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stephxsu's review
3.0
YA contemporary fiction just gets more and more stunning in their nuanced, relatable, and thought-provoking treatments of difficult subjects. Melissa Walker’s latest novel, SMALL TOWN SINNERS, is arguably the best examination of religious evangelism that I have read in YA fiction. Its sympathetic cast of characters and the careful way it treads the middle ground between black and white make it a superb literary accomplishment.
Religion is, as ever, a sensitive topic, one that is often difficult to talk about due to its highly personal and subjective manner. Which is why what Melissa Walker does in SMALL TOWN SINNERS is so impressive. Virtually all of the characters in this novel support rather unpopular and subjectively archaic positions on today’s controversial hot topics like abortion and gay marriage. However, rather than simply demonizing religious evangelists, Walker deftly makes all of her characters likeable, or at the very least sympathetic. It’s easy to hate issues and take solid stances on them when they are distant. However, when the issues hit home—when they become personal—is what SMALL TOWN SINNERS does so well. Walker shows that things such as faith and beliefs are individual and personal. This is a lesson that everyone could care to learn and promote.
The theme of SMALL TOWN SINNERS is a wonderful one, which makes up for the fact that sometimes, I felt like the characters were a little…mild. Lacey is a great protagonist in that she really captures the ambiguity of questioning her church-based faith, but there are times when I wanted her to be more than simply a mind-churning, tears-swallowing, does-he-like-me-or-not girlie-girl. Lacey’s best friend Starla Joy is said to be this more gregarious and outspoken girl, but she doesn’t very often display that. Ty, the supposed love interest, is, in my opinion, blown a bit out of proportion in the book’s synopsis. In SMALL TOWN SINNERS, romance definitely takes a backseat to the more compelling plotline of characters questioning their former beliefs. In fact, one may even think that the romance is a little lacking, a little too contrived.
But these minor qualms of mine regarding the characters don’t really matter in light of the book’s larger message. I love that the characters of SMALL TOWN SINNERS change over the course of the story—but in a way that stays true to who they are, and the way they were brought up. Needless to say, this is probably one of the most skilled and nuanced portrayals of extreme religion I’ve read in YA literature. All sorts of readers, I think, find this book compelling and eye-opening.
Religion is, as ever, a sensitive topic, one that is often difficult to talk about due to its highly personal and subjective manner. Which is why what Melissa Walker does in SMALL TOWN SINNERS is so impressive. Virtually all of the characters in this novel support rather unpopular and subjectively archaic positions on today’s controversial hot topics like abortion and gay marriage. However, rather than simply demonizing religious evangelists, Walker deftly makes all of her characters likeable, or at the very least sympathetic. It’s easy to hate issues and take solid stances on them when they are distant. However, when the issues hit home—when they become personal—is what SMALL TOWN SINNERS does so well. Walker shows that things such as faith and beliefs are individual and personal. This is a lesson that everyone could care to learn and promote.
The theme of SMALL TOWN SINNERS is a wonderful one, which makes up for the fact that sometimes, I felt like the characters were a little…mild. Lacey is a great protagonist in that she really captures the ambiguity of questioning her church-based faith, but there are times when I wanted her to be more than simply a mind-churning, tears-swallowing, does-he-like-me-or-not girlie-girl. Lacey’s best friend Starla Joy is said to be this more gregarious and outspoken girl, but she doesn’t very often display that. Ty, the supposed love interest, is, in my opinion, blown a bit out of proportion in the book’s synopsis. In SMALL TOWN SINNERS, romance definitely takes a backseat to the more compelling plotline of characters questioning their former beliefs. In fact, one may even think that the romance is a little lacking, a little too contrived.
But these minor qualms of mine regarding the characters don’t really matter in light of the book’s larger message. I love that the characters of SMALL TOWN SINNERS change over the course of the story—but in a way that stays true to who they are, and the way they were brought up. Needless to say, this is probably one of the most skilled and nuanced portrayals of extreme religion I’ve read in YA literature. All sorts of readers, I think, find this book compelling and eye-opening.
nagam's review against another edition
3.0
Lacey Anne Byer lives in a small, Christian town known for their yearly production of Hell House her evangelical church puts on. Hell House is a play in which several scenes are acted out. It's harsh. Brutal. Very conservative. Each year the production leads several people to begin a relationship with Jesus. For Lacey, life is very black and white. Until she re-meets Ty, a boy she knew growing up.
Several serious things happen through the course of the book (an actual pregnancy, the questioning of one friend's sexuality, a drunk driving incident). Ty is deeply questioning how he feels about Chrisitanity, especially Lacey's church's stance on everything. Slowly Lacey begins to realize that nothing is easily categorized and many things are much harder to deal with when they're happening to people you love and care about.
