"i'm nobody: the lost pages" by alex marestaing

About the book: We're all broken on this side of heaven, but we can make beautiful things from the pieces. Agoraphobic Caleb Reed is about to step outside for the first time in seven years, meet indie filmmaker Iris Elliott . . . and definitely not fall in love. It's all because of the notes, the weird and wonderful notes he keeps finding on his front porch, notes signed by someone claiming to be long dead poet Emily Dickinson. Caleb's parents think he's losing his mind, as always, but he knows they're wrong. Something's going on outside—something strange, something terrifying . . . something beautiful.

Read the EPIC Award nominated novel that critics are saying is "fresh", "powerful" and "unlike anything" they've read. In a world full of anxiety, I'm Nobody: The Lost Pages is a triumphant tale of faith over fear and one that kids and grown-ups of all ages will love. (A London Book Festival Honorable Mention Winner)

My take: I'm Nobody is a delightful young adult novel about fear, grief, and the power to overcome—with a dose of intrigue and magic.

Agoraphobic Caleb slowly comes out of his self-imposed prison as two things happen—he begins receiving mysterious notes from a stranger, and he reconnects with grade school classmate Iris. His journey back to the real world is both fascinating and heartbreaking.

One thing I absolutely love about this novel is that I couldn't tell where it was going. I've become pretty adept at anticipating plot twists, but I certainly didn't anticipate where this novel was headed. The ending is supremely satisfying and magical in the best kind of way.

I do have to note that I found some of the point of view shifts to be a bit jarring—the reader is inside just about every character's head at some point. Also, my copy had quite a few typos. But overall, this is a fantastic novel! I would have loved it in junior high, and I love it today. I'd say it's completely appropriate for ages 12 and up, and perhaps even for more mature 9 to 11 year olds.

Content note: The "magic" of this novel is more of the Disney variety—sweet and harmless. No witchcraft or demons here.

My rating: 4-1/2 stars

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About the author: Author Alex Marestaing loves to create. He's written for media outlets such as The Walt Disney Company, Lego, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins, and The Los Angeles Times and has authored three YA novels. His latest, I'm Nobody: The Lost Pages, recently won an honorable mention at the London Book Festival and was nominated for a 2014 Epic Award. Though he spends most of his time imagining ideas for the youth market, he's also written for faith based publications and has covered his favorite sport, soccer, in Europe and the U.S. for Sports Spectrum Magazine and Yanks Abroad. When Alex isn't writing or speaking at conferences, you'll most likely find him hanging out in California with his wife, three kids, and Milou, his dog.

Alex can be found at his website, Twitter, and Facebook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."