More Book Club Selections
Book Picks by
Jenny McWha
- The Mo(u)rning Letters - Chapter 9
- WAKE, by Lisa McMann
- Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
- Smile, by Raina Telgemeier
- 4 Book Series by Megan Whalen Turner
- Darklight by Lesley Livingston
- Moving On Up - How to navigate the Bookstore
- James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
- The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
- Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
- The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
- Blubber, by Judy Blume
- Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
- What I Saw and How I Lied, Judy Blundell
- Before Green Gables
- The Classics
- Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac
- Cathy's Book, by Jordan Weisman and Sean Stewart
- Does my head look big in this? by Randa Abdel Fattah
- Ophelia, by Lisa Klein
- Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood
Cathy's Book, by Jordan Weisman and Sean Stewart
BOOK REVIEW, January 2008, by Jenny McWha
Cathy’s Book
If found call (650)266-8233
by Jordan Weisman and Sean Stewart
Sitting innocently on a bookstore shelf was a black-covered diary. On it were the words Cathy’s Book, If found call (650) 266-8233. Why, do you ask, is such a journal sitting in Chapters? Well, the answer is simple: it is a book. In fact, it will be the most fun book you will ever read.
‘Cathy’s Book’ tells the story of Cathy, a girl whose life is pretty messed up at the moment. Her dad died last year, her best friend is mad at her, and her researcher boyfriend, Victor, not only just broke up with her, but may or may not have just injected her with a mysterious disease. As Cathy begins investigating Victor and his mysterious life, she gets wrapped up in events that she could never have imagined, involving immortals, Chinatown, murders and some really creepy people.
THE GOOD: There’s something extra special about this book though. It’s all part of an alternate reality game (ARG), which pretty much means that it’s completely interactive. How can a book be interactive, you ask? Well, just start by calling that phone number on the cover. That’s right, call it! The book is filled with numbers that let you listen to voicemail accounts of characters, an awesome packet of “evidence” (including notes, menus, photographs, and newspaper articles), websites, and doodles that help you solve the mystery along with Cathy. Don’t worry though, the book also has excellent writing and a pretty thrilling storyline. Even if you’re not a mystery fan, like me, this book keeps you hooked. Cathy is an interesting and headstrong character, one that can annoy you at times, but who is ultimately lovable. The ending is the best part – you never know that it’s coming!
DOWNSIDE: If you’re really not a fan of mystery or fantasy, this story may not be for you. You also have to put a bit of work into reading this book, so having a lot of time on your hands helps to reap its full potential.
Some things to know before reading:
1. Go onto the website on the inside spine of the cover, it’s full of valuable resources including recordings of the voicemail for those of you whose parents won’t let you rack up a ten dollar phone bill calling American numbers.
2. Call the numbers (if you’re allowed)! They really are real!
3. A long weekend is the perfect time to read this book. Believe me, it’s pretty hard to put down.
4. Relax and enjoy the ride!
GENRE: A whole mumble of genres including mystery, fantasy, and drama. There’s also some great illustrations for you artistic gals!
RATING: TWO THUMBS UP!
AGE: I’d say 14 and up, for some language and the general ages of the characters.
OTHER BOOKS: Both authors have written other books, unfortunately, ‘Cathy’s Book’ is one of the first of its kind for adolescents. Stay tuned though, as I have a feeling that other books will be taking this route in the future.
~ Jenny
