She is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick

Laureth Peak's father is a writer. After years of writing "funny" books he is convinced to write a book about coincidences (coinky-dink's as Laureth's younger brother calls them). After years of research, failing, and near financial ruin his wife thinks he's obsessed and Laureth thinks he's on the verge of a breakdown. Mr. Peak is suppose to be doing research in Austria but after receiving an email saying that his notebook has turned up in New York, Laureth knows something is wrong. On impulse (after sending hundreds of texts messages and making many calls all with no response from her father) Laureth books her and her seven year old brother a one way ticket to New York. International travel and a missing father would be almost more than any sixteen year old could handle, but to Laureth these are minor things because she has to do them all without her eyesight.


She is Not Invisible has many great traits and a couple that may make it a tough for some readers. I loved Laureth's determination and drive throughout the book. She never gives up even when dead ends and worry continues to flood her way. I also love how the author makes you feel from Laureth's perspective. Multiple times I would set the book down and picture myself in the middle of New York city and then I would do it without being able to see. Mr. Sedgwick does a fantastic job at making you feel like Laureth's character and placing you in her shoes. The largest drawback to this book is the topic her father is researching, coincidences. There are some pages that look like the inside of his notebook that he has lost. They ramble on about different theorists and other research that he has conducted on the topic. They are essential to the plot of the story and yes you will begin to look at coincidences (or at least think about them) in your everyday life however, this research-likeness was not for me and made me second guess my reading choice several times.

If you stick through the research parts, I think you will enjoy She is Not Invisible. Check it out from our "New" Teen Shelf!

-JAC

Parental Statement: Do Not steal your mother's credit card, no matter how much determination you have :)