Author: Kasie West
Category: Young Adult
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: 2-12-13
Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not. In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without. – Goodreads
Kasie West has taken a very simple “what if” idea and turned it into an interesting and engaging story about a teen who gets to choose her future. As you can see from the jacket copy above, Addie and her friends all have abilities. When Addie has to make a tough choice between living in the compound or living on the outside, her view of the two paths presents some very tough choices. I knew that there would be a tough choice involved because, hey, that’s what makes a good story. I must say, though, that I was torn between the two. To Addie, the choice was clear, but I felt a little pang when I realized what that choice would mean. The whole idea of seeing your diverged paths would make a great discussion point for any book club and definitely provided some food for thought as I read the book.
There were a lot of things that I loved about this story. The idea of a compound where people with abilities lived in isolation sounds creepy, but the way it worked out in the book was actually pretty cool. The compound lived in a world we know, but with certain advancements in technology and even a different history. Addie’s life was the life of a very normal teen, but with a twist. (Her father can tell when people are lying. Can you imagine being a teen with a dad like that??) I loved the way the two realities were told in alternating chapters, with the stories occasionally matching up. Each branch of Addie’s life had characters and story lines that I grew attached to and found to be enjoyable. I wish there had been an epilogue in the story, but that is a purely selfish wish on my part. Not having one didn’t take away from the story at all. I think this would be a great book for lovers of light sci-fi with just a hint of paranormal.
I received this galley in exchange for my honest review
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That would completely suck if my parents knew when I was lying. That part kind of sounds like The Exceptionals. The mother could read her kids minds or something like that. I like books that have to deal with choices because that’s the biggest part of our life we have to deal with everyday. I’m happy you liked it and now that you mentioned it I might try to get this to be my next book club read. With a bunch of adults in the book club we will see how that goes.
I must agree, a simple idea is turned into a genius plot. I honestly loved it so much! I actually enjoyed the epilogue and it showed me the possibility of what could happen.
great review,
– Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
I just read another great review of Pivot Point! I can’t wait to read it! Great review.
I’m so excited for this book! I like that the two realities are told in alternating chapters. I love when stories are mixed like that. I’m also glad that this is a standalone because so many series have been coming out lately.
I love that it sounds like the author was really able to flesh things out for each possible future Addie could have – complete with characters and settings and so on. That definitely is a difficult thing, and it seems like she succeeded based on your review!
I like your blog…
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