Review Detail

Reader reviewed by designsbymikayla

Switch by Carol Snow is a captivating and hilarious book. Fifteen year-old, Claire Martin has a seemingly ordinary lifethat is to say, ordinary when there are no thunder and lightning storms around. When lightening is near, Claire is open to whole new opportunities, in the way of her spirit coming out of her body and shooting into the nearest girl born under the same moon. The things she is capable of are beyond the average human imagination!

Claire Martin used to think she had a guardian angel but she knows now that the woman who sits on her bed is the spirit of her deceased, fellow body-switcher, grandmother, Evelyn. At least there is someone to explain the switching to Clair; not to mention, keeping Clairs body safe when she leaves it. Thats usually how it works, Clair shoot out and Evelyn slips in as a place-holder; however, not this time. Now she has a major problem&shes switched bodies with a striking summer visitor named Larissa and she cant seem to get back to her own body. Worse yet, Claires friend (also her secret crush) seems to be more and more interested in Larissa, while still ignoring Claire as anything more than one of the guys. Claires life has turned into a horrible episode of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

The many intricate pieces of the humongous puzzle that is Clairs life are scattered and this complexity just goes to make the story all the more interesting. The plot is, in a way, a dramatized version of life as a 21st century teenage girl. Constantly, in todays society, people are challenged to fit a certain mold and be a certain way. In this book, Claire has many opportunities to try many different molds, be it that of her over-weight friend Beanie, the mysterious child named Kimmy, or the beautiful Larissa. This plays one part in Clairs voyage to self discovery.

The setting is both colorful and influential to the overall plot. The place is set as a small beach side town called Sandyland; however, it is not very clearly stated exactly where the town is located. This, in my opinion, is one point that needs correction in the book. It is easier to imagine and create the setting in the minds eye. Otherwise, the setting is that of a stormy ocean town. The roots of the town are deeply based and the people are all interconnected except for the seasonal tourists. It is this setting that has led to a friendship between Claire and Nate and the relationship between the pseudo-Larissa (Claires spirit) and Nate. Without this setting, it would have been impossible to create the connection between Claire and Nate and then the pseudo-Larissa and Nate. The pseudo-Larissa and Nate relationship is very complicated and based on a web of lies. Due to the fact that Larissa is Clair, she does not know anything about Larissa personally. This leads to Larissa having a difficult time being both herself and someone else. This relationship plays a key role because it leads to Clairs release from Larissas body and her discovery that being herself is always one of the most important things in life. This is a very strong image for the girls of today.

Throughout the book, I noticed a few things that I took issue with. First, as was mentioned before, the setting is not clearly defined. Second, I believe more should be revealed about Nate and his family, so as to show more of a feeling of friendship between Clair and Nate. The story is set, that they have known each other since childhood; nevertheless, if that were so, Clair would know more about Nate and his family. Third, and last, more should be written about Larissas family since it is history that aids in the determination a persons personality. She is such a mysterious character. The only necessary change is the first, having to do with the setting, the others are personal opinions. It is all in the eye of the beholder.

Overall, I find the book Switch by Carol Snow to be an empowering and outstanding blend of science fiction and teen literature. The plot is complex and heavily dependent upon setting and characters. The characters each play an important role in the development of the storyline. Specifically, the character of Claire is confused about her own social, physical, and mental standing in society and this book reveals her struggles to find stability in an unstable situation. In effect, Claire is trying to balance on a constantly moving surface. This book, the first young adult novel by Carol Snow, presents a strong image and a great start for a promising author. A few small changes would make it even better but, it is good all the same. I readily recommend this book to fellow readers, especially those who enjoy the movie Freaky Friday. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.