Dichtbundel van de Nederlands/joodse auteur Polak [1941] die zeven romans publiceerde, waarvan 'Salka' de recentste is. De 36 korte gedichten van deze bundel vormen haar poeziedebuut. Het is een verslag in dichtvorm over de dood van haar veertigjarige zoon Krein-Jan. Op beeldende wijze beschrijft zij in haar poezie intieme en persoonlijke herinneringen aan haar oudste zoon, verdeeld in voor en na zijn sterven. Centraal staan gebeurtenissen rondom en reacties van haar kleinkinderen op hun stervende vader. Het verdriet van de achterblijvende ouder en van de jonge vrouw en kleine kinderen speelt een belangrijke rol. De dood wordt soms vanuit het gezichtspunt van de kinderen weergegeven, hetgeen de toon lichter maakt dan die in de gelijkertijd en met hetzelfde foto-omslag verschenen roman over hetzelfde onderwerp: 'Wachten op de schemering'*. De indringende gedichten vormen een mooi geheel met de roman en met de tegelijkertijd verschenen luister-cd** waarop Polak de gedichten uit deze bundel voorleest. Geschikt voor rouwenden, poezieliefhebbers en ook bruikbaar in afscheidsdiensten. (NBD|Biblion recensie, Annemiek Buijs)

Beschrijving Chaja Polak verloor begin 2006 haar oudste zoon. Door het verlies van haar kind dacht ze nooit meer te zullen schrijven, 'schrijven bestond misschien wel, maar ergens onbereikbaar ver, in een ander universum, niet voor haar.' Maar de woorden lieten zich niet binnen houden en onder haar handen ontstond zowel proza als poëzie. Wachten op de schemering is het verhaal van Hanna, die haar zoon verliest. Vanaf de dag waarop de naam van zijn ziekte bekend wordt, verandert de wereld. Alles wat ooit vanzelfsprekend was, en begrijpelijk en aanvaardbaar, is dat niet langer. In die nieuwe, nog onbekende wereld probeert zij overeind te blijven. Chaja Polak (1941) woont en werkt in Amsterdam. Haar oeuvre bestaat uit verhalenbundels en romans, waaronder Stenen halzen, Tweede vader, Over de grens en Salka. Recensie(s) NBD|Biblion recensie Zevende roman van de Nederlands/joodse auteur Polak [1941] die onder meer 'Salka' publiceerde. In deze autobiografische roman doet Polak verslag van de dood van haar volwassen zoon in 2006. Een jaar lang volgen we de rouw en de gebeurtenissen rondom het sterven, de kanker, het ziekenhuis, het jonge achtergebleven gezinnetje en vooral het diepe, eenzame, niet te verdragen en uit te leggen verdriet van de moeder. De auteur heeft een diep schuldgevoel naar haar zoon toe, want zij heeft hem immers geboren doen worden, zij had eerder moeten sterven en niet geobsedeerd moeten zijn door het verlies van een kind. De eenzaamheid van het alleen rouwen van de gescheiden moeder is aangrijpend. Polak schrijft op ontroerende, beeldende en indringende wijze over een ingrijpend stervensproces. Op de achtergrond spelen ook het joods zijn en de Tweede Wereldoorlog een rol. Qua onderwerp, intensiteit, diepgang en stijl doet deze psychologische roman denken aan 'Schaduwkind' van Thomese. Voor een groot publiek. Vrij kleine druk. (NBD|Biblion recensie, Annemiek Buijs)

Review

"Explores weighty topics - racism, self-respect, compassion - without preaching, through an honest narrator to whom readers can relate." (Montreal Review of Books 20081001)

"The plot and characters...provide good basic morals for teens who read at a lower level. Recommended." (CM Magazine 20080901)

no details (Resource Links )

no details (The Horn Book Guide )

no details (WASHYARG )

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

*"Cut it out!" the driver shouted. He might have said it again, but I couldn't tell for sure over all the noise.
In a weird way, I was having fun. When some of the kids around me started laughing, I laughed too. I reached for the ball of paper that had landed on the floor and threw it as hard as I could toward the back of the bus.
"Hey, new guy!" a voice called. "You pitch like a girl!"
I bristled. It was my own fault; I'd called attention to myself.
I knew whatever I did next was important. This was what my mom would call a defining moment. She says life is all about defining moments, only most people miss them. They're too busy doing other stuff. *
(20080201)

Review

"The...fast-paced plot is sure to pull even the most reluctant of readers along in its wake." (Montreal Gazette )

"The strongest part...lies in the plot below the surface - the father-son relationship." (CM Magazine )

Product Description

Fifteen-year-old Tim loves his job at his dad's pet store, partly because he gets to spend time with his best friend, a black cockatoo named Elmo. But things at work have been tense since the store moved to a larger, more expensive location. To make extra money his father rents out the store's exotic birds for parties and Tim is furious at this exploitation of his friend. When Elmo is stolen from one of the parties, the police are unconcerned about the theft. Tim and his new human friend, Sapna, set out to find Elmo and discover that Elmo is more valuable than they'd ever imagined.

