Sunday, March 16, 2014

Book Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West (Whitney Finalist 2013)

Title: Pivot Point
Author: Kasie West
Enjoyment Rating: ****
Source: Library Copy
This book would be rated: PG-13

Two roads diverged. We like to say the paths we chose in the yellow wood "made all the difference," but do we really know how our lives will be different based on the choices we make? Addie does. She's a teenager living in a special community for paranormals, and when her parents divorce and tell her that she has to choose whether to stay at home with her mother or to leave the community with her father, she is able to search her future and see which series of events leads to the better outcome.

I really enjoyed Pivot Point. The narrative unfolds chronologically, and in alternating chapters, we see what happens in scenario A and scenario B. There are different schools, different friends, different potential love interests. And in both cases, she has a relationship with her best friend. All of West's characters seem well-drawn and nuanced, and I particularly liked Addie. I also like that the decision she makes is one that is not without its complications. This was a great read and one that I hope my kids would enjoy for the challenges Addie faces and the maturity she gains as part of her experience.


No comments: