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Editorial Content for Saving Montgomery Sole

Book

Saving Montgomery Sole

Contributors

Maggie Dow

Reviewer (text)

Maggie D., Teen Board Member
 
SAVING MONTGOMERY SOLE by Mariko Tamaki is a unique and vibrant read that is easily devoured in one sitting. Monty is considered weird in her small town of Aunty, California. For one thing, she has two moms. For another, she spends most of her time with a club of her own making --- The Mystery Club --- dedicated to seeking out and discovering the validity of the universe’s questions. She’s got her sights set on what promises to be her most interesting mystery yet, a stone called the Eye of Know that claims to allow the wielder control over any situation. The Eye, however, seems to have more damaging plans. When things start to go wrong and a preacher bent on “saving the American family” comes to Aunty, Monty discovers that the mysteries in her life are more pressing than those she seeks out.
 
The one word I would use to describe this book is “quirky.” Monty is an entirely unique voice that I wasn’t expecting when I started the book. Her wording is a little awkward at times, but I thought it added to her individuality. As the book progresses, we see Monty in some very dark places, and I thought that the reasoning and thought process behind her feelings was interesting and well-developed. I fell in love with Monty as a character, much more than I did with any other element of the book.
 
"SAVING MONTGOMERY SOLE by Mariko Tamaki is a unique and vibrant read that is easily devoured in one sitting."
 
Reading this book, all I could think was that I wanted more. At 240 pages, this book took too long building up to importance and not long enough dwelling on what I felt was the crux of the novel. It was meant to be a moving coming-of-age story, and I didn’t really get as involved in that aspect as I would have liked.
 
Warning: This is not a fantasy novel. Do not go into it expecting fantasy. The summary makes it seem similar to THE RAVEN BOYS or WINK, POPPY, MIDNIGHT, when in actuality, I would recommend it more to fans of ELEANOR AND PARK and I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN. It’s still a fun, different read, but the outside comments are very misleading. If you’re a fan of Mariko Tamaki’s other books or poignant coming-of-age stories, SAVING MONTGOMERY SOLE is a perfect read for you.

Teaser

 

Montgomery Sole is a square peg in a small town, forced to go to a school full of jocks and girls who don't even know what irony is. It would all be impossible if it weren't for her best friends, Thomas and Naoki. The three are also the only members of Jefferson High's Mystery Club, dedicated to exploring the weird and unexplained, from ESP and astrology to super powers and mysterious objects. Then there's the Eye of Know, the possibly powerful crystal amulet Monty bought online. Will it help her predict the future or fight back against the ignorant jerks who make fun of Thomas for being gay or Monty for having lesbian moms? Maybe the Eye is here just in time, because the newest resident of their small town is scarier than mothmen, poltergeists, or, you know, gym.

Promo

Montgomery Sole is a square peg in a small town, forced to go to a school full of jocks and girls who don't even know what irony is. It would all be impossible if it weren't for her best friends, Thomas and Naoki. The three are also the only members of Jefferson High's Mystery Club, dedicated to exploring the weird and unexplained, from ESP and astrology to super powers and mysterious objects. Then there's the Eye of Know, the possibly powerful crystal amulet Monty bought online. Will it help her predict the future or fight back against the ignorant jerks who make fun of Thomas for being gay or Monty for having lesbian moms? Maybe the Eye is here just in time, because the newest resident of their small town is scarier than mothmen, poltergeists, or, you know, gym.

About the Book

A beautiful and offbeat novel from Mariko Tamaki, co-creator of the bestselling Printz Honor and Caldecott Honor Book THIS ONE SUMMER.

Montgomery Sole is a square peg in a small town, forced to go to a school full of jocks and girls who don't even know what irony is. It would all be impossible if it weren't for her best friends, Thomas and Naoki. The three are also the only members of Jefferson High's Mystery Club, dedicated to exploring the weird and unexplained, from ESP and astrology to super powers and mysterious objects.

Then there's the Eye of Know, the possibly powerful crystal amulet Monty bought online. Will it help her predict the future or fight back against the ignorant jerks who make fun of Thomas for being gay or Monty for having lesbian moms? Maybe the Eye is here just in time, because the newest resident of their small town is scarier than mothmen, poltergeists, or, you know, gym.

Thoughtful, funny and painfully honest, Montgomery Sole is someone you'll want to laugh and cry with over a big cup of frozen yogurt with extra toppings.

Audiobook available, narrated by Rebecca Lowman.