I had read brilliant reviews of this book. I am a Chrisitan and found it so encouraging that so many non-Christians were reading this book and finding it interesting. It quickly moved to the top of my to-be-read list. There were still moments in this book that made me cringe. Especially moments in the beginning of the book when Lacey freely speaks and voices her opinion about things. Her opinion sometimes differed from mine; her church was much more charismatic than mine (with the speaking in tongues). Ultimately, I am glad I read this book. I think it's a beautiful story of a girl who begins to believe on her own - to question and understand things on her own. Not to simply accept the answers her parents have given her, but to question, grow, and formulate her own answers. To understand God on her own. I think this is something most people go through - with the end result being very different for each person.
Several serious things happen through the course of the book (an actual pregnancy, the questioning of one friend's sexuality, a drunk driving incident). Ty is deeply questioning how he feels about Chrisitanity, especially Lacey's church's stance on everything. Slowly Lacey begins to realize that nothing is easily categorized and many things are much harder to deal with when they're happening to people you love and care about.
I had read brilliant reviews of this book. I am a Chrisitan and found it so encouraging that so many non-Christians were reading this book and finding it interesting. It quickly moved to the top of my to-be-read list. There were still moments in this book that made me cringe. Especially moments in the beginning of the book when Lacey freely speaks and voices her opinion about things. Her opinion sometimes differed from mine; her church was much more charismatic than mine (with the speaking in tongues). Ultimately, I am glad I read this book. I think it's a beautiful story of a girl who begins to believe on her own - to question and understand things on her own. Not to simply accept the answers her parents have given her, but to question, grow, and formulate her own answers. To understand God on her own. I think this is something most people go through - with the end result being very different for each person.
ckausch's review against another edition
4.0
Small Town Sinners is centered around a “Hell House” production put on by a southern evangelical church. Hell houses either weren’t around when I grew up or else we just never had them, but so many other elements of this book echo the experiences I had growing up in evangelical churches...
Lacey is a realistic, relatable character. She questions many things, including her father, while remaining grounded and sure of her foundation...
Further thoughts can be found at http://dogearedandwellread.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/small-town-sinners-by-melissa-walker/
Lacey is a realistic, relatable character. She questions many things, including her father, while remaining grounded and sure of her foundation...
Further thoughts can be found at http://dogearedandwellread.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/small-town-sinners-by-melissa-walker/
cleah's review against another edition
5.0
Lacey Byer has always been a good girl and perfect Christian. She also just turned sixteen, which not only means she gets her driver's license, but also makes her old enough to try out for a lead role in this year's Hell House. Lacey's father is the Children's Pastor at the local community church in her small town, so the Hell House production has always been a "movie moment" goal for her. And this year's show promises to be the best ever. But then things begin to happen in the lives of her best friends around her, and she begins to doubt the words her father preaches. Add to that the new boy in town, and things are getting rather confusing in the once simple life of Lacey.
Small Town Sinners is an enthralling book. Predictable, yes, but it doesn't pretend to want to surprise you with its actions. I had not heard of the phenomena of Hell Houses before this books, and found myself fascinated with the whole experience. Lacey was an unbelievably raw character. As the reader is pulled along through her doubt and re-invention of herself, Lacey remains unflinching honest. Melissa Walker wants to tell an authentic, open story, bold and without apology. Teen readers will have characters to identify with and are sure to find similarities in their own rebellion against their parents. I also think this is an important book for teens to read, not just for the lesson in thinking for yourself, but also for the beautiful love story that is equally as much the point of Lacey's journey. This is the first book of Walker's I have read, but I will definitely pick up her others to give them a whirl!
Small Town Sinners is an enthralling book. Predictable, yes, but it doesn't pretend to want to surprise you with its actions. I had not heard of the phenomena of Hell Houses before this books, and found myself fascinated with the whole experience. Lacey was an unbelievably raw character. As the reader is pulled along through her doubt and re-invention of herself, Lacey remains unflinching honest. Melissa Walker wants to tell an authentic, open story, bold and without apology. Teen readers will have characters to identify with and are sure to find similarities in their own rebellion against their parents. I also think this is an important book for teens to read, not just for the lesson in thinking for yourself, but also for the beautiful love story that is equally as much the point of Lacey's journey. This is the first book of Walker's I have read, but I will definitely pick up her others to give them a whirl!
kristid's review against another edition
4.0
lissa Walker, I have one word for you... WOW.
Normally Small Town Sinners is not the type of book I would go for. Had it not been Melissa Walker, an author that I absolutely adore, I'm not sure I would have picked this book up. And I would have been upset with myself later!
