism).
Anyway, I thought the conflict of the girl who is trying to do the right thing according to her religion but who is trying to reconcile the idea of evolution and the idea of creationism was well done. I myself had issues with reconciling these two ideas when I was in CCD in 8th grade--I believed in science and the fossil record and I couldn't grasp how I could also believe in the idea that God just created everything as is. I think that this book does indicate that not all devout or "fanatic" Christians behave in Christian ways, but it also has the message that you can still have faith and believe in God, even if you read books with "sorcery" in them and have gay friends or are gay yourself, or if you believe in evolution. I hope there are kids like the young person I mentioned above who do read this book and understand that you can have faith without being fanatical.
Anyway, I thought the conflict of the girl who is trying to do the right thing according to her religion but who is trying to reconcile the idea of evolution and the idea of creationism was well done. I myself had issues with reconciling these two ideas when I was in CCD in 8th grade--I believed in science and the fossil record and I couldn't grasp how I could also believe in the idea that God just created everything as is. I think that this book does indicate that not all devout or "fanatic" Christians behave in Christian ways, but it also has the message that you can still have faith and believe in God, even if you read books with "sorcery" in them and have gay friends or are gay yourself, or if you believe in evolution. I hope there are kids like the young person I mentioned above who do read this book and understand that you can have faith without being fanatical.
September 18, 2008
Brande, Robin, Evolution, Me, & Other Freaks of Nature, 272 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers; Language~PG, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G
What if all your friends, everyone you grew up with, and even your parents turn against you? What would you do? This is Mena’s life. This last Summer, Mena chose to stand-up against a movement in her conservative community to shun a former member who has announced he is gay. Her parents aren’t speaking to her, her pastor has asked her to leave the church, and her “friends” now taunt her relentlessly. Needless to say, Mena is not looking forward to the start of a new school year. Just when Mena was beginning to adjust to her new solitary life, her science teacher announces that for the next while, her class will be studying evolution. There are some in the class that choose to protest the teaching of this subject. Mena is in the middle again! She can understand her teacher’s position that evolution can be scientifically proven and intellectual design cannot. However, she also can understand the place that intelligent design has in her belief system. This conflict threatens to tear the school and Mena apart. Mena has to decide who she should side with and this may mean alienating herself more from those she cares about. What is right? The conflict concerning the teaching of evolution vs. the teaching of intelligent design is real life issue. Brande gives teens a mostly balance look at this debate and allows them to form their own opinions. This story is intellectually stimulating and would provide the basis for a debate concerning the merits of both positions.
MS/HS. Essential Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian
What if all your friends, everyone you grew up with, and even your parents turn against you? What would you do? This is Mena’s life. This last Summer, Mena chose to stand-up against a movement in her conservative community to shun a former member who has announced he is gay. Her parents aren’t speaking to her, her pastor has asked her to leave the church, and her “friends” now taunt her relentlessly. Needless to say, Mena is not looking forward to the start of a new school year. Just when Mena was beginning to adjust to her new solitary life, her science teacher announces that for the next while, her class will be studying evolution. There are some in the class that choose to protest the teaching of this subject. Mena is in the middle again! She can understand her teacher’s position that evolution can be scientifically proven and intellectual design cannot. However, she also can understand the place that intelligent design has in her belief system. This conflict threatens to tear the school and Mena apart. Mena has to decide who she should side with and this may mean alienating herself more from those she cares about. What is right? The conflict concerning the teaching of evolution vs. the teaching of intelligent design is real life issue. Brande gives teens a mostly balance look at this debate and allows them to form their own opinions. This story is intellectually stimulating and would provide the basis for a debate concerning the merits of both positions.
MS/HS. Essential Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian
April 25, 2012
Christian bullies. Does that sounds like an oxymoron? Not so fast. When someone is being physically harmed, taunted, cursed at (yes, from Christians) and otherwise abused, that is bullying. Even if it is from the supposed "good" kids, it is bullying. I was outraged that these kids behaved this way to a former friend as, even though it is fiction it feels very realitic. I wanted to ask these Christian kids about WWJD and if Jesus ever bullied anyone into believing. So I guess you could say this book touched a nerve with me.
Mena is being bullied by her former church friends because of something she did, something honest and for which her parents should have praised her, but they seem to hate her almost as much as her former friends. The story begins on her first day of high school when she meets her new lab partner, Casey and her new science teacher who will be challenged when she begins teaching evolution.
