Through
Her Eyes has a unique story line, interesting characters and is an
all-around satisfying contemporary story with a bit of a ghostly mystery.
Tansy’s mom is a writer. Every time she starts a new book, Tansy,
her mother, and her grandfather Dan have to move to a new place--one that is
similar to the setting of her mother’s novel. This time they are moving from a
big city to a very small town in Texas called Cedar Canyon. This just happens
to be the town in which Tansy’s grandfather grew up. They are moving into a
very old, run-down house that is allegedly haunted. Tansy’s grandfather is old,
and doesn’t speak much anymore, but Tansy senses his unease as they try to
settle into this new place.
Tansy’s hobby is photography, and she is stunned and
confused when she looks through her lens and sees a scene in the same setting,
but appearing to be at a different period in time. She believes that the young
man in the lens is a much younger version of her grandfather. The story unfolds
as Tansy becomes more and more immersed in this alternate reality, actually
becoming Isobel, one of the teens in her vision. She is also is trying to fit
into a new school and make friends.
Bethyl Ann is her only friend – a nerdy 13-year old genius
who is attending high school. I loved her quirky character – she added much to
the story. Tate is the mysterious love interest, but there’s more to him that
Tansy is also trying to figure out.
Archer slowly exposes the story, and it is believably
resolved. This is a stand-alone for a change, and the writing is clean and
easy.
My only minor complaint is a bit of a dragging story line in
the middle of the book. Tansy is trying to decide if she’s crazy, or if she
should tell someone, and if so, who should she tell. It just seems like the middle
part, where she is entering this alternate reality over and over, goes on a bit
too long. This wasn’t enough to make me want to quit, but I found myself
wanting to get on with the story so I could get some resolution.
This is another book with a beautiful cover that really has
nothing to do with the story. Fans of contemporary, family stories with a bit
of romance will enjoy this one. Teen girls with an interest in photography
would be especially drawn to Tansy.
Published by HarperTeen, April 5, 2011
Won from Melina @
Reading Vacation
374 pages (qualifies for my 350 Page Book Challenge!)
Rating: 3/5
Ghosts are really underrated in YA and I really don't know why. I really like the concept of the story and how the two world blends together. I think I'll be okay with the slow middle and am willing to give this one a shot. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI think my teenage cousin would love this story. I will have to recommend it to her!
ReplyDeleteYou're right -- a little draggy in the middle but a great book all around. The student who snatched it off the shelf a couple of weeks ago just returned it with a satisfied smile and a request for more like it. Yay!
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