Review

"It's a good read! Recommended." (CM Magazine 20060101)

"A tightly written [book] about developing new relationships, learning to trust, and taking responsibility...Like other Soundings titles, Home Invasion presents a realistic teen with a problem that lends itself well to discussion." (Hip Librarians Book Blog 20060101)

"The author's two ways of addressing the issue of home invasion are clever and insightful." (Montreal Review of Books 20060201)

"This book captures the thrill of spying on someone without their knowledge as well as giving tips on home security." (Resource Links )

"A short little book with a lot going on; it will definitely appeal to YAs, especially reluctant readers. Josh's voice is convincing as he struggles with his family, his girlfriend, and other personal issues." (KLIATT )

"Reluctant and struggling readers will enjoy this fast-paced story from the Orca Soundings series. Short chapters, easily accessible language, and a swiftly moving plot combine to make this book and the series popular with teens." (VOYA )

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

*I was turning the corner to my street when I spotted the key. Because of the way the sun was shining, it glistened. Someone had left it right in the lock of their front door.

The house was a small red brick cottage that looked a lot like ours. I walked up the front stairs and raised my finger to the doorbell. My plan was to let whoever lived there know they'd forgotten the key.

I didn't ring the doorbell. I turned the doorknob and let myself in.*

(20060301)

Review

"Not a taxing read and students will find the end of the novel comes quite quickly. This novel will be good for students who are interested in reading about topics that are serious however need a book that is a more accessible reading level." (Resource Links 20091001)

"This is a great read for the 9 to 12 year-old animal lover in your life or the teen who is feeling like he/she does not fit in...This juvenile novel was an engaging read and well-written from Justin's perspective. I really did see his world through his eyes and level of understanding." (Word of Mouse Book Reviews blog 20091002)

"[The] storyline would attract the reluctant or low reader who likes realistic animal stories." (Washington State YA Review 20091015)

"As ever, Polak's narrative style is succinct and engaging. Such abstract concepts as ethics and empathy are given concrete forms through a story that will particularly appeal to reluctant readers." (Montreal Review of Books )

"The story is an interesting one, with enough action and engaging characters to easily hook reluctant readers Can provide some excellent food for thought regarding ethical questions of treatment of animals and whether an individual's need can excuse participation in unethical activities." (CM Magazine )

"Orca Currents continues its line of hard-hitting novels for reluctant readers with this brutal yet rewarding moral quagmire Polak writes with a nervy confidence, and her specificity lends an authenticity that lives beyond the book's relatively few pages. A powerful story for anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of a dog and accepted the offer: 'Be good to us, and we'll be good to you.'" (Booklist )

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

One of the private-school boys grabs hold of his buddy's arm. "Let's get outta here," he says. "See the fangs on that monster? And the way his ears are sticking up?"

I don't like him calling Smokey a monster. If Smokey's baring his fangs, it's because he's on the alert.

I head for the cash. I feel like Smokey needs me. Like I understand him in a way no one else does.

(20100301)

From Booklist

Noah must spend a semester in the far north of Quebec with a father he barely knows who teaches at an Inuit school where Noah is considered an outsider. Trying to fit in—and to escape his dad’s house—Noah agrees to go on a winter camping trip with several of the students. But northern Quebec in the winter is a far cry from downtown Montreal, and Noah is not quite prepared for the challenges that he encounters in the wilderness. In events taking place over the course of just a few days, the harsh living conditions and culture of the Inuit abound. Yet the actions, thoughts, and fears portrayed are of any typical 15-year-old boy who finds himself in an atypical setting. Making friends with a bully, a first kiss, and an eventual reconciliation with his dad are unsurprising plot elements, but the commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) will keep readers’ attention. Grades 7-10. --Shauna Yusko