This should make readers think about their own beliefs. What would you do if you witnessed a fellow student being humiliated by your friends all in the name of "saving his soul?" Can people be good if they aren't religious? Should religion be used to make this group better than that group? And most of all shouldn't religion be about compassion and forgiveness? This book asks those type of questions without the first bit of being preachy or putting down people of belief and spirituality.
Mena is a wonderful character, full of doubts and regrets and yet with a strength she hasn't yet realized. I loved her voice. The reason this is a four star instead of five is that the ending is too abrupt and I wanted to know what happens next.
Highly recommend.
Mena is being bullied by her former church friends because of something she did, something honest and for which her parents should have praised her, but they seem to hate her almost as much as her former friends. The story begins on her first day of high school when she meets her new lab partner, Casey and her new science teacher who will be challenged when she begins teaching evolution.
This should make readers think about their own beliefs. What would you do if you witnessed a fellow student being humiliated by your friends all in the name of "saving his soul?" Can people be good if they aren't religious? Should religion be used to make this group better than that group? And most of all shouldn't religion be about compassion and forgiveness? This book asks those type of questions without the first bit of being preachy or putting down people of belief and spirituality.
Mena is a wonderful character, full of doubts and regrets and yet with a strength she hasn't yet realized. I loved her voice. The reason this is a four star instead of five is that the ending is too abrupt and I wanted to know what happens next.
Highly recommend.
May 12, 2013
how was it?
Mena (our main character) did something, that she thought was right and as a consequence she became outcast from her social group. Her old friends hate her, new one are hard to find. Luckily she meets Casey her lab partner. Meeting Casey was crucial point for Mena, because from that point on she started to juggle between her parents and science project, and suddenly she became drawn into something crazy by Casey’s sister.
The story was interesting, issue controversial. Unfortunately I did not find characters very likable. Mena, is lying a lot and I cannot relate to her idea of being good. Her ex-friends are presented like religious fundamentalist who are actually hypocrites. Casey’s sister is radical on the other end of spectrum from Mena’s ex friends and very persuasive and egoistic person. The only two characters that I liked were Casey and his mother.
All in all it was Ok read. I like the way author tried to answer the question who is right science or Bible. And in the end the reader gets the answer that is plausible, and explained in very clear manner.
should I recommend it?
Yes, it was a fun and quick read. Recommended age for this book is + 12.
Mena (our main character) did something, that she thought was right and as a consequence she became outcast from her social group. Her old friends hate her, new one are hard to find. Luckily she meets Casey her lab partner. Meeting Casey was crucial point for Mena, because from that point on she started to juggle between her parents and science project, and suddenly she became drawn into something crazy by Casey’s sister.
The story was interesting, issue controversial. Unfortunately I did not find characters very likable. Mena, is lying a lot and I cannot relate to her idea of being good. Her ex-friends are presented like religious fundamentalist who are actually hypocrites. Casey’s sister is radical on the other end of spectrum from Mena’s ex friends and very persuasive and egoistic person. The only two characters that I liked were Casey and his mother.
All in all it was Ok read. I like the way author tried to answer the question who is right science or Bible. And in the end the reader gets the answer that is plausible, and explained in very clear manner.
should I recommend it?
Yes, it was a fun and quick read. Recommended age for this book is + 12.
April 27, 2008
Mena is just beginning high school and frantically tries to get through the first day knowing all of her friends hate her, her parents are barely speaking to her and she is forbidden to attend church—all because she did what she thought was right. Add to that, science teacher Ms. Shepherd teaching evolution and things really get out of control in Mena’s life. One good thing for Mena is being paired with brainy reader and science partner, Casey, who proves to be a stalwart friend with an awesome mom and sister who provide her a safe haven in their home. There are many conflicts Mena faces, but even though she does struggle, you know she won’t take the easy way out, because that is just who she is! This book is about religion, science and growing up, I couldn’t put this down and you root for Mena the whole way
January 14, 2009
This is a strong book for the younger YA set, grades 7-9 or so. It tackles some very contemporary issues of religion and the evolution debate, while also hitting on timeless issues of fitting in, love, when or if to challenge authority, and learning to come into your own. And it still manages to be funny!
I liked that Mena has a healthy respect for religion in general, and the pieces that are meaningful for her, while coming to recognize that her old church is too predatory, smothering and controlling for her. It is an insider's view of this type of church once they are on the outside, and Mena's view changes (I almost said evolves!) as the book progresses. I haven't done any research on the author, but I have to wonder if she has experience with this kind of church, as the portrayal seems very detailed.
