Evolution, Me & Other Freaks Of Nature (2007) - Plot & Excerpts
I recognized the cover of this book at the library and decided to pick it up. I didn't have anything else to do, so I read it immediately. I, ack, love this book. Love it like "I would propose to this book if it was a person" love. But that's just it, I loved this book, which is why I gave it five stars. I think it's amazing. But...alas, it's not that great of a book.There is lots of lecturing, first of all. Which didn't really bother me because what the book was lecturing wasn't bad, but it's still lecturing all the same. Which doesn't have a place in a book -- unless, you know, it's like a textbook, where you're supposed to lecture, I believe.However, I would not consider this book to be anti-Christian. What Would Emma Do?, another book I believe I rated five stars and loved, seemed actually quite anti-Christian. (That didn't stop me from loving it, but still.) This book isn't...at least to me. The main character, Mena, who I keep wanting to call Mara, starts out believing in God and continues to do so. At first I thought the author was going to play the whole "Mena finds science and learns the truth" thing, but she doesn't. To me, she handles the entire situation quite well. But I have to admit that at times the lecturing can come off as anti-Christianish and eye-roll worthy.Note to self: whatever you do in your novel, don't lecture. Good lecturing or not it always brings down a book.Anyway, the backstory of the book, SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS DON'T CLICK TEH BUTTON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED (view spoiler)[Danny, a kid who Mena's church was harassing because he was gay, attempted suicide. Mena, who had not participated in such harassment but had still stood by and watched it happened, felt so awful that she wrote a letter to Danny detailing how sorry she was for everything that occurred. Said letter contained everything Mena's church friends did to drive him over the edge. Danny's parents obtained the letter and used it as evidence to (*hacking cough* rightfully) sue the ever loving pants off of everyone in the church who was involved.Everyone...including all of Mena's friends. (Which is why they hate her.)I would just say that Mena needs to suck it up and get better friends, but that's not even the worst of it. Her parents provide insurance to everyone in the church. You know, everyone who was sued. And they, the church people, could sue Mena's parents for not having insurance that protected them from being sued in the first place. Or something. It's very, very complicated. Basically, what Mena did could bankrupt her parent's business. Which is why they (her parents) hate her. Well, not exactly hate. Just really, really dislike.So Mena is trying to lay low at school when she's paired up with this great nerdy guy named Casey as a lab partner. And then everything goes down for her from there. (hide spoiler)]
Before I start my rant, let me give credit where credit is due.The main characters are fairly interesting. There are churches like the one portrayed in the book (though I’ve only heard of them). There are Christians (or at least professing Christians) who believe in Evolution.That being said, here are my problems with this book. (Now, I waited some time before writing this so it didn’t turn into a flame review, so some details may now have escaped me.)1. The false dichotomy. Brande sets the story up and basically gives the reader two options. The crazy cult church who believes in Creationism (as taught in the Bible) but who are inept at defending their beliefs and who in many ways does not act like a Christian should. OR The rational, good, kind Christian evolutionists. In this book, there’s no in between. Creationism in this book is equated with unbalanced, unbiblical believers.2. It would be nice if Brande did her homework on such things as the fossil record. Now, I’m not a scientist by any means, but I know enough from a couple college classes to know that Brande casts broad generalizations and completely ignores the evidence pointing to Creation as shown in the Bible. She doesn’t address the problem of having Evolution begin before the Fall and she doesn’t address the lack of fossils to support Evolution. A lot is just presupposed. Now, I understand this is a work of fiction, but that’s not a good excuse for shoddy research. And since the main plot is her struggle with this topic, these things should be addressed.3. Now, this one made me really mad… taking the Bible out of context. Several times the main character takes Scripture out of context to erroneously support Evolution.Note: I am a believer, and I fully believe in Creation as it is given in the Bible. Microevolution, which we see among species, can be seen and proven and is supported by Scripture (“kinds” in Genesis). Macroevolution is a theory and a worldview and in many ways a belief system (or religion). Many evidences in creation can be read through this lens or through Creationist lens (for instance, Evolutionists and Creationists have different views on such things as the Grand Canyon). Either way, you’re reading your own view onto the evidence.
What do You think about Evolution, Me & Other Freaks Of Nature (2007)?
I wanted to like this more than I did. I am one of those people who happens to believe that science and faith should not be mutually exclusive. I believe in God, believe that this world was CREATED, didn't just happen... but I believe God used scientific principles to do that creating. Do I know HOW he did it? Of course not, but I think it is far more likely He "used" science than fought it. But besides that, I believe in evolution within the species, natural selection, etc. I also don't think LotR is evil. Or Harry Potter.But despite the fact that the subject and issues are familiar, I couldn't really care about Mena. I should have been able to relate to her, but I couldn't. She felt only slightly more complex than the other flat characters in the book. So many annoyances... Seriously? ALL of the Christians are horrible little jerks? They all mercilessly pick on the gay kid and hip check Mena in the hall? And what kind of person is MENA that she was EVER friends with the biggest b***h of them all? Anyway, not great writing, but it was okay and moderately entertaining.
—Beth Ann
Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature was a great book. The whole premise is one which I personally haven't read in a young adult book before. And I like how Brande focused on the aftermath of Mena's actions, and another serious issues within the Christian faith, that of evolution, rather than the initial issue (which I don't want to spoil).Mena's characterization was strong. I felt she was portrayed honestly, and realistically. Mena is in a tough situation, and the reader is able to sympathize with her with the situation becoming ludicrous, or her growth throughout the novel becoming tedious. In addition, Casey was a fantastic supporting character. He was funny, and cut right through the bullshit that Mena often got caught in due to the circumstance of the events going on. Casey was probably my favorite character, in that he is himself. He loves science; he is a huge nerd for it, and is never ashamed of wanting to be the best. He even has a plan to get Mena and himself on Ms. Shepard illustrious science website, which is read by science buffs across the country. I love him, and he acts a beacon for Mena to focus on in the mire of her personal life.I did have a problem with the plot, however. While I understand that the focus isn't on what happened previously, but how Mena evolves within her faith now faced with the result of her action, I would still have liked more explanation on the exact situation and the thought process behind her decision. I also feel like the parents are simply background, disapproving entities. They were particularly frustrating because their thoughts were never fully laid out in regards to the problems and these big theological questions. These two issues were problems I had to push past to really enjoy the book, and I wish that hadn't been the case.Overall, I feel Brande did an excellent job writing a novel which explores some interesting questions regarding teens, faith, and science. Also, this book is such a great book for teaching teens about respect and defending others. Just really well-done, and you should go grab a copy of Evolution, Me, & Other Freaks of Nature!
—Elisquared
One of my favorite books I have ever read. It has something for everyone, romance, humor, conflict, and food for thought. While it centers around a religous topic, I think anyone of any religon should read this. It is definately worth reading, and while I at first thought it was going to be a chiche "high school girl" story, I was pleasently surprised. It is the story of a girl who just entered high school. She is responsible for the sueing of half the people in her church, including her parents. Her friends have abandoned her, her parents refuse to talk to her, and her only friend is her quirky lap partner, Casey (boy), his sister, and her strange Biology teacher. I loved this book and think everyone should give it a shot!
—Leela
