Green Eyes and Ham
Author: Mary Penney
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren.com
One of the common themes in a young adult novel is peer pressure and bullying that comes along. Based on a similar premise, Green Eyes and Ham is a story of retrospection and courage to accept oneself. When Ham Hudson is faced with the challenge of making new friends (read acquaintances) in his new school, he is in for a disappointment. However hard he tries to fit in, he still feels like a fish out of water. That’s when he decides to change.
Micah is a breath of fresh air for Ham yet the two together are still not able to be on the same page owing to Ham’s insecurities. Dealing with students who mock his mistakes and make his flaws prominent, Ham tries to transform his personality into someone who is liked, loved and appreciated. In the process, he loses himself and parts with the happiness that refuses to tag along. In this coming-of-age story, the narrative keeps you hooked as the conversation between the teenagers is not only interesting but reminiscing of the good old days.
At times, I found the descriptions verbose. For a thick book like this, I feel some of the chapters could’ve been omitted and it wouldn’t have made much difference. Nevertheless, the story is interesting and enjoyable. Ham is an enjoyable character because he provides you with moments of liking him and disliking him consecutively.
Best wishes to the author!
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