Monday, June 10, 2013

Review: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Transparent
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Publisher: Harper Teen
ISBN:   0062120166
ISBN13: 9780062120168
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.
While I might think it would be neat to be invisible every once in a while I can not imagine ONLY being invisible and never seeing my self or have someone else see me. Fiona's father has put her talent to use for him and has her steal things and do his other dirty work. Her mom who is 'addicted' to her father takes Fiona and runs giving Fiona a chance at a somewhat normal life. TRANSPARENT and its elements ended up being unlike any other book I have read. 

This might read a little jumpy and I apologize in advance, I did not want to give away any spoilers. It is made clear that this is not the first time that Fiona and her Mom have been on the run. It has never worked out before and Fiona has no doubt that her father will show up at anytime or that her mom will end up taking her back. Fiona is really standoffish with a group of people who are trying to be her friends. She has no doubt that they think she is spoiled, or there to cause trouble. Once she lets them in things start to get even more interesting. All of the characters in TRANSPARENT where great. Bea and her family were just so much fun to be around. Fiona's brother Miles was extremely easy to like, was protective of his sister and was willing to do just about anything to help her out. Seth surprised me the most. I would have never guessed his ability and I just loved who he turned out to be by the end of the book.

TRANSPARENT was enjoyable and unique. I hope we get to see more from this world but I have not seen anything that mentions this being part of a series. It works as a standalone but I do want more.

I gave it 4/5 stars