by Elizabeth Palmer from the February 15, 2010 issueTagline: Holly had noticed the handsome grad student who spent so many hours in the library. Had he really noticed her?
Observations: First person present tense is not my preference, however, I think it worked for this story. It can keep the reader in the moment, making the action feel more immediate.
This story had your typical threesome: the hero and heroine, and a friend. The friend is handy character for getting backstory across.
Secrets in stories can go two ways. One, you keep the secret from everyone and reveal it as a plot twist. Or two, you reveal it to the reader, but not to the characters in the story. "The Book of Love" took the latter route. We know Byron likes the Sylvia. Sylvia's the only dunderhead who doesn't realize, but it can be fun for a reader to feel she's in on a secret. It's like being invited to a surprise party.
My Favorite Part: When Byron "peers up, as though the answer is on the ceiling." LOL
2 comments:
Hi Kate,
I love being in on the secret and knowing more than the main character. I like the suspense and anticipation of waiting for her to figure it out. As you say, it's like a surprise party. And it really works if I can relate to or appreciate the reasons for her dunderheadedness. This story really worked for me.
Sheila
Me, too, Sheila! Thanks so much for commenting!
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