15 No Easy Way Out
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Revue Stage
$17 / $8.50 for student groups
Unexpected violence and mystery are the stuff of psychological thrillers, and these two authors are masters of that craft. But Alice Kuipers and Rebecca James take it far past the “who dunnit?” to explore bigger issues of terrorism, personal loss and the limits of friendship. Both teenage protagonists smack up against elements of contemporary life that are far beyond their years―from panic attacks to eating disorders and controlling personalities. In the hands of these authors, readers are deftly steered away from the darkness of these experiences and are left with a wiser understanding of trauma and the challenges of overcoming it.
Suitable for grades 9 to 12
View the study guide for this event.
No Easy Way Out
Unexpected violence and mystery are the stuff of psychological thrillers, and these two authors are masters of that craft. But Alice Kuipers and Rebecca James take it far past the “who dunnit?” to explore bigger issues of terrorism, personal loss and the limits of friendship. Both teenage protagonists face elements of contemporary life that are far beyond their years from panic attacks to eating disorders and controlling personalities. In the hands of these authors, readers are deftly steered away from the darkness of these experiences and are left with a wiser understanding of trauma and the challenges of overcoming it.
Curriculum Connection:
• interpret and analyze ideas from texts.
• personalize ideas and information in a text.
• express ideas.Activities:
1. Both Alice Kuipers’ and Rebecca James’ novels are structured in a less conventional narrative style—one in the form of a diary; the other jumping about through different points in time in the main character’s life. Hold a discussion about what difference this makes as opposed to telling the story in a straight, linear fashion. What effect does it serve to have on the story’s atmosphere and plot? If all the details were revealed immediately, how would it affect the narrative?2. Ask students to think about events in the past that have shaped who they are. It can either be a positive or a negative one. Who are the important people in their lives? What significant experiences have they had? Have students create a timeline of events they find important.
