The Final Three

Patron Saints of Nothing: This book tackled a timely and difficult topic in a way which engaged me.  I flew through the book despite thinking I might not when I first picked it up. 

Moonrise: I could not put this novel down.  I read it in one big, late night gulp which left me feeling prickly eyed and fluffy brained the next day.  Although I love novels in verse, I actually forgot this was in verse while I was reading it.  Good thing, bad thing? I'm not sure, but I was on the edge of my seat and invested in all the characters and their outcomes.  I could 'feel' from all the perspectives in this novel.

Mason Buttle: The heart and soul of this book was Mason.  Throughout the book I was rooting for him, trying to keep him going and willing him to overcome.  I was invested in his 'Dragon' and found his use of it inspiring, to me it was perfect that what he produced on it became key to the story.  The idea of discovering the power of writing in whatever way works for you is close to my heart. 

My winner?  All three are winners for me.  Each deserves its place in this final.  In the end hope won it for me.  Mason Buttle made me feel hope after I flipped the last page and that is why I want to celebrate this exquisite novel.  Mason Buttle for the win for me. 

The Final Round!!!

Smackdown the Tenth - Final Round

Debbie, Vanessa, Norma

 

Vanessa: Well this is finally a real showdown!  I genuinely enjoyed all three of these books and am happy to see them in the finals.  I chose Moonrise over Patron Saint in the previous round so it is still my pick of the two but with Mason Buttle in the race, it’s game on.  I read Mason Buttle when it first came out in 2018 and felt such a love for Mason and his quirkiness.  And then I realized he also had a huge heart.  It has stuck with me everyday since and was a 5 star book.  So even though the battle is strong, the truth is...Mason Buttle is my pick!

Norma: I loved all three of these books.  I chose Moonrise in the last round and so it is still fresh in my mind.  My battle is between Moonrise and Mason Buttlw which I also chose to move on early in the game.  Though I wouldn’t be disappointed if either was the champ, I am choosing Mason Buttle as the winner because the story stayed with me throughout

Debbie:I loved Moonrise but the question of which one of these books wins for me is an easy one. “The Truth As Told By Mason Buttle” is my favorite. Hands down. Love, love, loved it