Elodee's family is going through a hard time, and their entire community is in agreement that the family needs a fresh start. The perfect opportunity seems to arise when Elodee's parents suggest that the family moves to Eventown; a place they once went on vacation. Eventown is the place where everything is perfect, and everyone is happy. It is a town designed to give you a fresh start. Every town has its secrets, though, and Eventown is no exception...
AGE RANGE INTERMEDIATE
Suggested for ages 10+
THEMES
Depression
Death
Greiving
Family
Brainwash
Cult
Suicide
Roses
OVERALL RATING 8/10
This is a pretty great book! The chapters are beautifully written, and the story unfolds at such a perfect rate that it always leaves you wondering what will happen next. It deals with serious topics in a sensitive way, and shows what it looks like when a family grieves in both unhealthy and healthy ways. The story has quite a slow start, though, so probably not great for those with short attention spans!
PROS Deals with difficult topics Beautifully written Engaging | Violence and Scariness 1/5 Girl pins classmate against a wall. Creepy cult. Arms bleeding from rose thorns. Creeping around in dark hallways! Sex and Romance 0/5 Mention of a crush. |
CONS Slow start | Emotional Intensity 3/5 Moving away from friends. Feeling left out of friend group. Creepy cult. Feeling distanced from twin sister. Friends and family memory wiped. Depression. Mention of suicide in the family. Drinking and Drugs 0/5 N/A |