Review

"Useful for its discussion of Canada's Inuit culture and the history of oppression that accompanies it, as well as the effect of climate change on northern life. I highly recommend this book; it is engaging, entertaining and a pleasure to read." (CM Magazine 20100401)

"Noah's greatest adventure is discovering that the middle of nowhere can be the beginning of something new." (The Alan Review 20100701)

"The harsh living conditions and culture of the Inuit abound. Yet, the actions, thoughts, and fears portrayed are of any typical 15-year-old boy who finds himself in an atypical setting The commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) keeps our attention." (Booklist 20091001)

no details (NMRLS Youth Services Review 20090915)

"A well-crafted, revealing look at Inuit culture A memorable book - a very worthwhile and important read for youth who are open to learning about the lived experiences of others with much to teach." (Canadian Children's Book News 20091101)

"A powerful novel that blends the emotional insecurities of young teenage boys with their need to be strong...Polak delivers her tale with a simplicity and realism that brings the readers into the northern world." (Resource Links )

"A great deal of information about daily life and Inuit culture is packed into the recounting of a few days in the community. Beer, bullying and a hint of romance keep the first-person narrative in the typical 15-year-old realm. The conditions of life are harsh but not impossible, and the gradual rapprochement between Noah and his dad adds a nice counterpoint to Noah's reaction to this exotic world into which he not only arrives but that he discovers he admires." (Kirkus Reviews )

"The survival-adventure details will engage reluctant readers [and] the story has elements of romance when Noah strives to impress an Inuit classmate Add this to survival/adventure collections." (School Library Journal )

Review

"Polak maintains a tone that is understanding and contemplative as she probes the questions, doubts and fears of many of the characters, both teen and adult, in her work...[An] outstanding, dare I say heavenly, young adult novel! Highly Recommended." (CM Magazine 20110315)

"Ani and Colette are such wonderful characters, it's a simple joy just to spend time with them in their small town. Polak writes candidly about Ani's intimate feelings without any exploitation or sensationalism. Miracleville is not only a great book for girls, but also for boys who may actually learn to understand girls." (Louis Sachar Author 20110625)

no details (Kirkus Reviews 20110401)

"The setting of each one [of Polak's novels is] as eye-opening and world-expanding as the last...Few will be able to resist the pacing of this very personal mystery." (Montreal Gazette 20110325)

"Ani's characters is great because she's obviously trying to come to terms with growing up, her friends' and sister's emergent sexuality, problems within her family, and uniting this with her Catholic faith. These struggles make her a more interesting and sympathetic character." (Resource Links 20110409)

"This delightful novel mixes modern-day issues and problems with age-old beliefs about miracles and faith. Ani, her parents, and her wild sister, Colette, all falter at some point, some longer than others, but come back around to the stability and consistency that only true faith can provide." (Jackie Warkentien, Youth Services Librarian Berwyn Public Library 20110601)

"A wonderful coming-of-age story...Polak's writing is smooth and easy to follow, and there are enough plot twists to keep you flipping pages to find out what happens next. Her imagery and descriptions of the beautiful buildings in Sainte-Anne made it easy to picture the town and follow Ani throughout her journey...A beautiful book! The cover is simple but stunning, and sure to catch your eye...I definitely recommend it to teens who are coming of age who are unsure how religion can work within society and culture nowadays." (Beyond the Bookshelf blog 20110901)

"In this sensitive examination of the complexities of faith, Polak...captures the perplexing nuances of a town whose economy depends on and caters to pilgrim tourists, which affects the beliefs of local inhabitants, creating both skeptics and devout believers." (Publisher's Weekly 20110401)

"An involving coming-of-age novel for girls who love realistic fiction...All of the characters are skillfully drawn, and each one of them faces personal challenges and struggles that are very realistically portrayed. The book will encourage students to think deeply about issues that many other books treat superficially...While religion plays a strong part in the story, it is presented in a very open-ended, broad way that will speak to all readers, whether they are religious or not." (Tri-State YA Book Review Committee )

"The novel is steeped in Catholic rituals and...written with short, simple sentences. Polak packs many messages into Miracleville...[which] will work best with teens living in rural areas and those familiar with Catholic traditions." (VOYA )

Review

"Lots of action here, combined with nice insights on the clash between tourism and the preservation of natural environments." (VOYA )

"Polak develops Pete's character in a believable and satisfactory way. Her writing communicates her knowledge of the setting and her research on whales. Recommended." (Canadian Book Review Annual )