Strongly recommended.
I liked that Mena has a healthy respect for religion in general, and the pieces that are meaningful for her, while coming to recognize that her old church is too predatory, smothering and controlling for her. It is an insider's view of this type of church once they are on the outside, and Mena's view changes (I almost said evolves!) as the book progresses. I haven't done any research on the author, but I have to wonder if she has experience with this kind of church, as the portrayal seems very detailed.
Strongly recommended.
November 10, 2012
This book certainly dealt with some interesting topics...religion vs. science and how to have faith as well as believing in science. I thought the author dropped the ball a bit though on the issue with the girl writing a letter to the boy who was badgered into almost committing suicide...this in itself was a whole novel and she never really delved into it. I was sad the parents never saw that she was RIGHT to send that letter and that they never saw their daughter as brave for confronting the obvious malice of her "religious" friends. Even the evolution narrative was cut short as it just kind of went away when the unit ended...good ideas, not fully developed.
March 5, 2009
Great book about a faithful Christian teenager's struggle to form a universal theory of science and religion. Believable narrative voice, subtle commentary on religious hypocrisy, and a great love story to boot. The author manages to convey deep respect for and love of Christianity while still warning against the hurtful crusades that sometimes spring from misguided fundamentalism. I highly recommend this one!
June 12, 2020
I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I feel like I say that a lot about middle grade novels these days, but it's true.
This novel is one of those stories that unfolds in pieces, although the way it does so leaves a lot to be desired. However, it does so in a good way to address a very important issue to young children and teens, something that is not very talked about in schools today.
I'm talking about the limitations between religion and science, as well as learning to see things from a different viewpoint. Coming from a very diverse part of the country, I've always known people to be very tolerant of one another, and people I know mostly keep their religious opinions to themselves. Sure, I've had a few friends who've denied evolution, or openly voiced their discomfort with a movie featuring same sex relationships, but for the most part, people realize I'm uncomfortable when I voice my concern that maybe they shouldn't be bringing this up in this way. The people I talk to with these viewpoints aren't the type to provoke others or start arguments.
It wasn't really until I started college and made two close friends who came from Catholic school backgrounds that I realized how extreme the religion can be in terms of certain things people can't do or watch. I've heard their stories about the restrictions, and about reconciling their beliefs with their views from the church. I saw a lot of these two friends in this novel, where Mena needs to decide what she believes apart from the church.
I really liked this, and it would be a valuable tool in a classroom. I can imagine myself keeping a copy of this in my future classroom. It is a good way to expose kids to new perspectives.
This novel is one of those stories that unfolds in pieces, although the way it does so leaves a lot to be desired. However, it does so in a good way to address a very important issue to young children and teens, something that is not very talked about in schools today.
I'm talking about the limitations between religion and science, as well as learning to see things from a different viewpoint. Coming from a very diverse part of the country, I've always known people to be very tolerant of one another, and people I know mostly keep their religious opinions to themselves. Sure, I've had a few friends who've denied evolution, or openly voiced their discomfort with a movie featuring same sex relationships, but for the most part, people realize I'm uncomfortable when I voice my concern that maybe they shouldn't be bringing this up in this way. The people I talk to with these viewpoints aren't the type to provoke others or start arguments.
It wasn't really until I started college and made two close friends who came from Catholic school backgrounds that I realized how extreme the religion can be in terms of certain things people can't do or watch. I've heard their stories about the restrictions, and about reconciling their beliefs with their views from the church. I saw a lot of these two friends in this novel, where Mena needs to decide what she believes apart from the church.
I really liked this, and it would be a valuable tool in a classroom. I can imagine myself keeping a copy of this in my future classroom. It is a good way to expose kids to new perspectives.
February 6, 2021
Pretty cute book that I read along side my 9th grader for school. It reflects a lot of my beliefs, showing how people can believe in science including evolution and the Big Bang while also believing in God. I went to a religious college (Ricks College, now BYU Idaho) and my biology teacher had a disclaimer on the first day of class that he would teach evolution and that some people may disagree but he had full confidence that evolution and religion and God can work together. The mingling of religion and science in this book reflected what I was taught in biology by that professor so many years ago. This is definitely a book written for the teen demographic, and if people want a quick read about how science and religion can work together, this one does a good job.
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