Review Detail

It is rare that I love a book for its writing, for I am a story reader.  I read books usually because the stories are good.  However, Beth Kepharts Undercover and House of Dance (which I reviewed a few months ago) are exceptions to the rule.  They are beautifully written, wonderful stories.

Elisa, a talented writer, uses her talents to write short love ditties for guys in her high school to give to the cute girls.  Elisa feels like the ugly duckling, dwarfed by her pretty mother and beautiful older sister.  She wonders whether anyone will be attracted to her. 

Most of the time shes fine, but when Theo asks Elisa to write poems to stuck-up, ditzy Lila, she takes offense&although she does it.  For some reason this is different.  Also, usually she writes one or two poems for a guy, but Lila is demanding, wanting more from Theo.  That makes the hurt even stronger.

When Elisa begins studying Cyrano de Bergerac in English, the parallels between herself and Cyrano become evident.  Is Cyrano a tragedy or a comedy?  When Elisa is cast as the beautiful Roxanne, the question becomes Is Elisa a tragedy or comedy?

Most days, Elisa, a loner, disappears to a nearby lake, thinking its her own, secluded haven.  There she views nature, writes her poetry and begins ice skating, emulating skaters shes watched on TV.  When Theo invades her sanctuary, she wonders whats going on.  Shes happy when shes with him and parting is hard.  Does he like her as more than a friend?

Superimposed on this plot is Elisas family drama.  Elisa is closer to her father, who travels a lot for business and is stuck in San Francisco for an extended period of time.  Her mother is resentful.  Her sister is closer to her mother, who for the most part ignores Elisa.  During Christmas, her parents exchange harsh words.

Undercover is an engrossing book.  I cant put it down.  The writing speaks to you.  The descriptions are marvelous.  &the way I read the sky, the way I watch the sun, the forty-two flavors of breeze.  I try, as hard as I can, to be my dads best girlreliable and solid.  I try to take each thing as it comes and to forsake the sentimental.  But that afternoon the cold and the wind and the poor girls condition made my eyes swell up with tears.  Made my throat hurt again until I had to yell, and my yell was a boom, it was a thunderclap, it was what I didnt know I had inside me.  Who hasnt felt that way?  Who cant imagine these feelings?

Kepharts characters are real.  You can picture Theo and Lila (aka Mr. and Ms. Lila).  You feel Elisas love for her fathertwo birds of a feather.  You feel the distance between Elisa and her mother and sister.  You want Theo to wake up and see the wonders of Elisa.  You want her to be happy. 

So, in conclusion, if you havent read any of Beth Kepharts books, you are doing yourself a disservice.  It took me one book, House of Dance, to become a major Beth Kephart fan.  It took a second book, Undercover, to solidify that status.  And Im sure her upcoming book, Nothing But Ghosts, coming out in June will be a winner as well.  Do yourself a favor and read Undercover.  You wont be disappointed.