Utopia, Iowa

(Hardback)

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Description

Jack Bell has an unusual giftor curse, depending on your point of view. And hes not the only one. In Utopia, Iowa, anything can happen.

For the most part, aspiring screenwriter Jack Bell is just your typical Midwestern kid. Hes got a crush on his hot best friend, Ash. Hes coping with a sudden frostiness between his once crazy-in-love parents. Hes debating where to go to college next yearor whether to go at all. But then theres his gift (or curse): Jack can see dead people, just like the kid in The Sixth Sense. Lately, the ghosts are more distracting than usual, demanding that Jack get to the bottom of their mysterious deathsall while avoiding the straitlaced Detective Bloodsmith, who doesnt believe in gifts or curses and cant help wondering why Jack keeps turning up at crime scenes. Is there a happily-ever-after in Jacks future, or is that only the stuff of movies

Reviews

Jack is a likable character set in a clever plot. Yanskys writing is down to earth and entertaining. ... Teens looking for a good mystery with a paranormal twist will enjoy this one.
School Library Journal

Yanskys blend of mystery, the paranormal, and realism makes this novels setting truly unique. ... Jack is a likable guy... His adventures should appeal to paranormal, urban-fantasy, and romance fans.
Booklist Online

Yansky weaves two separate stories together... The mysterious deaths and Jacks concern over his parents possible divorce contribute intensity... Yanskys climactic ending leaves many loose strings, suggesting a sequel to come.
Publishers Weekly

Jacks narration is deceptively low-key and laconic, his slightly slackerish disaffection bringing a wry, M. T. Andersonesque note to this blend of noir and supernatural story. Yansky does a fine job of building the magical realism of Utopia and its combination of inhabitants who believe, those who dont believe, and those who make money off of pretending to believe at the local Nirvana College; the Midwestern solidity adds both ironic and unironic charm.... Readers building up their nerve for Andrew Smith will find this a pleasingly creepy and likably oddball outing.
Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

Readers will particularly enjoy the connections between current events and a famous film.
Literacy Daily

Nifty.
Kirkus Reviews

Funny cast of characters and clever dialogue.
School Library Connection

Author Bio

Brian Yansky is the author of Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences and its sequel, Homicidal Aliens and Other Disappointments, as well as Wonders of the World and My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World. He lives in Austin, Texas.