"[Polak] has captured the teenage mind while still making her point. A good read. Highly recommended." (CM Magazine )

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

*Uncle Jean did the one thing you're never supposed to do in a kayak. He leaned over hard, so that all his weight bore down on one side of the kayak. And Uncle Jean is big. We were about to capsize.
Aunt Daisy's words rang in my head, like a song you can't forget, no matter how hard you try. "Three minutes until you lose sensation in your extremities."
I wriggled my fingers and toes. While I still could. *
(20041210)

From Booklist

Starred Review Growing up in a secular Jewish home in Holland, Anneke cares little about Judaism, so she has no faith to lose when, in 1943, her family is deported to Theresienstadt, the Nazi concentration camp. At 14, she suffers backbreaking labor and foul, unsanitary conditions along with more than 40,000 prisoners, who are all crowded into a town built for 7,000. Always there is the terror of being sent on the dreaded transports to the gas chambers. Based on the experiences of the author’s mother, who survived two years in Theresienstadt but did not speak about it for more than 60 years, this novel is narrated in Anneke’s first-person, present-tense voice. The details are unforgettable: Anneke’s irritation with her pesky little brother; her friendship and romance with young people who are sent, later on, to the death camps; the hunger that drives her and her grandfather to eat the enamel in their cups; her shame and anger. The questions raised in the author’s note will lead readers back to the parallel, heartbreaking issues in the fictional story. Why did the author’s mother keep silent for so long? Was she ashamed that she survived because her father, a famous artist, helped the Nazis by prettying up the model camp for a Red Cross inspection? And why did the Red Cross fall for it? An important addition to the Holocaust curriculum. Grades 7-12. --Hazel Rochman

Review

"Takes the reader to the heart of the horror by creating a character whose vivid confusion, disbelief, and innocence are immediate and powerful." (The Rover 20090401)

"Intriguing and quite unique...The reader will undoubtedly find much to think about. I would recommend What World is Left to anyone interested in this often-overlooked piece of history." (What If? Magazine 20090101)

no details (Jewish Book World 20090731)

"[This] realistic novel, written in memoir format, raises questions of moral principles and beliefs while it portrays the horrors of the Holocaust." (School Library Journal 20080926)

"The descriptive narrative is cohesive, well-constructed, and compelling and provides a different view of what a man deemed necessary to survive. (Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee 20090201)

"Polak's story breathes life into a period fading from memory." (Montreal Review of Books 20081024)

"A very personal, thought-provoking and, ultimately, hopeful book." (The Jewish Independant 20081101)

no details (Manitoba Middle Years Association 20081109)

"Through Anneke's eyes, author Monique Polak presents an astonishing and depressing event." (CM Magazine 20081106)

[Starred review] "Heartbreaking. An important addition to the Holocaust curriculum." (Booklist 20081013)

"A powerful story of growing up in unspeakable conditions, of human suffering, loss and, ultimately, hope." (The Chronicle Herald 20090106)

"The underlying truth of what happened and how her family survived is really what makes this utterly compelling fiction I am so grateful to [Monique and other authors like her] who tackle these really difficult stories and write unflinching books for teenagers." (Nikki Tate "All Points West," CBC Radio One 20081201)

"[Offers] a candid look at a father's presumed collusion, a perspective rarely seen in YA literature about the Holocaust." (Publishers Weekly 20090101)

"The pressure and urgency of inspiration, not to mention tears and blood, is palpable everywhere." (The Montreal Gazette 20090101)

"This book certainly holds its own in the canon of Holocaust-based fiction for the young adult audience...Polak balances this [dark reality] with uplifting moments of friendship, family tenderness and even romance." (Resource Links 20090501)

"An excellent novel—a great tale of overcoming adversity in a time of such dark despair." (TeensReadToo.com 20090301)

"Recommended." (Tucson Unified School District 20090401)

"This well-written, painful story is a good addition to the genre of Holocaust fiction Recommended." (Library Media Connection 20090401)

"This book is well-written, the characters are developed so well you can relate to them, the setting is described such that you can picture it in your mind, and the action and suspense make you keep turning the pages." (YALSA YA Galley Teen Review 20090317)

"Full of hope...This volume makes for great reading and an excellent resource for a school library." (Canadian Children's Book News )

"Well written, thought provoking, and a solid addition to the canon of Holocaust fiction - perfect for reading lists and teens who enjoy historical fiction." (VOYA )

no details (Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group )