Did I like it? Yes.
You'll love it if you liked: Stories about journalism and sticking through it despite the obstacles.
Aura: Light
Read If: You're looking for something to breeze through.
Narration: First Person
Main Character: Hildy Biddle, high schooler.
Themes: Journalism, Overcoming Obstacles, Death, Propaganda
Plot: 7.5/10
Narration: 8.5/10
Characterization: 7.5/10
Overall: 8/10
Did I get bored anywhere? Slightly when I felt the plot needed more grounding.
Did any part confuse me? Nope.
Line/ Page Skippability: 3/10.
Writing Style: Average sentences, Informal, Smart.
Uniqueness: 8/10
Predictability: 1.5/10
Ending: Inspiring
Reading priority: Read
Reading duration: Fast readers-Approx. 5 hours, Slow readers- Approx 7 days.
Synopsis:
The orchard-growing community of Banesville, New York, is known as The Happiest Town in the Happy Apple Valley. But the sleepy town is stricken with hysteria and fear after a series of spooky happenings, and then a death occurs near the abandoned Ludlow House. As Pen Piedmont, the editor of the local paper, publishes fear-mongering headlines, high-school reporter Hildy determines to find the true story behind the incidents and settle her community’s growing unrest. Although there are several puzzling incidents at the story’s center (Is there a plot against Banesville’s citizens? If so, who’s involved?), readers will be most drawn by Hildy’s growing excitement, relayed in her own strong, witty voice, as she learns from a cantankerous, demanding mentor what it takes to be a journalist. Hildy’s romance with a fellow student feels underdeveloped, and the object of her affection is a bit too good to be true. But Bauer’s gleeful wordplay, her sure sense of setting, the details of newspaper life, and the many colorful side characters make this a pleasurable read that may encourage teens to consider deeper questions about family farms, urban sprawl, and the many who profit from public fear.
WordVore Prod's Review:
I enjoyed reading Peeled. Hildy was an inspirational character—someone you can look up to without much hesitation. She’s strong, focused and headstrong, yet she shows enough vulnerability to make her seem real. She pursues her passion with such integrity that it makes the reader want to push his or her own boundaries when it comes to putting in effort. Hildy doesn’t conform; she strays and creates. Her fearlessness is exemplary, the way she deals with issues like death and betrayal even more so. Baker Polton is one of those try-harder advisors who aren’t easy to please but once pleased, can give others the sense of accomplishment. Characters were realistic and grounded, and there were no extravagant fly-abouts in characterization or premise. The book holds entertainment value and it was a smooth read. The writing style is absolutely commendable and is able to impress readers. I loved how the fear-and-propaganda mechanism of past and present were presented in a lighter view.
What I did have a problem was with the slight hollowness of the plot. A little more substance and meaning would have been better, because at times it felt that maybe the story would end up nowhere. Deeper portrayal of relationships would be great to read, but maybe it would’ve killed the phrase “light read” that is attached to Peeled.
Overall, it was a fun read that I breezed through. It’s a must read if you want to pursue a career of journalism.

Labels: Death, Joan Bauer, Journalism, Peeled, Propaganda, WorDissection