Because I Am Furniture
By: Shakya Gray
Publisher: Penguin Group
ISBN: 978- 0-670-06298-0
Genre: Novel in verse/ Poetry/ Realistic Fiction
Review
The main thing that made this book distasteful was the main character. I could relate to her in a way because she didn't really have a father. Her father was suffering from an anger disorder, so he took it out on his family. He abused everyone physically and verbally, except Anke. Ultimately, this drew a wedge between her and her family. I get that she's bitter because she doesn't get acknowledged by anyone, so she feels like a nobody; however, I don't understand why she wished to be in her family's position. They yearn to be safe and not walking around with bruises on their body. Who in their right mind would want to get raped or abused? Instead of wanting attention she should have been trying to help her family. I felt like Anke was whiny and absurd because she wished for pain. Although, I didn't like the main character I enjoyed the way this book was written. This is the first time I enjoyed a rather simple book. The simplicity in this book made it easier for me to understand it, unlike most poetry. I also liked the repetition in this book because it adds suspense. For instance, Chaltas restated the procedure for the drill three times, then at the end Anke said "the drill is supposed to make you stronger, but I am so tired." The way Chaltas described Anke repeating drills for volleyball gave the reader insight on how tired she was becoming each time. This book was a good balance between social and family problems which made it enjoyable for me.
Additional Reviews
Further Explorations
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- An article explaining what child abuse is and the percentage of people who went through it as children.
- This is the link to an interview with the author, in which you can get answers to questions pertaining to the book.
- Here are some key quotes from the book.
- The author has created a blog website for Anke and post things involving the book.
Partner Titles
Everything is Fine.
Walking On Glass
Jinx
Works Cited
."Robot Check." Robot Check. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Books like Because I Am Furniture." Books Similar to Because I Am Furniture. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"StorySnoops Children's Book Reviews | Because I Am Furniture | Thalia Chaltas." StorySnoops Children's Book Reviews | Because I Am Furniture | Thalia Chaltas. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Because I Am Furniture." Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Because I Am Furniture." Google Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"What Is Child Abuse." <i>Childhelp What Is Child Abuse Comments</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Interview: Thalia Chaltas." - Bildungsroman. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas." Harmony Book Reviews. N.p., 04 June 2009. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Thalia Chaltas Quotes." Thalia Chaltas Quotes (Author of Because I Am Furniture). N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"EPIPHANY'S VOICE." EPIPHANY'S VOICE. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
Teen Reads. The Book Report, Inc, 18 Oct. 2011. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Everything Is Fine. Hardcover – March 1, 2009." Amazon.com: Everything Is Fine. (9780316013642): Ann Dee Ellis: Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Everything Is Fine." Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Walking on Glass." Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Jinx." Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.
"Robot Check." Robot Check. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2016.