Because I Am Furniture

Because I Am Furniture

by Thalia Chaltas

Anke is nothing in her family.  She is often ignored by her father and her siblings.  She has no strength to speak out and be heard.

What Anke doesn't understand is that in this family, being ignored is actually a good thing.

Her father is an abuser.

He beats his son.  He rapes his oldest daughter.  He screams at his wife.  And they all let him do these things, because saying "No" only makes it worse.

Being ignored means that Anke is safe from him.

But now Anke has volleyball, where a player HAS to have strength and call for what is hers.  MY BALL!

And as Anke gains strength, she also gains the knowledge that may very well save her family.

But can she use that strength, that voice, when it counts the most?

Final thoughts: This is a novel in verse, which means it's basically a series of poems that tell the story.  It's powerful and thoughtful.  You feel that you truly understand Anke and the position that she's in.  An amazing book to help victims of abuse see that they are not alone and that they, too, can find their voices.

Rating: 5/5