I had not heard of Artemisia Gentileschi, hadn't seen any of her work. But the story of a woman painter in Rome back when women were not considered real people had some attraction.

This tale (which is a hard tale, but those are the ones we need to share the most) is heart-wrenching and infuriating...there was an instant bond to the main character, her struggle, her position (and lack thereof). I think the use of verse instead of straight prose really helped to create both a sense of artistry and tension that would have been lacking in prose.

I would not classify this as YA. Just because the main character is 17, it really isn't YA in any other way. In fact, I didn't even remember it was being marketed as so until I came to leave my review.

What it is is a powerful story about a woman finding her courage to stand up to injustice, to be true to herself and to the world, and who suffered but did not falter.

Plus, it's really well written. Just go read it.

I had an amazing journey reading this book. I feel with poetry books, it's always a hit or miss but this one blew me away. The author painted such vivid pictures with her verse that I couldn't get enough. The emotions caught me off god, which just the fact of how much I felt reading this. I would love to see more work from her.

If you’ve stopped by the library lately, maybe you’ve seen the Pickett’s Picks bulletin board, Spring 2018 Edition! It features brand new books from favorite authors, intriguing debut novels, must-read crossover releases, and at least one jaw-dropping cover (can you guess which one?). Here are just a few of the books that I’m looking forward to reading and sharing with students at Ridley High School during the upcoming semester. What are YOUR picks?? Leave a comment and let me know!

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
In Zélie’s world, magic has disappeared and magis are targeted by a ruthless king. Seventeen year-old Zélie has always feared she would share the fate of her mother, who was assassinated by the king’s guards. With the help of her brother and the fugitive Crown Princess, Zélie sets off on a journey to restore her people’s magical abilities. Get ready for danger, magic, and star-crossed romance!

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
In this debut novel set in Saudi Arabia, where the law forbids romantic relationships outside of marriage, two teens fall in love with tragic consequences.

The Wild Inside by Jamey Bradbury
This electrifying debut is a fusion of psychological thriller and coming-of-age tale: Trapper/hunter Tracy Petrikoff knows her way around the Alaskan wilderness but can’t remember what happened when she was attacked in the woods. This has been described as “the Bronte sisters meet Stephen King”; need I say more?

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
In a world where Beauty is a commodity only a few control, one Belle will learn the dark secrets behind her powers, and rise up to change the world.

Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
When Marvin Johnson’s twin brother, Tyler, is shot and killed by a police officer, Marvin must fight injustice to learn the true meaning of freedom. This one puts me in mind of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and I can’t wait to read it!

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Anna Fox lives alone–a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine, watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. But when Anna sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble. Twisty, ingenious, and moving.

Relative Strangers by Paula Garner
A simple quest to find a baby picture for the senior yearbook leads to an earth-shattering discovery: for most of the first two years of her life, Jules lived in foster care. Reeling from feelings of betrayal and with only the flimsiest of clues, Jules sets out to learn the truth about her past. This is a poignant coming-of-age novel about making peace with missing pieces from the author of Phantom Limbs.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The new novel from the beloved author of bestseller The Nightingale!
Alaska, 1974. Untamed. Unpredictable. And for a family in crisis, the ultimate test of the human spirit.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
At once provocative, terrifying, and darkly subversive, Dread Nation is Justina Ireland’s stunning vision of an America both foreign and familiar: a country on the brink, at the explosive crossroads where race, humanity, and survival meet. Also, it’s the Civil War plus the undead and I am so here for it!!

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough
A stunning debut novel-in-verse based on the true story of the iconic painter, Artemisia Gentileschi. Enduring the subjugation of women, rape, and torture, Artemisia is buoyed by her deceased mother’s stories of strong women of the Bible.

Really enjoyed this historical, feminist novel in verse. Loved the interwoven stories of other ancient heroines.

This book would be perfect for a high school audience. It is beautifully written, and the story is complex.
Memories of the stories her late mother told her gave Artemesia the courage and strength to stand up for herself in a culture where women's voices remained unheard and their value dinished. She is wonderful heroine who shines through all her challenges to be an inspiration to young women today.

This was a historical novel featuring young artist Artemisia Gentileschi as she lives through the aftermath of a rape, the antagonizing trial, and trying to find a place in the world. The format was set in lyrical poetry which fit the harrowing plot. The only downside was the stories regarding Susannah and Judith. It took a while to comprehend that Artemisia was reminiscing about her mother telling her stories about these biblical women, but it got to the point where half the book was a retelling about Judith and Susannah which I really didn't want to hear about. Then towards the end, Artemisia imagines the ladies there with her as she copes with the aftermath of the trial and learning to paint again. They offered her moral and emotional support since her family basically ignored her, but although the synopsis says the story is based on true events, I found that part too paranormal.

I absolutely loved this book. I preordered a copy for myself as soon as I finished reading it, and then I made sure that it would be ordered at my library. I can't wait to recommend it to teens who are afraid of verse or historical novels just because I think it transcends the typical topics covered in those YA novels. The writing is incredibly quotable and empowering, so I can easily see teens using certain phrases to empower themselves. And, of course, the rape plotline is also (unfortunately) relevant to today's world, and I like that this book gives girls a message of hope while also realistically addressing the downfall of handling those situations.

