My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was so easy to slip into this story. Rebecca Stead does an excellent job with world-building, which is a concept I usually think of more with fantasy novels, but I think it applies to any story where a sense of place is crucial to the story. Here, it’s an apartment building. The whole story takes place within walking distance of Georges’ new building. It’s very much about discovering a new place, a place that maybe you’d rather not be, but which turns out to have its own rewards.
The story is also layered beautifully – lots of little things that add up to something bigger. There’s a hint of mystery, developing friendships, contrasts between now and then, school bullies, family dynamics. It all ends up feeling necessary.
I might even bump up my rating after I sit on this one for a while. It didn’t blow me away, but it has all the hallmarks of excellence.
Source: ARC from NetGalley
View all my reviews
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August 29, 2012 at 7:17 am
Ramona
just checking in …. I am taking notes. I am reading more this summer than last which is saying quite a bit actually….
August 31, 2012 at 11:18 am
Newbery & Printz favorites, so far « garish & tweed
[...] Liar and Spy, by Rebecca Stead. Again, she’s already won once. Some books by previous winners don’t live up to the expectations, but I thought this had a lot of the strengths of When You Reach Me without feeling derivative. [...]
September 3, 2012 at 2:10 pm
jessmonster
Hi Ramona! It’s always lovely to see you in the comments. And good for you for reading more! I think I’ve been slipping this year.