Quick Q and A's with Thalia Chaltas

Thalia Chaltas is the debut author of Because I Am Furniture.

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1) Your debut novel, Because I Am Furniture, just came out this past month. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

The book is written in poems in the voice of 14-year-old Anke. Her home life is full of abuse and neglect, and no one outside the home knows. As Anke becomes more skilled at volleyball and builds and breaks down relationships, she moves forward from feeling like a piece of furniture in her abusive home to being able to speak out.

2) What inspired you to write Because I Am Furniture?

I wasn't inspired, I was taken over! I was editing a picture book manuscript and felt words bubbling up that had nothing to do with the picture book. Finally, I started writing what was bubbling up just to get it out of the way, and two hours later had the start of a novel. It is based some on my childhood, which was similar, but although there is truth in the novel, it is definitely mostly fiction. True life has good background info, but often makes an sloppy story on its own without some strong fictional threads thrown in.

3) Because I Am Furniture is told in verse. What made you choose to write it that way instead of a plain narrative?

I have always written poetry, and I seem to think and therefore write in phrases and images. It is easier for me to write in poetry than prose! And particularly for Anke, her story lends itself well to fewer but denser words - abuse is a tough subject. In poetry I could address the heavy topic of abuse without being too graphic, and by leaving a lot of 'white space' on the page, lighten the atmosphere visually. And Anke doesn't say a lot, so poems worked well for her.

4) Your book’s main focus is primarily on the effects of physical and verbal abuse. So, my question is, do you have any advice for teens out there who may possibly be going through what Anke and her family dealt with?

Anyone going through family or personal difficulties should find and talk to an adult they trust - neighbor, teacher, school counselor, a friend's parent. Someone who will take the problem seriously. Start small if you want, by saying "I am having problems at home," for instance. Any caring adult will assist you as best they can.

5) What is one of your favorite things about being an author?

Hearing from readers of all ages! And knowing I have a book on ANY library shelf!

Least favorite?

Sitting down so dang much to write! If I could write while playing volleyball, that'd be perfect.

6) Are you currently working on any future novels? If so, can you share some information about it with us?

I am currently immersed in a novel set in the California desert - and because it's so early in my process, that's all I'll say. Stay tuned!

7) Is there anything else you would like to add?

The three necessities in life are travel to expand the mind, hugs to expand the heart, and ice cream to expand the body. :)

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Thanks so much, Thalia! :)

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. :)