NOTE: I am not the lead blogger, but no one posted anything, so I went ahead and wrote.
I have never read a book which addressed homosexuality. I was impressed with Kerr’s ability to address this topic with such sensitivity. Kerr was very careful not to stereotype people or concepts throughout this book. In my opinion, he dispelled stereotypes about lesbians and farmers. Even though it would have been easy to do he did not implicate Evie’s family as ignorant rednecks, just because they live in a rural farming town and do not fully understand or accept Evie. In fact, there seems to be this teeter-totter of denial and acceptance and criticism and support.
This book does come across as a very realistic situation that could occur in a rural town or even in a smaller urban town. I think growing up in California can give people a false perception of how the majority of Americans react to certain situations or to people who are different than them. To me it is shocking when I still hear of discrimination or hateful acts being projected on others because of their sexual orientation. Anywho, the ways in which the characters in this book react to Evie’s sexual orientation is believable and well written.
Overall message: Everyone is free to be themselves, but there will be consequences.
3 comments:
I agree, this author was sensitive to homosexuality and did not impose any stereotypes on Evie. I also liked how he depicted the different famers, some very wealthy with lots of land and others just hanging in. I enjoyed this book because it was very well written and raised interesting topics to read about.
I had a hard time with Evie's mother always telling her what to wear or how to look. It reminded me of the movie Spanglish, with Adam Sandler. In this movie, the mother was always on her daughter about being overweight. She bought her clothes one day that were all too small because she thought it would be an inspiration for her daughter to lose weight. This is much like Evie and her mother. I had a hard time with their relationship. I really didn't like how she always tried to change Evie and impose her own looks and styles on her daughter. She should have accepted her daughter for how she was and love her for who she was. As for her father, I thought it was interesting that he loved her jokes and her personality, as well as the fact that she was a lot like him. But this changed a little when he started to find out that she was a lesbian. When the song about being a "dyke" first came on that Christmas day, Evie's father had a fit wanting to know what it was all about. I think it is important for parents to accept their children for who they are, raise them the best they can and leave the rest to the children.
First off, sorry that I am posting late, when the lead blogger didn't post, I kinda lost track and it slipped my mind, so thanks for posting even though you werent the lead blogger.
Now my thoughts on Deliver Us from Evie. Its no secret that homosexuality plays a major role in this book and I was surprised to see that this book might make it into the classroom for young teens. I mean I have no problem with the content, but I think others (mostly parents) would have major problems with this books being taught in the classroom.
Mandy mentioned how Evies mother was always on her case and how she kept trying to change her, mold her if you will. I also had a hard time with this because I always felt that we are all individuals and it doesn't help much when our parents try to change something about us just because they don't like it. This reminded me of myself because when I was a kid, and even at times now, I dress very casual, I like to be comfortable. So, I wear shorts and flip flops to dinner and my dad still comments on it. "Shouldn't you wear slacks" he says. "No, no I shouldn't father" I reply. Anyway, that has always been something that has always ticked me off and it still does.
I also thought that it was ironic how her father accepted her more until he found out about her sexuality and they he began to change as well. I agree with what you said Mandy. Parents should accept their children for who they are because they are individuals and as a parent, you should love your kid(s) regardless of what they wear or who they are.
I agree with kevan. I think it is difficult to talk about a controversial topic like this, and I like the way the author addressed homosexuality. I think that it is difficult not to stereotype people, especially in controversial topics like this. I liked to read this book. It was very interesting to me seeing the other point of view, other than straight people. It was interesting for me seeing the father having better acceptance to his lesbian daughter than the mother. It is not common to see this in other cultures. This is my first book that I read about this topic and I liked it. I also agree with Mandy about Evie’s mother, I saw the movie Spanglish too and I got the same impression about the mother in the movie. I didn’t like the way Evie’s mother was trying to change her personality. I think the acceptance to others is very important. We can’t imagine the way we affect people not accepting them the way they are. I have a daughter and a son, and I think it could be difficult to face this situation with them but, something I am sure, is that I would support and accept them the way they are.
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