I said this initially and I will reiterate: I liked Dani Noir much better than Imaginary Girls if only for the fact that it's less abstract and more cohesive than the latter title. Dani Noir, in shades of melancholy and bewilderment, beautifully explores a girl's struggle to make sense of her parents' divorce. It exquisitely deconstructs the myriad of feelings of a child when she comprehends her father's betrayal. And how the consequences of this betrayal shapes her subsequently. I really liked the way the movies that mean so much to Dani is woven into the writing. And Dani's well meaning but misplaced actions will provoke an answering emotion from you. I liked the way that the romance is handled too. I mean, this is a middle grade novel so I wasn't really expecting anything so when I did see the faintest glimmer of it, I was pleasantly surprised. It's just so classy, the way it's written. That particular aspect was missing from Imaginary Girls. If Imaginary Girls wasn't for you, you should try Dani Noir. It's a simple story but one that will strike a chord in you.