I'm not an overly religious person. I've struggled with my faith throughout my teen years and into my adulthood... it's still something that I struggle with now. I usually avoid reading books about it for that very reason. And I'll admit that I was a little apprehensive with those first few pages of Small Town Sinners... but there is something about Lacey that will keep you turning the pages.
I loved this book. Absolutely did not put it down, totally invested in these characters... where did my afternoon go, kind of love for this book. It's about Lacey and her faith, what she believes in, and her struggles with that, but it's also about so much more. I never felt like the book was preaching to me. It was a masterfully crafted balance of those gray areas. I commend Walker for tackling those issues in such a serious manner. Making it really matter to the characters and not just portraying the stereotypical religious girl.
I can't say enough good things about this book. Once of the best contemporary novels I've read this year.
Normally Small Town Sinners is not the type of book I would go for. Had it not been Melissa Walker, an author that I absolutely adore, I'm not sure I would have picked this book up. And I would have been upset with myself later!
I'm not an overly religious person. I've struggled with my faith throughout my teen years and into my adulthood... it's still something that I struggle with now. I usually avoid reading books about it for that very reason. And I'll admit that I was a little apprehensive with those first few pages of Small Town Sinners... but there is something about Lacey that will keep you turning the pages.
I loved this book. Absolutely did not put it down, totally invested in these characters... where did my afternoon go, kind of love for this book. It's about Lacey and her faith, what she believes in, and her struggles with that, but it's also about so much more. I never felt like the book was preaching to me. It was a masterfully crafted balance of those gray areas. I commend Walker for tackling those issues in such a serious manner. Making it really matter to the characters and not just portraying the stereotypical religious girl.
I can't say enough good things about this book. Once of the best contemporary novels I've read this year.
hezher's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly resonating even for someone like me (a crazy liberal Christian without an Evangelical upbringing). It was very affirming to read about a character who didn't question her belief in God, but rather her belief in the church. Highly reccomended.
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
4.0
Lacey really wants to be the girl who gets an abortion.
Not in real life, of course. She's a Christian who would never think of having premarital sex, let alone killing her baby. But her church is going to put on a Hell House - a play where teens act out the dire consequences of sins including drinking, gay marriage, and looking at pornography - and everyone knows that Abortion Girl is the best part.
Lacey has always been secure in her faith. Her father's a pastor, she's active in her church, and her friends have always shared her beliefs, so she's never had any reason to question her religion. But when gorgeous Ty moves back to town and starts challenging her beliefs, and her life starts getting more complicated, Lacey begins to wonder if the bible really does have all the right answers...
Compassionate and honest, this book doesn't resort to lecturing or proselytizing and doesn't take the easy way out. Good starting point for teens who want to explore Christianity, or those interested in agnosticism.
Not in real life, of course. She's a Christian who would never think of having premarital sex, let alone killing her baby. But her church is going to put on a Hell House - a play where teens act out the dire consequences of sins including drinking, gay marriage, and looking at pornography - and everyone knows that Abortion Girl is the best part.
Lacey has always been secure in her faith. Her father's a pastor, she's active in her church, and her friends have always shared her beliefs, so she's never had any reason to question her religion. But when gorgeous Ty moves back to town and starts challenging her beliefs, and her life starts getting more complicated, Lacey begins to wonder if the bible really does have all the right answers...
Compassionate and honest, this book doesn't resort to lecturing or proselytizing and doesn't take the easy way out. Good starting point for teens who want to explore Christianity, or those interested in agnosticism.
samantha_89's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book. I really liked that everything was left up in the air at the end, like most things in life are. I did feel like the beginning was hard to get through, or at least it could turn some people off, because the narrative was very conservative. It's part of the story though and once you get through that you get a very nice book that incorporates religion in a realistic way.
littlefoot10's review against another edition
4.0
I'm going to preface this post with Religion is a very touchy subject, so any of my opinions or thoughts are not meant to belittle anyone, or sway anyone to believe one way or another.. just my thoughts :)!
Growing up I was raise Protestant, went to Church every Sunday. Joined Sunday school, got older joined the choir, got even more older joined the bells performance group. Religion wasn't a main part of my childhood, but it was important to my parents to have this be in our upbringing. Flash forward to like 20 some years later and here I am..I wouldn't say I'm religious or not religious...I feel more Agnostic. I believe in something.. I'm just not sure if it's God, or something else.
