THE ATTRACTION | Kirkus Reviews

Technology overcomes death, giving a teenage couple a second chance to break up.

Senior Julie in high school is paralyzed by the grief of the death of her boyfriend Sam in a car accident. She avoids his funeral and throws out every reminder of him. They planned to leave their small town in the northwest of the Pacific together, and it now faces an uncertain and empty future. But one night she impulsively dials his cell, and inexplicably, Sam answers. This is the first of many long conversations they have, not understanding how or why this is happening but relishing the opportunity to break up as they could not in life. However, Julie is faced with a difficult choice: whether or not to ease the pain of Sam’s loved one by allowing them to talk to him, though this may jeopardize their relationship. However, letting go and moving on can be just what she needs. The book’s emotional tenor is uniform throughout, making characters feel distant at times and flattening the impact of important events – like Julie and Sam’s first conversation – that are often buried in minor everyday details. Even time jumps can be difficult to track. But the concept is a smart idea and is sure to intrigue readers, especially those dealing with separation, loss and mortality. Sam is an American Japanese sign; Julie is the white default.

An entertaining story about mourning that will appeal to patient and sentimental readers.

(Fiction. 13-18)