Review: The Sharp Time

September 28, 2011

Summary: Sandinista Jones is a high school senior with a punk rock name and a broken heart. The death of her single mother has left Sandinista alone in the world, subject to the random vulnerability of everyday life. When the school system lets her down, her grief and instability intensify, and she ponders a violent act of revenge.
Still, in the midst of her crisis, she gets a job at The Pale Circus, a funky vintage clothing shop, and finds friendship and camaraderie with her coworker, a boy struggling with his own secrets.
Even as Sandinista sees the failures of those with power and authority, she’s offered the chance to survive through the redemptive power of friendship. Now she must choose between faith and forgiveness or violence and vengeance

My Thoughts: I was mildly disappointed in The Sharp Time by Mary O’Connell because it wasn’t what I expected. I expected shock, excitement, and I’m not sure what else. What I got was a book that felt dry and somewhat dull. The book is much more reflective, with meandering thoughts and daydreams throughout, than I’d anticipated. That made it a bit of a chore to read at first, because I was expecting a faster pace. Still, Sandinista is an interesting character whose story will touch your heart. Despite my disappointment with the overall story, I was enchanted by Mary O’Connell’s writing. The writing, really, is what wins me over. I loved the word choices and overall creativity. I loved the unique characters – the owner of the X-rated confectionery, the monks, Bradley.

Sandinista has ADD, and O’Connell does an excellent job of making sure the reader never forgets. The story is told by Sandinista, and often she gets lost in tangents, daydreams, etc. I think it does an excellent job of showing what it’s like to be unable to keep focused on things for very long before something else captures your attention.

Favorite Quotes: Like I said, I loved the writing. Some of these are inspirational, others are examples of excellent writing.

“I can tell you’re full of sorrows,” he says … “But the sharp time passes.” ~ page 47 (ARC)

I loved this, in part because of how it explains the title.

With her affinity for paying attention, her expertise at forethought, she’s surely bought that special device that I keep meaning to buy, … that allows lights to click on every night at the same time, a device that makes each and every burglar put finger pensively to chin and think, What light in yonder window breaks? Ah, it must be that the homeowner is inside. Alas, I shall try another house. ~ page 91 (ARC)

I took bits out of the middle just to shorten it, but I don’t think it detracts from what I see as genius. I LOVE the reference to Shakespeare and how it’s used.

I find my social security check … I cash it at the in-store bank and buy tampons, dental floss, toothpaste, … all the products that used to magically appear on the bathroom shelves. Well, what had I thought? That tampons were a perpetually replicating species, packed cotton peeking out from the split end of the plastic applicator, coquettish and looking for a suitable mate? ~ page 103 (ARC)

This – and many parts like it – cracked me up. And what adult can’t remember that transition from when things magically appeared on the shelf to when they had to purchase the items themselves to restock their shelves?

The backbone of our forced humor is shrinking away, an osteoporosis of good cheer. ~ page 163 (ARC)

Poetry. I can’t think of a better word. I love it.

I manage to back out of the parking space, but the place is jumping with crazy Catholic drivers. They may have enjoyed Mass, but now they are definitely ready to get the hell out of here. ~ page 190 (ARC)

The irony. That’s what gets me with this one.

Source: Received through Around The World Tours for review.

Read It: The Sharp Time is scheduled for release on November 8, 2011. You can pre-order your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for the 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge.

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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