Sold by Patricia McCormick
A couple weeks ago I was browsing the shelves at a local bookstore when Sold by Patricia McCormick caught my eye. Maybe it’s the artist in me, but I am very drawn to the cover art of book jackets. Judge a book by it’s cover? Yep, I do. I’ll freely admit it. Which isn’t that what the publishers want? Looks like I’m their perfect kind of customer. Anyways, I picked up this book simply because of it’s cover art. After reading the short description, I knew I had to read it. I was not familiar with this book (found out later it was a National Book Award finalist) or this author. I’m glad that I found her and this book. It’s one that I would recommend everybody read and I’ve already got my husband started. If your looking for a quick read, this book only took me a couple of hours to read. Although it’s quick, it’s not “light” reading as this amazing story keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve put it down.
Lakshmi is a poor, thirteen-year-old girl who lives in a tiny hut in the high mountains in Nepal. Life is hard, but simple and pleasurable for Lakshmi as her and her mother dream of what they would do if they just had a bit more money. Lakshmi’s stepfather gives Lakshmi to an “Auntie,” and the innocent girl thinks she will be working in a glorious city for a wealthy employer as a maid. It isn’t until she arrives at the red light district in Calcutta and is brutally shown to her first “customer” does she realize that she has been sold into prostitution. Her life becomes a nightmare, but above it all Lakshmi not only endures but triumphs.
Although, this story was brutally honest, heart wrenching, and a difficult subject matter, the storytelling in itself was refreshing. Told in poem like vignettes, McCormicks’ writing style was a pleasure to read. So much so, that I couldn’t wait to read more of her. I now have her two other books, My Brother’s Keeper and Cut, waiting for me at the library. I’ll let you know what I think.
Visit Patricia McCormick’s website for book reviews, summaries, and more.
Update: Looks like I’m not the only one who puts stock in the jacket cover art:
[…] reviews Sold by Patricia […]
on January 11th, 2008 at 11:47 amI have yet to read any McCormick. I have Cut on my bookshelf and have heard wonderful things about Sold. I’ll have to bump her up on my TBR pile!
-Mollie
on January 11th, 2008 at 2:51 pmI have this on my YA Challenge list. I can’t wait to get to it! Thanks for sharing.
on February 8th, 2008 at 6:49 amJohnsenclan - Thanks for the link!
Teen Troves - I did enjoy McCormick. I hope she’s working on another book. I shall have to find out.
Joy - I’ve been thinking about joining your YA challenge with all the YA I’ve been reading (honestly, this is the first time I’ve ever really delved into YA). I may have to get a post written up so I can officially enter.
on February 8th, 2008 at 10:10 amThat’d be great!
I haven’t read many either, that’s why I developed the challenge.
on February 8th, 2008 at 6:47 pmAbsolutely loved this book. I wouldn’t have read if it wasn’t for your blog. Thanks, Natasha!
on February 24th, 2008 at 9:10 pmMonica - I’m glad you enjoyed this book! I’ve started to read some Picoult based upon your mention of her. Thanks for that recommendation.
on February 26th, 2008 at 4:11 pm