Book Summary
“Clap When You Land” is a dual-narrative novel in verse about two teenage girls who discover they are half-sisters after their father dies in a plane crash. The book takes its name from a Dominican tradition of applauding when a plane lands safely. In New York, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office where she learns that her father, whom she adores despite his frequent absences, has died on his way to the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, Camino Rios is waiting for her father at the airport when she hears about the crash. For Camino, her father’s visits are the highlight of her life, providing a respite from the poverty she experiences and the threats from local predatory men now that she’s becoming a woman. Both girls are devastated by their father’s death, but their grief is complicated when they discover his double life. As they grapple with this revelation, they also have to face their own personal struggles—Yahaira with her strained relationship with her mother and her passion for chess, Camino with her dreams of studying in Columbia University which now seem impossible. The novel is a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and family secrets. It’s a deep dive into the complexities of familial relationships and how we reconcile with the flawed nature of those we love. Set against the vivid backdrops of New York City and the Dominican Republic, Acevedo deftly weaves together two distinct voices into a singular, powerful narrative.
Author Intro
Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo is a Dominican-American poet and author, known for her powerful exploration of identity, culture, and the adolescent experience. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Carnegie Medal, National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, and the Michael L. Printz Award for her previous books, “The Poet X” and “With the Fire on High”.
Book Reviews
“Clap When You Land” is a powerful, moving exploration of grief, identity, and the tangled threads of family secrets. Elizabeth Acevedo masterfully crafts two distinct narratives that are deeply emotional and compelling. Her use of verse as a medium adds a layer of raw intensity to the story, making the emotions even more palpable. The characters of Yahaira and Camino are fully realized, their voices authentic and their struggles resonant. Acevedo’s exploration of cultural identity and socio-economic disparity is nuanced and thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative. This is a book that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
In “Clap When You Land”, Acevedo skillfully uses the novel-in-verse format to provide an intimate exploration of grief, identity, and the complexity of family dynamics. The dual narrative offers readers a comprehensive view of the girls’ individual and shared experiences, effectively portraying their contrasting worlds and their emotional journeys. Yahaira and Camino are unique characters, yet their shared experiences and emotions create a profound connection that transcends their physical distance. While the story tackles heavy themes, Acevedo’s lyrical prose imbues the narrative with a sense of hope and resilience, making it a deeply affecting read.
Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Clap When You Land” offers a poignant exploration of family secrets, grief, and identity. Acevedo’s lyrical style lends a certain intensity to the narrative, making the emotions of the characters feel immediate and raw. However, while the novel-in-verse format lends a unique rhythm to the story, it sometimes obscures the narrative, making it harder for readers to fully connect with the plot. Despite this, the characters of Yahaira and Camino are beautifully crafted, and their journeys provide an engaging study of the complexities of familial relationships.
“Clap When You Land” tackles important themes and presents an intriguing premise. However, the execution leaves something to be desired. The verse format, although unique, often disrupts the flow of the narrative, making it difficult for the reader to fully engage with the story and characters. The pacing feels uneven, with some parts rushed and others dragged out. Furthermore, while the dual narrative provides an interesting contrast, the similarities in Yahaira and Camino’s voices make it hard to distinguish between their perspectives. Acevedo’s attempt to portray the complex dynamics of a non-traditional family is commendable, but the execution falls short.