Wow, just intense. The passion of Artemesia when she painted her heroines (Judith and Susanna) which I think are from the Catholic Bible shows how different she viewed the stories than the men did. It was interesting reading this book simultaneously with What Girls are Made of. First of all, in the Girls book, it seemed like it punctuated and celebrated the women of art, despite the scenes depicted. In this book, however, Artemesia has shown the true nature of crimes against women, the fear along with the strength by focusing on faces, and hands.
And, I love that Ms. McCullough was able to pinpoint the feelings and societal suicide of Artemesia and her father in confronting the assaulter and taking him to court. She highlights in both the story of Susanna and the artist's struggles to be believed against the word and expectations of men. She compares the looks of Judith and Artemesia after the brave acts they had done. And Joy McCullough, above all, intrigues the reader with the passion of art verses the purpose to earn money; both essential, but never to be equal.

<blockquote><i>”She is not small. She is not weak. She will never, ever be feebleminded. And above all, she is outraged.”</i></blockquote> This was a hard book to read in more than one way – and I eventually just had to stop around the 75 percent mark because it was <b>getting to be too painful</b>. I usually reserve two- and one-star ratings for books that I don’t finish, but this was, honestly, an excellent book!! Just not for me.

Artemisia Gentileschi is one of my favorite artists and her story is <b>astounding and inspiring</b>, and I’m sure <i>Blood, Water, Paint</i> is going to educate a lot of people who haven’t heard her story. I wish that the novel had covered more of her life; however, the book, or at least up until what I read, <b>only covered a few months</b> (though there were some flashbacks and interludes). This book also goes over the stories of Susannah and Judith from the Bible, who Artemisia depicted in many of her paintings. I felt at times that the chapters that were about them were easier to read than Artemisia’s sections.

Historical novels written in prose have always been a niche favorite of mine, but the prose in <i>Blood, Water, Paint</i> was nothing to cry home about. It was fast-flowing, but there weren’t any “wow” moments where I had to put the book down and ponder on the beauty of the writing. I thought that the transitions from poetry-style to paragraph-style were a <b>little confusing</b> at times, and I wish that there had been quotation marks around the dialogue because sometimes I couldn’t tell who was speaking. I like to be sucked in and be uninterrupted with other thoughts when I’m reading, but the confusion around dialogue and the jilted transitions prevented that.

I would still recommend this book to those interested in <b>empowerment novels</b> or Artemisia’s story, but potential readers should know this book contains a lot of triggering content, including <b>rape</b>, sexual assault, <b>gore</b>, and violence. But for people that aren’t bothered by that, this is a really worthwhile read that many have enjoyed and many will enjoy.

<i>I was provided an eARC copy through NetGalley in exchange for a complete and honest review</i>

I've had a hard time figuring out what to say about this book. It was absolutely beautiful. The verse, the language, the details of painting, everything was wonderfully detailed. Having studied European art history somewhat, I was well aware of who Artemisia Gentileschi based on her "Judith Slaying Holofernes",but I had idea of the heart-breaking life she led. This book has portion that can be tough (TW: rape), but it was well worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of “Blood Water Paint” by Joy McCullough. The story is written beautifully and has a very smooth flow. The story itself did not grab my attention. The characters were typical YA characters with similar thoughts. Those who greatly enjoy novels in verse will likely enjoy the writing even if the story itself gripping.

A tremendous story written in verse and based on truth, the reader will recognize their own voice alongside the other women reclaiming their power from the men who took what they wanted. This is the #MeToo movement reaching into the past to show us that nothing has truly changed. Evocative, heartbreaking, and empowering - BLOOD WATER PAINT fiercely stands beside other knockouts like SPEAK, ASKING FOR IT, and ALL THE RAGE.

This is a stunning novel in verse that tells the true story of Artemedis Gentileschi, a Medici era artist who was brutally raped and refused to stay silent in an era when women were never believed and men always had the upper hand. Accompanied by Susanna and Judith (from the Bible, stories which her mother shared before her death), she learns that women have worth and power and that her voice van make a difference. In a world with so many stories about sexual assault and men facing justice for being sexual predators, it's worthwhile to be reminded that this is far from a new battle. Gentileschi went on to become one of the most respected artists in her era and, within the art community, she is considered one of the greatest female artists of all time. Quite a legacy for a woman who, without bravery and courage, would have been just another victim.

Lovely book written in verse. It illustrates the strength and power of women!

Joy McCullough skillfully draws you into Artemesia Gentileschi's studio. Here she reveals how she came to be the painter in the family, consoled only by the heroines of her mother's stories. She is forced to deal with the aftermath of rape at a time when women were presumed to be at fault or mistaken in their perception of the event.

The decision to render Artemesia's story in verse adds to our immersion in a world of art. This story will draw you in quickly and leave you wanting to know more of this real life woman of strength, truth, and conviction.

I received this book as an ARC, but the opinions are my own.