Jinx - Softcover

Margaret Wild

3.72

990 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1865082643 ISBN 13: 9781865082646

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Childrens Books, 2001

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Do not love me. Be warned! I am Jinx. No one is safe from heartache. Not Jen, Jen's mother, Jen's father (the Rat), or her friends and neighbours. Each yearns for connection, but love can't always stay. And Jen's first encounters leave her fractured, reckless - no longer Jen, but Jinx. Young or old, everyone in Jen's life has a story to tell. Margaret Wild reveals the essence of their lives in this fine, fierce, deeply compassionate novel of loss, longing, courage and joy.

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About the Author:

Margaret Wild is one of Australia's most highly respected and popular children's authors. She was born in South Africa and emigrated to Australia in 1972. Margaret has worked as a journalist and an editor of children's books, and is now writing full-time. Since her first book in 1984, Margaret has published over thirty picture books, including the acclaimed The Very Best of Friends (1990 Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year), Let the Celebrations Begin! (shortlisted, 1992 CBCA Picture Book awards), Toby (shortlisted, 1994 CBCA Picture Book awards), Old Pig (shortlisted, 1996 CBCA Picture Book awards), The Midnight Gang (Honour Book, 1997 CBCA Picture Book awards), First Day, Rosie and Tortoise, Jenny Angel (2000 CBCA Picture Book of the Year), and Fox (2001 CBCA Picture Book of the Year).

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up-When Jen's boyfriend commits suicide, she is lonely, sad, bewildered, and rebellious. During this bleak period, she starts drinking and having casual sex, but then meets Ben and begins the long journey back to normalcy. After he dies, a classmate calls her "Jinx," and Jen decides the name fits her. Seeking to strike out at Hal, the person responsible for Ben's accident, and not realizing or caring where her angry words fall, Jinx conducts a secret, malicious assault. It is not until she actually meets and becomes friends with Hal that she is able to begin putting aside the hurt and anger that have plagued her since childhood. In confronting and dealing with the family issues that have been a lingering shadow all her life, the teen learns that love and forgiveness are a first step to maturity. This newfound acceptance and understanding of herself, her family, and her friends enables Jinx to want to be Jen again. In a style reminiscent of Mel Glenn's Who Killed Mr. Chippendale? (Dutton, 1996), the story is told in verse form. This technique allows the author to acquaint readers with each character and to weave a powerful story of teen angst. The voices are distinct, and all ring true, giving insight into the parents' lives and concerns as well as those of the teens. While the setting is in Australia, the central theme of family dynamics is so universal that it could be anywhere.
Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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