Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Julie M. Prince

San Lee has to figure out who hes going to pretend to be this time and he has to do it quick, before the kids at his new school have figured out who he really is: Nobody. Well, nobody except the son of a lying, swindling prison inmate. Just a kid whos so poor he cant afford new footwear and has to trudge to school in sandals and socks during the oncoming winter. How can San spin things this time?

When he observes the folk-singing hippy goddess in his class, he figures peace lover might just fit into his plan. And since their social studies teacher has brought up the topic of Zen, San decides hes hit on just the right new persona to impress the girl and explain his sandals.

Its tough to stay one step ahead in his pretending. He has to spend his evenings studying up on Buddhism at the local library and his mornings meditating on the (freezing) rock near the school, where everyone, especially his hippy goddess, can see him.

Before long, Sans plan is in full swing, the girl of his dreams has fallen for the ruse, and his Zen life is perfect-until things get a little out of control.

Jordan Sonnenblick has created a fun, believable, and totally human character in San Lee. Most readers will relate to the desire to be something theyre not, and Sans flaws are understandable, given his family history and need to fit in-or maybe even stand out for once.

The writing here is fun and light, easy-to-read. The dialogue and relationships ring true, and the humor is consistent and strong.

This is a highly recommended book for readers trying to figure out just where they fit in.