A Northern Light Book Review Bookapalooza Entry Hannah Cross 10th Honors English

Who wrote it? What’s it about? ● Written by: Jennifer Donnelly ● Summary: Mattie Gokey is a sixteen year old girl whose dreams are of finishing high school, going to college in New York, and becoming a writer. However, these dreams get put on hold as a mysterious murder case turns up at the hotel where Mattie works. A young woman is found drowned in the hotel and through all the events that follow in the murder case Mattie is able to find her voice as a writer and is determined to live her own life.

Strengths ● This book weaves together romance, history, and a mysterious murder seamlessly into one book. ● The history in the book is detailed and seems reliable. ● Overall, it’s a page turner that keeps you wanting to read more and it was very interesting and engaging.

Weaknesses

● There aren’t many weaknesses in this book besides the first few chapters where the scene is being set, it gets a little boring but overall it’s a great book.

Personal Experience ● I think this book is very relatable to me personally, mainly because I am the same age as the main character. I’ve never been a part of a murder case but I do relate to the idea of wanting to graduate from high school and go to college and just begin my life, my future. I think in that sense it relates to many teenagers our age who are approaching those same decisions and events in our lives.

My Opinion ● Overall, I enjoyed the book very much. This book gives you a little taste of every genre and leaves you wanting to read what happens next. I was happy with the ending because I believe it ended on a fairly happy note. I would definitely recommend this book because it has a little bit of everything in it so it appeals to many readers.

You’ll enjoy this book if... ● If you enjoy mystery, romance, or history then this is the book for you! It has enough historical facts to keep the book reliable but not boring. It also gives you a little side romance if you enjoy romance novels as well as a mysterious murder case if mysteries are your kind of read! ● A similar book to this one is called Revolver, written by Marcus Sedgwick. It is similar because it too is a book about a murder and the mysteries that follow.