Anyways that out of the way, this book really surprised me. Some characters were pushy with their opinions, a lot of characters have questions and pose them to the reader to think, and feel. A lot took place within this short novel; sin, temptation, and a lot of doubt. BUT this book portrayed it beautifully. Everyone makes choices that aren't always the most wise; but it shows how those decisions change us, and allow us to make better choices in the future. It also shows that we learn from mistakes, we are only human.
It also got my thinking, if I have children would I raise them in the Church like my parents did.. and my answer is Yes.. does that makes me a hypocrite because I'm unsure of God.. probably.. but that's okay with me. I would want them to make their own choices and question things like my parents did with me. I look back on going to church and I loved the community, the choir practices, the people. I don't think I'd be the loving, tolerant, respectful, happy person I am today without the upbringing I had.
I feel like everyone from all walks of life should read this book, talk about choices, consequences of actions, and opening your heart up to love and being kind to everyone. Life is hard enough, we don't need people judging you for what you believe in or what you think about religion in general. This is the only life we have to live (depending on what you believe)...Make a positive influence on those around you.
Be kind to people.
Growing up I was raise Protestant, went to Church every Sunday. Joined Sunday school, got older joined the choir, got even more older joined the bells performance group. Religion wasn't a main part of my childhood, but it was important to my parents to have this be in our upbringing. Flash forward to like 20 some years later and here I am..I wouldn't say I'm religious or not religious...I feel more Agnostic. I believe in something.. I'm just not sure if it's God, or something else.
Anyways that out of the way, this book really surprised me. Some characters were pushy with their opinions, a lot of characters have questions and pose them to the reader to think, and feel. A lot took place within this short novel; sin, temptation, and a lot of doubt. BUT this book portrayed it beautifully. Everyone makes choices that aren't always the most wise; but it shows how those decisions change us, and allow us to make better choices in the future. It also shows that we learn from mistakes, we are only human.
It also got my thinking, if I have children would I raise them in the Church like my parents did.. and my answer is Yes.. does that makes me a hypocrite because I'm unsure of God.. probably.. but that's okay with me. I would want them to make their own choices and question things like my parents did with me. I look back on going to church and I loved the community, the choir practices, the people. I don't think I'd be the loving, tolerant, respectful, happy person I am today without the upbringing I had.
I feel like everyone from all walks of life should read this book, talk about choices, consequences of actions, and opening your heart up to love and being kind to everyone. Life is hard enough, we don't need people judging you for what you believe in or what you think about religion in general. This is the only life we have to live (depending on what you believe)...Make a positive influence on those around you.
Be kind to people.
emjrasmussen's review against another edition
I tend to enjoy books about a person who is questioning his or her religion, so I had high hopes for Small Town Sinners. Although it started out a bit slow, it eventually drew me in and overall didn't disappoint me one bit.
The romance between Lacey Ann and Ty was quite well done. They have their inevitable arguments, but their disagreements about faith and what is right or wrong went a little deeper than the "You were cheating on me this whole time!" kind of fights that you often see. The dynamic of their relationship was a refreshing break from others that I have read about.
This book is not just a romance novel, though. The most interesting part of the plot was Lacey Anne's search to find out if she really believed in everything her religion had taught her. The story started before Ty came to town and before Lacey Anne started reevaluating her faith, so I got a clear view of the events leading up to her beginning to question her beliefs. I loved that she became more and more open minded, but never denounced the House of Enlightenment.
Small Town Sinners does a fabulous job portraying religion, and is more recommendable than other books about this topic, as it doesn't seem to be pro-religion or anti-religion. The message is not that having faith in a certain church is evil, but it doesn't give the vibe that you have to believe in order to be a good person. It is simply a story about one girl finding herself and falling in love along the way.
This review originally appeared at www.foreverliterary.blogspot.com.
The romance between Lacey Ann and Ty was quite well done. They have their inevitable arguments, but their disagreements about faith and what is right or wrong went a little deeper than the "You were cheating on me this whole time!" kind of fights that you often see. The dynamic of their relationship was a refreshing break from others that I have read about.
This book is not just a romance novel, though. The most interesting part of the plot was Lacey Anne's search to find out if she really believed in everything her religion had taught her. The story started before Ty came to town and before Lacey Anne started reevaluating her faith, so I got a clear view of the events leading up to her beginning to question her beliefs. I loved that she became more and more open minded, but never denounced the House of Enlightenment.
Small Town Sinners does a fabulous job portraying religion, and is more recommendable than other books about this topic, as it doesn't seem to be pro-religion or anti-religion. The message is not that having faith in a certain church is evil, but it doesn't give the vibe that you have to believe in order to be a good person. It is simply a story about one girl finding herself and falling in love along the way.
This review originally appeared at www.foreverliterary.blogspot.com.