This wonderful little anthology includes stories by Lois Lowry, Meg Cabot, Sue Limb, Anne Fine, Celia Rees, Rosie Rushton, Malorie Blackman, Jacqueline Wilson, Cathy Hopkins, and Meg Rosoff. Two things about that list of star authors stand out to me: One, they’re some pretty fantastic writers–some of my favorites. Two, most of them are British. According to the biographies in the back, Lois Lowry and Meg Cabot are the only ones who live in America (but I think Meg Rosoff is from the US, she just lives in England). I now have a confession to make: I love all things British, an obsession that has its root in a trip I took last summer to England. It was one of the best experiences of my life, so now I love to read English books and watch BBC America and such. It’s kind of dorky, I’ll admit, but it meant I was super psyched to read this story collection!
And it is in no way, shape, or form disappointing. There’s not a weak story in the bunch! I was completely captivated from the moment I started reading. They are all wonderfully well written (as they should be; all of these authors are masters of their craft).
Of course, I did have the problem I always have with great short stories–I wanted more! For every short story whose characters I fall in love with over the course of a few pages, I always wish that there was more to the story. For two of these, there actually is more–Lois Lowry’s is an excerpt from her novel. And Sue Limb’s story is about her character, Jess (star of Girl, 15, Charming But Insane and its equally fabulous sequels). But for the rest, sadly, as far as I know, this is all we will see of these characters.
While there are certainly no weak points in Shining On, there were a few stories that stood out to me personally as being exceptionally brilliant.
Sue Limb’s You’re A Legend is one. It’s a complete story in itself, but part of a larger body of work about this wonderful character. In this story, Jess goes to help her Granny sort through her dead husband’s belongings and makes a surprising discovery in the attic. I absolutely loved it!
Another story I loved was Malorie Blackman’s Humming Through My Fingers, an incredibly wonderful story about a blind girl who sees more than most of us who are sighted do. Simply brilliant! I mean, I adore Malorie Blackman, but I was still surprised at how completely marvelous this short story is! I’d love to read more about the characters, unsurprisingly. Hmm. Perhaps I’m too greedy to read short stories!
Anyway, another one I particularly enjoyed was Rosie Rushton’s Skin Deep, about a girl who is seriously traumatized (physically and emotionally) by an accident. I’ve never read one of Rushton’s novels, but I’ll have to after reading this story, which I thought was amazing (and I really shouldn’t even bother to say it after all this, but, yes, I wanted more! I feel so greedy).
Those are just a few of the highlights for me, but, trust me, all of the stories are breathtakingly wonderful. This collection is, of course, worth buying and reading because of its marvelousness, but even more so because a portion of the profits go to charity. So, to the bookstore! Or to your favorite online bookstore, if you want to let your fingers do all the hard work. And buy this book immediately!
March 1, 2008 at 9:27 am
Oh, this looks great. The only author of those I’ve read something by is Meg Cabot but I’m definitely going to be checking it out!
What charity does the money go to?
March 1, 2008 at 11:32 am
Thanks for the review.
I think I’ll check it out.
March 1, 2008 at 12:23 pm
On the back, it says: “a portion of the money generated from the sale of this book will benefit Curesearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation and Children’s Oncology Group, Partners in the Search for a Cure for Childhood Cancer.” I think, however, that according to the copyright page, said portion is only 1%, but, still, if lots of people buy the book, that’s a lot of money!
March 1, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I love Meg Cabot’s books, I’ll surely pick up this one.
Actually, I have a question.
Do you only do reviews of published books/authors? I was kind of hoping you can review my site. Please comment back. Regards.
March 1, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Yes, I do only review published books ; sorry.
March 20, 2012 at 8:58 pm
website is here…
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