This is an enjoyable read. I liked the story and the characters. It has some food for thought as Travis is surprisingly awakened into a present life at 16 where he left off to a world where those he loves have lived and moved on in the 5 years he was "dead".
I'm not a fan of YA fiction and knew that this book really wouldn't be my cup of tea. The basic premise is that 16-yr old Travis Coates, dying of leukemia, agrees to have his head cryogenically frozen until future science has developed a way to bring him back to life. After saying goodbye to family and friends, Travis wakes up, from a nap as far as he's concerned, five years later to find his noggin attached to the body of another 16-yr old who died of a brain tumor. A better body at that. Travis must now navigate high school without his friends who are now adults and adapt to a life where he is lagging five years behind.
Going by the title, the cover art, and the synopsis, this is not a book most people would take the time to read. The concept is beyond absurd. Add that to the fact that I don't like YA fiction, I had no great expectations about this book. I only read it because it was written by a local author from a small town just down the road and mostly because I won a copy from Goodreads and felt obligated to read it and offer a review. I can't say this book is good. No, this book is GREAT!!
While there is some wacky, mad science featured at the center of the story, the prose is subtle, low-key, kind-hearted and full of wit and charm. Yes, this book is simply charming. I am totally invested in Travis, Hatton (who is a hoot), Cate, and Kyle and I was very sad to let them go. Whaley played with my emotions in ways few writers do. I'm not the crying type, but he had me swallowing lumps from my throat while laughing at the same time. He writes like a virtuoso! If you can read about Travis' best day ever without a tug at your heartstrings or a little knot in your throat or a tiny tear in your ocular cavity, you may want to check your pulse. I'm going to try and get as many people as I can to read this book. Mr. Whaley, hat's off. Springhill (LA) will be mighty proud. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
Going by the title, the cover art, and the synopsis, this is not a book most people would take the time to read. The concept is beyond absurd. Add that to the fact that I don't like YA fiction, I had no great expectations about this book. I only read it because it was written by a local author from a small town just down the road and mostly because I won a copy from Goodreads and felt obligated to read it and offer a review. I can't say this book is good. No, this book is GREAT!!
While there is some wacky, mad science featured at the center of the story, the prose is subtle, low-key, kind-hearted and full of wit and charm. Yes, this book is simply charming. I am totally invested in Travis, Hatton (who is a hoot), Cate, and Kyle and I was very sad to let them go. Whaley played with my emotions in ways few writers do. I'm not the crying type, but he had me swallowing lumps from my throat while laughing at the same time. He writes like a virtuoso! If you can read about Travis' best day ever without a tug at your heartstrings or a little knot in your throat or a tiny tear in your ocular cavity, you may want to check your pulse. I'm going to try and get as many people as I can to read this book. Mr. Whaley, hat's off. Springhill (LA) will be mighty proud. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
