I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Strange Girl by Christopher Pike Published by Simon Pulse on November 17, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction
Pages: 432
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher
Fred is your every day, run-of-the mill teenager. He's not one of the popular kids; he has a close knit group of friends brought together after forming a band.
Within moments of meeting Aja, Fred can tell she is different. She's soft-spoken, contemplative, naive, she exudes a sense of peace and tranquility. Before long, Fred finds himself falling in love with her.
It doesn't take long for Aja's differences to be noticed. An orphan from a remote village in Brazil, she was referred to as “Pequena Maga,” or “Little Magician" for her "special abilities." Those injured or sick around her miraculously heal. While these powers were revered in her small village, the small town in which she now resides is suspicious and Aja becomes the source of scrutiny, not only by the townspeople but a nosy reporter desperate for the inside story.
The nature of Aja's abilities, once revealed, stun the community, forcing Fred to rethink his own beliefs in an attempt to understand the girl who has taken hold of his heart.
When I saw Christopher Pike was releasing a novel, I squealed with joy. I have fond memories of reading his books as a teen. The premise of this title intrigued me, not quite sure where it would take me. Putting all my faith in the author, I dove in. And I read. And read. While my interest was captured, there was quite definitely something missing.
Could it be the forced and bungled attempts at discussing hot button issues like race and sexuality? Or the fact that this novel devoted too much dialogue and content at some points, and lacking in others? At over 400 pages, this novel could have been cut by at least a quarter. So much goes into the build-up of Fred and Aja’s relationship, yet not enough in the explanation about the source of her abilities. Sure, the explanation was touched on, philosophical statements that could have lead to an contemplative discussion of one’s self. Yet, unfortunately, it wasn’t handled well, almost as if it was a last-minute addition, something an editor suggested to make this a more rounded and developed novel.
Hontestly, by the end I would have thrown the book had it not been on my iPad. So much potential by such a talented author, yet wasted. Ultimately, I can’t recommend this long-time fans of Pike who know his potential, have read his previous works. Someone new to his writing, with no expectations, might be able to find the diamond in the rough. Unfortunately I could not.
