Dingo by Charles de Lint
May. 10th, 2008 01:47 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
snugglekittyThis is a new YA story from Charles de Lint, the master of urban fantasy. Miguel's life with his father, the used comic book dealer, is peaceful until Lainey comes to town. He finds her firey hair and her air of mystery irresistible. But her secrets may be putting both of them in danger. Will love, courage, and quick thinking be enough to win the day?
Probably my favorite thing about this book is Miguel's interaction with side characters - his father, and the town bully.
"I have a good relationship with my dad. I'm not saying he'd approve of everything I've ever done, but he trusts me and respects me, which is more than I can say for some other kids' fathers...Anyway, the point is, I can ask my dad to help and not to ask questions, and he'll do both. He won't hold off forever -- but I don't need forever. I just need long enough to sort this out..
He picks up on the second ring.
'Dad,' I say, without any preamble, 'I need your help and I need it fast.'
'Jesus, Miguel, what's --"
'There's no time, Dad. I just need you to come here. And try not to make any noise.'
I tell him where I am. I know he's got a hundred questions, but all he says is, 'I'll be right there.'" p 144
"He lays the sketchbook down and gets to his feet. 'You want to fight?' he asks.
I keep my hands by my sides. 'No,' I tell him, 'but you go ahead and hit me a few more times if it's going to make you feel better.'..
'I don't get you, Schreiber,' he says. 'I know you're not a coward.'
'You mean because I won't fight you?'
He nods.
'Maybe I only fight for things I believe in, instead of just for the fun of it.'" p 204
I think there's a lot of good modelling in here about good parents and bad parents, good love relationships and those that aren't so good, good friends and friends that don't stand by you. But it's never heavy-handed, it never feels moralistic. I enjoyed the story and thought the lessons behind it were worthwhile ones. Four stars.
Probably my favorite thing about this book is Miguel's interaction with side characters - his father, and the town bully.
"I have a good relationship with my dad. I'm not saying he'd approve of everything I've ever done, but he trusts me and respects me, which is more than I can say for some other kids' fathers...Anyway, the point is, I can ask my dad to help and not to ask questions, and he'll do both. He won't hold off forever -- but I don't need forever. I just need long enough to sort this out..
He picks up on the second ring.
'Dad,' I say, without any preamble, 'I need your help and I need it fast.'
'Jesus, Miguel, what's --"
'There's no time, Dad. I just need you to come here. And try not to make any noise.'
I tell him where I am. I know he's got a hundred questions, but all he says is, 'I'll be right there.'" p 144
"He lays the sketchbook down and gets to his feet. 'You want to fight?' he asks.
I keep my hands by my sides. 'No,' I tell him, 'but you go ahead and hit me a few more times if it's going to make you feel better.'..
'I don't get you, Schreiber,' he says. 'I know you're not a coward.'
'You mean because I won't fight you?'
He nods.
'Maybe I only fight for things I believe in, instead of just for the fun of it.'" p 204
I think there's a lot of good modelling in here about good parents and bad parents, good love relationships and those that aren't so good, good friends and friends that don't stand by you. But it's never heavy-handed, it never feels moralistic. I enjoyed the story and thought the lessons behind it were worthwhile ones. Four stars.