Getting to know characters in a book is always exciting. The funny, the smart, the sarcastic, the stubborn—all those qualities we recognize from life, except magnified and without boundaries. Getting to know Jenna Fox was more intoxicating for me than exciting. I was drunk on her words and actions. She was…unusual—different in a way that was hard to put my finger on.

The unfolding of Jenna’s story is stunted at first, intentionally so. The author takes readers through the journey of a teenage girl who has recently awoken from a lengthy coma after a severe accident. As Jenna grasps at snippets of memory of her life, and as she regains words lost to her, Jenna notices that she’s not the same person she was before the accident. As in, she’s missing parts of herself that definitely should be in place and she’s gained things that shouldn’t belong.

The mystery surrounding Jenna Fox isn’t too difficult for the astute reader to figure out, although the details are amazing and fascinating. But the journey of this character isn’t in the events of her life—or lives. The journey and the heart of the story is in the discovery of Jenna Fox by Jenna Fox.

Mary E. Pearson uses words—every word—for impact and punch. Short, one-word sentences are prevalent and well-placed. Dark, poetic chapter headings lend to the emotional journey of the protagonist. The themes of life and love play throughout the book, and they’re turned over for examination from every angle. What is true life? What is true love? Can both be pushed too far?

Off to turn another page….

Share your opinion. Review This Book!