Mystery and rumor surround the small town of Steepleton, New Jersey in Carol Plum-Ucci’s novel, The Body of Christopher Creed. The story follows Torey Adams, a football jock with the perfect life: understanding parents, lots of friends, and a beautiful girlfriend. But all gets turned upside down when the school outcast, Christopher Creed, goes missing without a trace. All that is left behind is a cryptic email naming Torey as one of the many reasons Christopher wanted to disappear. Shocked by this news, Torey is set on finding out the truth with the help of Ali and Bo who are outcasts themselves. What they find is a town of people hiding secrets of their own and a reality that they cannot run away from forever.
The Body of Christopher Creed is a well written read that will entertain readers until the very end. Plum-Ucci’s writing makes sure that readers will not just be entertained by the suspenseful events of the novel but the realistic writing as well. The point of view in The Body of Christopher Creed feels as if it is a real student telling his story through the use of slang, but more importantly, through a main character who looks for the answers to real life problems students can relate to. The main character, Torey, deals with issues with both family and friends throughout the book, and starts to acknowledge that people are not as simple as others think they are. Including himself. Readers themselves may be going through similar issues and may find peace in a story that reflects their concerns in a real way.
There are some brief references to outdated technology and culture, but they do not prevent readers from understanding the story. The thrilling plot will allow readers to overlook these faults and even continue on into the follow up story, Following Christopher Creed. Overall, the relatable and suspenseful storytelling makes The Body of Christopher Creed a must read.
Does it have a Young Adult Label?: Yes, for language and suicide.
Favorite Quote: “People used to say I was weird,” he said. “I used to care. But I don’t anymore. People shouldn’t care, people shouldn’t use words like weird once you hit junior year. Everyone’s weird. That’s the way I look at it.”
Recommended if you like: mysteries, supernatural elements, books in a series, town secrets, outcasts, stories about figuring out who you are
Rating:
The Body of Christopher Creed is a well written read that will entertain readers until the very end. Plum-Ucci’s writing makes sure that readers will not just be entertained by the suspenseful events of the novel but the realistic writing as well. The point of view in The Body of Christopher Creed feels as if it is a real student telling his story through the use of slang, but more importantly, through a main character who looks for the answers to real life problems students can relate to. The main character, Torey, deals with issues with both family and friends throughout the book, and starts to acknowledge that people are not as simple as others think they are. Including himself. Readers themselves may be going through similar issues and may find peace in a story that reflects their concerns in a real way.
There are some brief references to outdated technology and culture, but they do not prevent readers from understanding the story. The thrilling plot will allow readers to overlook these faults and even continue on into the follow up story, Following Christopher Creed. Overall, the relatable and suspenseful storytelling makes The Body of Christopher Creed a must read.
Does it have a Young Adult Label?: Yes, for language and suicide.
Favorite Quote: “People used to say I was weird,” he said. “I used to care. But I don’t anymore. People shouldn’t care, people shouldn’t use words like weird once you hit junior year. Everyone’s weird. That’s the way I look at it.”
Recommended if you like: mysteries, supernatural elements, books in a series, town secrets, outcasts, stories about figuring out who you are
Rating: