Review Detail

There are a few books out there that touch upon this subject invisibility and what it might do to a person including some very famous ones (think Cormiers Fade or H. G. Wells Invisible Man). But Things Not Seen goes in a different direction and I have to say that I found it quite refreshing.

The author even points this out within the book, when a character comments to the lead character (Bobby) that he *isnt* like the other characters in these kinds of books. While others explore the dark, potentially depressing or evil side of invisibility, this book tackles the subject more like a real-world problem faced by your average teenage boy. He doesnt turn into a murderer. He doesnt go on a shoplifting binge or stalk anyone. Hes just a kid who wakes up one day and realizes hes gone invisible.

Besides the obvious complications, there are the ones you might not think about. For one thing, his clothes dont go invisible, which means he has to be naked to truly not be seen. And walking around in winter without your clothes on can be quite daunting. Not to mention the fact that he cant go to school and the authorities are starting to wonder where he is (and are seriously questioning his parents and even getting the police involved).

Bobby meets and is helped by Alicia, who happens to be blind. She can see him when no one else can, since she takes her cues from her other senses. I really enjoyed watching how their relationship developed. Alicia becomes very important to Bobby as he feels increasingly separated from the world and more desperate to rejoin it.

While technically I suppose youd have to call this a science fiction novel, it is a perfect crossover book for readers who dont normally read that genre. This is a book about Bobby and what he discovers about himself, his family, and people in general. I think youll enjoy this one. I know I did. Recommended for readers aged 12 and up.