By Carol Plum-Ucci
Summary:
Summary:
Evan Barrett's parents were lost at sea when he was only nine years old. He is now seventeen years old, living with his brother and his aunt. His memory of that horrible night was almost non-existant until Grey Shailey, a troublesome popular girl at school, slipped hallucinogenic drugs into his drink at a party. Vivid memories of the mayday call from his parents and the events leading up to the accident return to him at a disturbing rate. Tales about a legendary sea monster, known as The She, also creep back into Evan's memory along with the memory of a horrible shrieking sound he heard the night of their death and many other times throughout his childhood. Disturbed by these old memories flooding back into his consciousness, Evan returns to West Hook in search of some answers regarding his parents' death.
In his search for the truth, Evan becomes involved in helping Grey Shailey to find some answers about a death she witnessed the previous summer. Between being pressured to believe in the existence of The She by Grey, and pressure from his brother to accept an accusation against their parents that is unbelievable to him, Evan's search for answers only creates more questions for him to answer.
Other books by this author:
The Body of Christopher Creed
What Happened to Lani Garver
2 comments:
Review
From School Library Journal:
"The She delivers results similar to Plum-Ucci's previous efforts: plot, character development, and action sequences all seamlessly gel into an intriguing and structurally sound mystery novel. And, Plum-Ucci, as per usual, draws upon the supernatural to blur the boundaries between fact and fiction. However, her treatment of the mythical beast becomes less and less subtle with every page an at times interferes with important plot developments and pacing. Still, as in The Body of Christopher Creed (2000) and What Happened to Lani Garver (2002, both Harcourt), the author has created a moody, spooky page-turner that juggles profound philosophical debate with the everyday tribulations of teenage life."
-Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library
My Reaction to this Review:
I really enjoyed this book, and I also feel that the author did a great job of writing a mystery novel that is suspenseful, intriguing, and structurally sound. I really liked how she was able to incorporate some philosophical dilemnas into the story, but also still managed to describe the trials and tribulations associated with being a teenager.
Review
From Booklist:
Gr. 8-12. "Demonstrating the same ability to craft a mystery that she used in her Printz Honor Book, The Body of Christopher Creed (2000), Plum-Ucci carefully combines many plot elements, including the story of unstable Grey, who hears The She, but is fighting her own demons. A fantastic twist reveals that the Barretts' death may have had more to do with drug running than the supernatural. Or did it? The serpentine story, which does contain some strong language, will grip readers--even those who may not be interested in the well-researched seafaring details that add color and depth. Only Grey's story line is over the top; but that's fine, given the rest of this exciting adventure, which hardly allows readers a moment to take a breath."
-Ilene Cooper, American Library Association
My Reaction to this Review:
I agree that Plum-Ucci has masterfully woven this story so that readers become caught up in the adventure. There were many twists in this story, and just as you feel certain you know the answers, new information surfaces that throws you for a loop. There is some strong language in this story, and it is recommended for readers age 14 and up (or grades 8-12). I agree with this due to the language, as well as understanding some of the philosophical aspects of this story.
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