Call Me Athena: Girl from Detroit

Call Me Athena does what every novel, no matter the format, should do. It stays on target to tell its story, even when it takes interesting side journeys. My wife had the same impression I did. Once you started reading, you were drawn in with a rush.The novel is based around the life and struggles of a young immigrant Greek girl in America who comes to realize she must conform to her station in life as a Good. Greek. Girl. During her life, we see her own struggles mirrored by that of her mom, a story worth telling in its own right.It used Greece, America, World War I, The Great Depression, Ford Motor Company (with a brief cameo by Ford himself!) as some of its wide-ranging backdrops.I am neither an immigrant, a girl, nor Greek but while I read the novel I was all of those things. Colby Cedar Smith helped me step inside someone else's life and, without preaching or being heavy-handed, helped me understand issues that until now were more intellectual than emotional for me.It's really hard to pull that off that kind of feat with a standard format prose novel. It takes a lot of writerly skills developed over time, but when you have an author who also brings additional poetry skills to the table, you have a real winner!I don't want to reveal any more content or plot of the book. Much better to experience it yourself. It is accessible, interesting, fun, sad, happy, victorious, insightful without the writer's craft ever getting in the way, and that writer's craft is considerable.Also fun were the end notes which allowed a further exploration of many interesting topics, the kind of notes that sent me straight to wikipedia so I could learn more.This book makes an excellent gift as it is appropriate for pretty much any age reader, and the book itself is attractive and well bound. (I've already gifted it twice.) Frankly, the cost is about $10 cheaper than it should be. Can't complain about that!Well done, Colby Cedar Smith. You knocked this one out of the ballpark. Now, please... go write your next book for me and all your other fans!

This YA Historical verse fiction was a surprise hit for me. It is beautifully lyrical and deserves an orchestral symphony--on page.If you liked Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo, you'll enjoy this one. It is written with a more mature tone than Acevedo.From the very first sentence, you feel like the only person this story is being told to. The full cast of narrators are engaging, absolutely superb.This compelling story is about a multigenerational family dealing with life, poverty, war, etc. I have not read many books, in recent times, that cover a declining auto industry in Detroit and the Depression era that forced many middle class families into poverty. There also is a love story in the mix that doesn't feel out of place.In a subtle yet direct way, Colby Cedar Smith brings up social issues like gender politics and class differences, and societal judgments without making-- the reader--feel uncomfortable or like she is preaching to you.It's like if you lived in a multigenerational household, you would get stories from your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and then your parents too. Every one has interesting tales. It's not like you're waiting for the one who knows how to tell a good story. They all weave and blend together seamlessly. You are sitting up, at the edge of your seat, anticipating the next story.

This is such an important, empathic, tender, and empowering book. It is also hugely entertaining! I was completely riveted and could not put it down. This book is an incredible gem, and one I would so excitedly recommend to any teen (and adult!!). I hope it especially finds its way into high school classrooms across the country, as it uses a fascinating historical context to creatively explore vital topics (without ever being heavy-handed): intergenerational trauma, constraining gender roles, coming-of-age, economic struggle, immigration, discrimination, romance, etc. The innovative structure (multiple perspectives, in verse) and exquisite writing are so powerful. There's an added power to the text too given that the author includes pictures at the end of some of the real life people who this story is based on. This is such a memorable, meaningful, and special book that I will always treasure. Can't wait to read more books from this amazing author!

This is an exceptional novel in verse that at times devastated me in the best way, bringing out the anguish that these characters suffered and with only such few words. I also laughed and smiled at the joyful moments. I sped through this book as I needed to know what would happen next and couldn't wait to get back to it when I had to stop reading. On a book-lovers note--I purchased a hard cover and was delighted with the integral red bookmark included. Highly recommended YA novel that will transport you to historical times in which women had to fight for every bit of freedom. The backmatter and footnotes are not to be missed, but for the best reading experience (spoiler free) make sure to only read the backmatter after completing the novel.

Author attempts to tell the story in a fashion of verse. Switching back and fourth between generations experiencing WW I and the great depression, respectively, does not provide insight into the restrictions imposed on the story's "Athena" as she attempts to override her immigrants' cultural expectations. Detroit landmarks are described including Ford factory, Belle Isle and the Detroit Institute of Arts as backdrops to the story of Billy and Mary. The novel in verse, while somewhat unique, lacked coherence and the ending was vague and ill-defined.The story was not impactful for me.

I've gifted this book twice now and both recipients have loved it just as much as I did!