Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Summary:

Anke’s father is abusive. But not to her. He attacks her brother and sister, but she’s just an invisible witness in a house of horrors, on the brink of disappearing altogether. Until she makes the volleyball team at school. At first just being exhausted after practice feels good, but as Anke becomes part of the team, her confidence builds. When she learns to yell “Mine!” to call a ball, she finds a voice she didn’t know existed. For the first time, Anke is seen and heard. Soon, she’s imagining a day that her voice will be loud enough to rescue everyone at home—including herself.

Review:

Because I Am Furniture is a book that tackles many hard subjects such as rape, verbal and physical abuse. Thalia defiantly doesn't shy away from the hard parts with these topics, making this a gripping and startling novel told in verse style.

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of verse, with the exception of Ellen Hopkins and Sonya Sones, because of the lack of character and plot development that they usually have. With Because I Am Furniture it worked perfectly with the story, because both were ragged and intense. Also, Thalia Chaltas created a excellent lead character in this, her name being Anke. Anke was someone that you could only hope to be in a situation like this; brave and strong. Throughout the novel, I was rooting for her and her loved ones to overcome the hate and abuse her father put on them.

(Minor spoiler alert) One of my favorite parts of this novel was when Anke finally stood up to her father, leaving her family with the feeling of hope. Hope that they would be all right. Hope that her father would never hurt or see them again. Since, with these types of novels you don't really experience that feeling or strength. (end of spoiler)

Overall, Because I Am Furniture was defintly an incredible book with little faults. I hope that whatever Thalia comes up with next is just as great.

Grade: B+

Because I Am Furniture is now out in harcover. Also, be sure to check out Thalia's website.

* Much thanks, once again, goest to JL for sending me this fantastic book. :)