What do You think about Freaky Green Eyes (2005)?
Jeez, melodramatic much? I liked Frankie's journey. I am amazed and impressed that she begins the book by fending off a rapist, given the violence in her home and the lack of role models who actually resist the violence. It comes across as unlikely, yet still possible that she would have that inner strength. The book also did a good job at showing how kids love their parents and crave their approval no matter what. I read this as preparation for a unit on bullying our school does with 8th graders. I will caution kids that this is for mature readers. As long as their parents are okay with it, I think kids will eat it up--melodrama is where it's at for middle schoolers!
—Wendy
Franky Pierson's dark side "Freaky Green Eyes" shows herself after a college boy tries to rape her at one of her dad's ritzy parties and she defends herself. Franky notices that her family is falling apart and that her mother is distancing herself from them after her father threatens her. It is up to her and "Freaky Green Eyes" to find out the truth about what happened to her mother before her family gets hurt. Want to read more? Check out this book for yourself and find out.This is Joyce Carol Oates' first ever Young Adult book she has ever written and it was a pretty good read. I discovered it at a book sale at the Hastings book store. This was her first YA I had ever read too as a friend introduced me to this author a few years ago and told me that her book The Chalk Girl was worth reading. I checked it out with Winter House and agreed. If you enjoy mystery suspense thrillers, definitely check out this book.
—Amber
I would compare reading ”Freaky Green Eyes” to eating your favorite dessert. It’s simply exquisite.I first read “Freaky Green Eyes” back in 2004, when I was 11, and it haunted me for several years. I absolutely loved it.I sadly forgot the title and the author, and I then spent a couple of years trying to find “Freaky Green Eyes” again. That captivating, amazing book that I read in one sitting, with my heart in my throat. I became quite obsessed with finding it, honestly. After a bit of luck I found out the title again 2 days ago, and I then immediately went to the library today and picked it up, curious if it was going to be as good a read this time around, 6 years later.Was it? No. It was BETTER.I recently lost my mother. She was murdered. My dad is a violent psycho. I grew up watching the same shit Franky did. This time around I could truly appreciate how Franky reacted, what she was going through, her pain. What it’s like to be a teenager, and her mood swings. Reading Krista’s diary was absolutely heartbreaking. (This book is written in such a fascinating way. It keeps you on your toes.)I knew what was going to happen. I remembered most of the plot. I still read it in one sitting. I will probably read it again before return it. And then I will buy the book. “Freaky Green Eyes” might be my favorite book of all time. I love it. It’s not only entertaining and well written but … it has helped me.It has helped me cope with my mom’s death. Thank you Joyce Carol Oates for writing something I could relate to. Thank you for helping someone who has had to witness and experience domestic violence.I would love a sequel one day. It’s not gonna happen though, I know that.READ THIS BOOK. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
—Julie
