The Anatomy of Wings

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Her sister Beth is gone, and Jenny wants to understand why it all happened. At ten years old, she knows no one will tell her the truth, so she is determined to discover it for herself.

Her search begins with a blue cardboard box. She plans to sift through the things Beth left behind and find clues to explain why Beth changed. There are ballet slippers, a broken heart pendant, black rubber-band bracelets, and an address. Jenny uses them to recall memories and events that led to her sister's death.

Woven in among Jenny's memories are the struggles of the rest of the family. Some are part of the lies and deceit that contributed to Beth's downfall. Others are part of the efforts to stop her downward spiral.

Their parents tried to control their wayward daughter when things began to head in the wrong direction. They tried to limit her activities and monitor her friendships, but Beth used Jenny and anyone else she could to concoct alibis that allowed her to carry on with her dangerous life.

As in many stories with a mystery, Jenny stumbles across more questions than answers as her family crumbles around her.

THE ANATOMY OF WINGS is the first novel for author Karen Foxlee. She shows great creative promise with her unique characters and fierce emotion. She captures the turmoil of those left behind after a tragedy, and the tremendous effort required to hold life together.

Readers may find it challenging at times to separate the different threads of this complex story, but if they are up to the challenge, they will find Foxlee is an author to keep an eye on in the future.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Anatomy of Wings follows several stories of seemingly unimpo

The Anatomy of Wings follows several stories of seemingly unimportant, but very special people. From young narrator Jennifer and the search to find her singing voice, to her older sister Beth and her constant changes that eventually lead to her death. There are several other characters included in the story, all of whom contribute to the plot in their own ways. Each character is incredibley real and you become so close to the characters. You can't stand it if something bad happens to them. The Anatomy of Wings also explores family drama and the way a children's growth can effect other people.
My favorite thing about this book was the writing style. Karen Foxlee used exceptional imagery in her story. The seeminly undesirable town of Memorial became so beautiful to me. The descriptions were so simple but they pulled me in right away. You don't see description like that just anywhere. They're absolutely perfect. None of the descriptions are trying too hard. Karen Foxlee did everything right to make her audience "see" a place. I felt so alive during this book.
I think you will too.

This book is soooOoooOooo touching :)

This bis one of those books that really makes you think of what you have in your life. Thhis book latches onto your heart for some reason and makes you want to take it every where you go because it has touched your heart. This book made me want to tell every one I have ever hurt that I am sorty, and everone that I love that I love them. This book is a very good investment, bu I wouldn't recommend reafing it if you are in a sad mood or going through domething tough ( but if you're looking for a good cry, here ya go ;)). I simply loved it!! :)

Bittersweet... but a wonderful story

THE ANATOMY OF WINGS is an utter page turner. There is a huge emotional range present in this novel, which is totally relatable for normal teenagers (like myself!). The narrative is very languid but at the same time, is paced so that the reader won't get bored.
The plot is about a pre-teen girl named Jenny whose teenage sister, Beth, died. When Jenny and her friend Angela are going through a box of her belongings they discover things about her that they never really knew, which explains the reasons behind Beth's mysterious death. As we get to know the character Beth, we simultaneously understand the thoughts and hopes of Jenny as well.
I would like to warn potential readers that there are a number of graphic scenes in this novel and that the story is rather dark, so it's not really a feel-good novel (think "The Lovely Bones". Nonetheless, the refined writing style and overall texture of the book really amazed me-especially considering that this is Foxlee's first novel- and there are amazing deeper meanings that can be found between the lines, if you know where to look.
I highly recommend this novel if you are mature enough to handle the bittersweetness that is prevalent througout. But it is a must read if you feel like reading something a little heavier.

highly recommend

im assuming the review below meant to spell the word which, not "witch" but this book was incredible, not for a younger audience, it was so interesting, and throught provoking. definitely a good read.

not good

alrighty then this book its not written well at all im not even done reading it and i hate it!!!!its in 1st person but the persons veiw is of a 10 year old girl witch makes it even worse, you dont learn the girls name until page 40something.............just dont by this book i wouldnt recomend it to anyone unless you were a younger reader

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not that good:(

Some parts in this book were really good but most of the time it was painful to read. I would not buy it. But the ending was good.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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