By Shanice Cherry
Lyndsey D’Arcangelo’s “The Trouble with Emily Dickinson” is a refreshing novel that tells the tale of a childlike love between two High School girls, JJ and Kendal.
As a result of Kendal, a popular cheerleader at Sampson Academy needing help in her Women’s Literature class she meets JJ a not so popular, intelligent writer/poet and basketball player who happens to be a lesbian. The saga begins when an unlikely love begins to flourish and High school social scenes begin to collide as a result Kendal and JJ’s interaction with one another.
What makes “The Trouble with Emily Dickinson” especially interesting is the novel’s ability to draw readers in by pulling them back into the realm of High School. We are made to feel eighteen again as we remember what it was like to be deeply immersed in high school culture. Where a great importance is given to social scenes as well as the acquired–popularity status that one has and wants to keep during their High School career.
In addition to writing novels Lyndsey D’Arcangelo also writes poetry and short stories. You can find more of D’Arcangelo’s writing on her website: www.lyndseydarcangelo.com. The Trouble with Emily Dickinson can be purchased at any of the Talking Leaves bookstore chains and at Dog Ears Bookstore.
Above image: Author Lyndsey D’Arcangelo and her book.