Title: Torch Red: Color Me Torn
Author: Melody Carlson
First published June 1, 2004
196 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781576835319 (ISBN10: 1576835316)
Rating: 3.71
Overview
Meet Zoe, the girl with the perfect body and the perfect reputation. Everyone wants to be her, but no one really knows her.
Underneath the facade of popularity lies a true nerd, who spends her time reading comics and daydreaming about attending Comic-Con. When her sister crashes her car, Zoe’s parents replace it with a manual car, something she has no idea how to drive.
Luckily, her next door neighbor Zak is a geek through and through and is more than willing to teach her. As Zoe spends time with Zak, she realizes that she’s falling for him, but he doesn’t want the popular Zoe, he wants the real her.
Zoe must find the courage to embrace her true self and show Zak who she really is, even if it means losing her perfect reputation. Join Zoe on her journey to discover who she truly is in Cassie Mae’s heartwarming novel, How to Date a Nerd.
About the Author
Melody Carlson has an impressive repertoire of over two hundred books, many of which are Christmas novellas published by Revell. Her most popular book, The Christmas Bus, has won the hearts of readers.
She is also a prolific writer of teen books, such as the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody’s writing has received recognition with a nomination for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market. Her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is being adapted into a Lifetime Television movie, have garnered critical acclaim.
In addition to her writing, Melody and her husband actively participate in the central Oregon Young Life adult committee.
Editoral Review
Torch Red: Color Me Torn by Melody Carlson is a young adult fiction novel that was first published in 2004. Carlson is an award-winning author of over 200 books, many aimed at teenagers, and known for tackling tough issues.
She is known for her honest and sensitive portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of young people. Torch Red: Color Me Torn is no exception.
The book is situated within the coming-of-age genre and features themes of racism, prejudice, self-discovery, and standing up for oneself. This book can be a great way to spark conversation around race relations and the reality of living in a racially divided country.
It won the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, illustrating Carlson’s prowess in writing. The story follows Jessie, a teenage girl growing up in rural Kentucky in the 1960s.
Jessie is struggling to come to terms with the racism she sees around her, including her own father’s prejudices. When Jessie meets a boy named Andy, her world is turned upside down, and she is forced to consider the consequences of her actions and the impact they will have on others.
In the novel, Carlson explores the complex nature of racism from different angles and how this ultimately affects people’s decisions and actions. Jessie’s father, for example, is a racist, but Jessie is determined to see beyond the prejudices of those around her.
Her experiences with Andy, a boy from the city who happens to be African American, propel her on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately teaches her to stand up for herself and others. The novel is rich in character development and delves into the thoughts and emotions of young people who are dealing with challenging life experiences.
Carlson’s writing style is engaging and paced well, keeping the reader captivated throughout. Her attention to detail and descriptive writing transports the reader to the 1960s, lending a sense of authenticity to the novel.
While Torch Red: Color Me Torn packs a punch, it is not without its flaws. The ending feels a little rushed, and some readers may feel that the complicated issues in the book deserved more discussion.
Overall, Torch Red: Color Me Torn is a thought-provoking and poignant read that tackles difficult and important issues in a relatable and engaging way. Carlson’s writing style is both accessible and sophisticated, and the message of the book will resonate with readers of all ages.
I would highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in learning more about race relations and the struggles of young people growing up in difficult circumstances. It is a powerful and necessary read that will prompt reflection and conversation.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
