Enter the Body

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • Shakespeare’s most tragic heroines find new voices in this compelling novel-in-verse for young adults.

“Radically creative . . . This provocative book could inspire all kinds of fresh approaches to the plays, not to mention lots of engaging writing projects for students.”—The Washington Post

“A strong, powerful look at the bonds women share and the power telling stories has to unburden us all.”—School Library Connection, starred review

Enter the Body gives voice to a cast of the young women who die in Shakespeare’s most iconic plays. Focusing on the stories of Juliet, Ophelia, and Cordelia, bestselling author of Blood Water Paint Joy McCullough brilliantly weaves retellings of Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, and King Lear into a larger story of young women reclaiming their stories in the aftermath of trauma. Join these iconic characters on their journey as they navigate love, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“At once tender, poetic and ferocious, Enter The Body breathes new life into the Bard’s most tragic heroines. More than a tribute to Shakespeare, this kaleidoscopic, ambitious novel-in-verse gives Juliet, Ophelia, Cordelia, and Lavinia the chance to tell their own stories full of passion, justice, sisterhood, and love. Simply spectacular.”—Two-Time National Book Award Finalist and Michael L. Printz Award Winner Laura Ruby, author of Bone Gap

“Radically creative . . . This provocative book could inspire all kinds of fresh approaches to the plays, not to mention lots of engaging writing projects for students.”—The Washington Post

“Body turns Shakespeare on his head while honoring the radically creative book for young adults who are familiar with Shakespeare’s plays. McCullough resurrects the dead teenage girls Ophelia, Cordelia and Juliet and lets them speak in verse and to each other about their fates. This provocative book could inspire all kinds of fresh approaches to the plays, not to mention lots of engaging writing projects for students. is talent as the girls retells their stories on their own terms. . . . Truly outstanding.”—Booklist, starred review

“By innovatively mining feminist themes of autonomy, exploitation, and patriarchy, McCullough boldly reconceptualizes Shakespeare’s version of the female point of view for a new generation of Bard enthusiasts.”—The Horn Book, starred review

“Form as a mode of personal expression is conscious, deliberate, and stunningly effective here and elevates this novel above and beyond many run-of-the-mill Shakespeare retellings to a carefully constructed and emotionally resonant consideration of tragedy and autonomy. . . . This will be a revelation for teens seeking to claim their own narrative as a distinct and whole person outside of adult or societal input.”—BCCB, starred review

“A strong, powerful look at the bonds women share and the power telling stories has to unburden us all.”—SLC, starred review

“This entrancing, fiercely feminist examination of William Shakespeare’s tragedies gives his female characters the opportunity to tell their own stories.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Elevates and reenergizes the canon; it’s an absolute must-read regardless of readers’ knowledge or opinion of Shakespeare.”—School Library Journal, starred review

A Fresh Take

A very creative, feminist approach to Shakespeare's most famous heroines. The author clearly knows and loves Shakespeare, but isn't afraid to reimagine the stories. Poignant, funny, and insightful. Excellent voice acting by the women reading Ophelia, Cordelia and Juliet, and beautifully narrated by the author herself.

The use of language was amazing 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a Shakespeare lover! Or anyone who would like to hear a female characters point of view!

fabulous

Wonderfully written down wo derfully read. great production. I loved it and want to listen again.