Book Review: Stork

Stork

Author: Wendy Delsol

Publish Date: October 2010

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life. (From Goodreads)

Mythology is a great base for stories. While having their own principles reading how someone else interprets and mixes that with current day is always entertaining. Or, at least for the most part it is. Stork brings together the myth of the baby delivers with current day in a weird twist unlike any other story I’ve read to date. 

I didn’t like Katla at first. I’m still working on liking Katla. She’s a snob in a sense, and I couldn’t relate to that to personably. She does clean up some as the book progresses but first impressions are hard to get past. And her first impression isn’t altogether flattering in my eyes. However, since she does grow and learn as the story progresses we do see that even snobs can see through a different filter and change their ways, if only slightly. It makes me like her a little more, but I’m far from calling her friend. 

Jack is rude, aloof and I instantly like him. Maybe it’s the hillbilly in me. I completely understand where Jack’s derision comes from and I can sympathize. Just as I can sympathize with his internal hesitation and fears. He is the more likable character in the book if for no other reason is that he doesn’t filter what he says or does. He doesn’t hide behind a façade. 

The story is unique and original in its take on the old wives’ tale. I was curious on how it was even possible to write about the Storks, and then was even more fuddled about whether or not it would be plausibly written. Mrs. Delsol has taken a great myth and turned it into a plausible real life fantasy. While not my usual cup of tea, it’s by no means dour or staid. It’s a decently intriguing story. ^_^

My Rating:  

 

~T.