The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books, by Adam Perry

Imagine, if you will, if The Neverending Story were penned by Lemony Snicket. This is the often dark and exceptionally cheeky vibe of Adam Perry's wonderfully creative novel, The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books, which details what it really means to Get Lost In A Book.

Oliver lives in a world where everyone is plugged into their virtual reality devices at all times. But Oliver prefers small, rectangular objects called books, which require a little effort on his part and make no beep-beep-beeps (Forgive me, but I've been waiting ages to use that quote! And finally, opportunity arose so I went with it). Besides, Oliver, who lives with his out-of-work single father (his mom is dead), is dirt poor and he couldn't afford a device even if he wanted one. Which he doesn't. Let me make that clear. Kiddo has no interest in the latest technology. Which means he alone hasn't been turned into a zombie by far too much screen time.

So let's recap: Poor hero with a dead parent who loves books and is considered a misfit and a weirdo even by the town librarian... Sounds like the setup for a Disney film. And it could be too, if not for all the... Nevermind. I really shouldn't give too much away. Spoiling everything about an awesome book isn't cool.

Anyway, Oliver doesn't care what people think of him. He's happy to live in his world of stories, reading and re-reading. And stealing his favorites, of course. Wait... I didn't mention that earlier? Sorry. But I'll say it now, because it's worth knowing: Oliver is a total kleptomaniac. But only when it coms to books he likes. And only if he truly believes no one will miss the stolen books.

And no one HAS missed them... YET!

Oliver's luck runs out when he is kidnapped by some truly diabolical people who wish to steal the only existing copy of Oliver's favorite book right out of Oliver's head! And you can be sure these villains have some truly awful ulterior motives for wanting this story. So now Oliver must experience the story and all its terrible dangers in virtual reality format. If he makes it to the end alive, he will be (mostly) free to go. If not... well, it's probably best we don't go there.

The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books is a truly epic story with lots of twists and turns. It's got action, adventure, humor, great characters, and exceptional world-building. Basically everything you want out of a book that's not a "kissing book". It was a lot of fun to read and I highly recommend it.

--AJB