When You Reach Me [Paperback]

I love Madeleine L'Engle and her book A Wrinkle In Time. This book makes numerous references to both. When I met Madeleine L'Engle at a conference a few years ago she stated that her characters are alive to her, and every now and again she will realize something new happened in their life. This book has that feel; as I read it, and even after finishing, I found myself thinking about the characters - where they are now, what they are up to. I think L'Engle would have loved that about this book.

The story takes place in a very small geographic region in New York City, focusing around a 6th grade girl Miranda, her friends and family. She finds a note indicating that the author is trying to save her friend's life and their own life. The author of the note indicates that they know the future and give her dates and times of events yet to happen to prove they are telling the truth. What they are asking for in return is that Miranda tells them her story, specifically that she write it out and when the time comes she will know who to give it to.

The story is wonderfully written from Miranda's perspective, looking back on the past few months. It is about lifting the veil between what we perceive and what is real, what is actual and what is possible. It is about the potential in humans for growth and change. C.S. Lewis stated "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face." This book helps to wipe some of the dirt and grime off the glass and allows us to see a little more clearly. Yes it is true the story became predictable, especially for a fan of L'Engle, but the way it happens still makes it worth reading. It is a wonderful book - a book about hope, a book about change and a book about coming into yourself. If Stead's writings continue to ask questions like this one, does she have the potential to become a favourite author of mine, and maybe even a legend like L'Engle?

i really liked this book. although the book is technically written for children (preteen, maybe?), i felt that i had a genuine connection with this book on a totally deep level (im 23 by the way). i've read tons of books (children and adult books alike), and this is definitely one of my top 10! the ending is very unexpected but very satisfying. the title is a bit boring, but the ending will really explain it all. it also gets you thinking about life and death in general. i recommended this to my sister, and she just absolutely loved it! i would definitely recommend this to anyone!

Summary: By sixth grade Miranda knows how to navigate her New York City neighbourhood. She knows where it's safe to go and things to avoid, like the crazy homeless man that lives on the corner. When her best friend gets punched on the street by an older kid, things start to unravel. Sal, her best friend, won't talk to her anymore and she starts getting strange notes. They don't make a lot of sense, but they seem to be from someone who knows things they shouldn't, things that haven't happened yet. In a mixture of real life and science fiction, Miranda starts to solve the puzzle of the letters.

Review: This quirky and quick read will appeal to a wide audience. Stead does an excellent job at creating a strong setting, one that is recognizable and adds considerable depth. She spends a great deal of time on the beginning, letting it develop, setting the stage before the letters come. This serves to root readers in the story from the beginning. Readers will enjoy the simplicity of Miranda and her life in contrast to the more "out of this world" elements. Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable read and perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a quirky story.