Saturday, September 26, 2015

Brilliant by Roddy Doyle

No one is happy anymore.  Something has stolen Dublin's funny bone...

Amulet Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so you can find a copy now.

It seems the wind blew in a very dark cloud that turned into a big black dog on the streets at night.  You could hardly see it, but it went around stealing laughter and harmony from all the people living there.  The adults really got affected.  The children decided to do something about it.

A sister and brother lead the pack.  They're worried about their Uncle Ben and they are going to fix his depression.  The sister discovers if she uses the word "brilliant", it gives them light for a little while.  As they follow the dog, they meet more children.  It's a scary quest with no one except children involved.  They do have an older boy in the group.  He thinks he's a vampire, so he's a bit odd but he's a good egg and helps them.

This book brings up a good subject.  Depression is prevalent in this day and age.  I call it a blue cloud hanging over me.  This author chose a black dog.  He reinforces that if it happens to you, you need to get help.  It can practically permeate your soul if you let it.

With help, you can shake the depression off.  Just like the children got the dog to cough up Dublin's funny bone...  

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