Lips+Touch+Three+Times

Discussion page for //Lips Touch Three Times//.

Good. Three short stories. Do we want short stories? I think there are better nominations on this list.

I loved the concept of three dissimilar stories with only the theme of a kiss to tie them together. "Goblin Fruit" inspired me to reread Christina Rosetti's Goblin Market. It was interesting that Kizzy knew the dangers, recognized the trap that she'd fallen into, but plowed ahead, consciously making the decision to fall. "Spicy Little Curses Such As These" was a fascinating look into other afterlife mythologies. I appreciated the quandary in which the old woman found herself, choosing to curse one person to save many, but it was an unfair burden to place on an innocent girl, and then, onto her suitor. Though I did enjoy the resolution. It read a bit like Kipling. "Hatchling" was the most imaginative, I thought, of the three. It had the most fleshed out mythology, and I appreciated the many perspectives presented throughout the story, as well as the story itself. All three will appeal mostly to girls, but also to boys, and are appropriate for older teens. -Kirsten, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton

I really enjoyed this book. It is different then the typical story I am choose to read so I wasn't sure I'd like it. I was however, drawn into the stories. I too liked how the common thread that bound people in the end of each story was a kiss. I actually like the idea of having a book with 3 short stories included on the list. I think this is a great book for older teens and it may lead to them doing outside research on some of the topics the author mentions inspired her for this book. As Kirsten mentioned the stories deal with mythology and they each have some romance. Due to the cover (a girls face with bright blue eyes and red lips) This book also had a brief series of illustrations before each story telling the background of the storyline as well as a quick summary of what's to come. I haven't seen this much in other older teen books, so I thought it was a unique quality. -Jenn, Nashua Public Library