[Review/Giveaway] - A House Afire

Title: A House Afire
Author: Emma Kinna
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: December 1, 2009

I received this book for review from the author.

Summary: Phyllis Sorin has seen all sorts of people. With two kind Aunts who rent out the rooms of their house to anyone in need, the people she calls family are a little different from most. There’s Bill, who takes on the personalities of movie characters. There’s Quincy, whose best friend is a drag queen. There’s Anna, an opera singer and kung-fu master.

And Phyllis, well, she’s not exactly normal herself. But even as she begins to navigate high school’s social jungle, Phyllis finds comfort and humor in her odd home.

When Dominick Siddons moves in, however, all of Phyllis's priorities become inferior to finding out his secret. A young lawyer with a vicious wit and ferocious temper, Sid may understand Phyllis in a way no one else can. And through truth and fiction, through the inevitable chaos of the house, Phyllis finds much more than she bargained for.

Thoughts: I thought this was a good read, a surprising one too. I really liked Sid, I found his relationship to Phyllis quite intriguing. A House Afire was, I think a very coming of age story. About learning about yourself and finding oneself. Fast, mysterious and creative world. Emma's writing was a delight to read. I loved the cast of characters. All of them were interesting, really something for everyone in this book. I do think the book was a bit long, but definitely worth the read.

Score: 4 Stars

Author Website: http://emmakinna.blogspot.com/


Giveaway:
My copy of A House Afire is up for grabs. To enter leave a comment along with you email address. Open to U.S. and Canada. The winner will be announced on March 31st.