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Jinx

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Jinx is a verse novel that follows the story of a teenage girl named Jen, who adopts the name Jinx after a series of tragic events in her life. The book delves into themes of love, loss, self-identity, and family dynamics through the eyes of various characters, including Jen's family members, friends, and boyfriends. Written in a poetic style, the narrative explores Jen's journey of self-discovery and resilience as she navigates through the challenges of adolescence and heartbreak.

Jen's transformation from a good girl to a troubled teen is at the core of the story, as she grapples with the aftermath of losing her boyfriends and the impact it has on her sense of self. The book also touches on deeper issues such as parental relationships, peer pressure, forgiveness, and the search for happiness amidst tragedy. Through poignant verses and multiple perspectives, Jinx captures the complexities of growing up and the emotional turmoil that comes with finding one's place in the world.

Characters:

Characters are diverse and multi-faceted, illustrating a range of emotional and social struggles that enrich Jen's story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lyrical verse that balances simplicity with emotional depth, providing unique perspectives through poetic storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Jen's struggles with her identity and relationships after being given the nickname Jinx due to a pattern of tragic events surrounding her romances.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary and relatable, enhancing the emotional journeys of the characters within their social environments.

Pacing:

The pacing is swift, designed for a quick read, although some readers may wish for a slower, more detailed exploration of events.

Notes:

Jinx is written in verse, making it poetic and engaging.
The main character, Jen, is nicknamed Jinx due to her bad luck in relationships.
Jen has a troubled family background, including an absent father and a mother in love with someone who doesn't know her.
The book addresses serious themes like loss, love, and mental health.
It includes a diverse cast of characters, each dealing with their own personal issues.
Jinx's sister, Grace, has Down's Syndrome, a significant part of Jen's story.
The novel has been shortlisted for the Australian Children's Book Council award.
It's recommended for ages 14 and up due to its darker themes.
The author, Margaret Wild, is praised for her ability to keep readers hooked.
Readers appreciate how the verse format presents multiple perspectives in the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Jinx include themes surrounding death, grief, substance abuse, and mental health.

Has Romance?

The book includes elements of romance, particularly focusing on Jen's relationships and their impacts on her character development.

From The Publisher:

Do not get to know me. Do not ask me out. Do not love me. Be warned!

I am Jinx.

Jinx doesn't start out as Jinx - at first she's dull, safe, boring Jen. Jen who always hands her homework in on time, Jen who never stays out late, Jen who can always be counted on.

When Jen's first boyfriend dies, she thinks she's unlucky...until her second boyfriend dies too. Jen is Jinx now - a curse, a promise of bad luck, a girl who's angry and alone, who can't get close to people anymore.

Can Jinx find her way back to being Jen again?

Reader Stats (2):

Want To Read (2)

About the Author:

Margaret Wild has published over thirty books, including The Very Best of Friends, Fox, and Our Granny. This is her first novel for teens. Margaret lives in Sydney, Australia.

 
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