Review: The Waters and the Wild

Title: The Waters & the Wild
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Publication date: June 2nd, 2009

Summary:
When Bee woke up, there was a girl standing in her room. 'You are me,' the girl said. Then she was gone.

Thus begins thirteen-year-old Bee's discovery that her life is not what she thought it was. In this compellingly eerie new teen novel from critically acclaimed writer Francesca Lia Block, Bee's never felt like she really belongs in this world. When she encounters her dark and ethereal double, she realizes she may be right...

Review:
It started with Bee seeing her doppelganger, and trying to find out more information from a boy named Haze, who believes his father was an alien and so he must be too. She also meets Sarah, a girl who believes she's a reincarnation of a slave from the 1800's. Together, they form a friendship and realize that Bee must be a changeling, and someone is trying to get her back to where they think she belongs.

This was a quick read, I read it in one sitting. But it was very enjoyable. I love the topic of it, and the ideas of doppelgangers and changelings and similar things. It starts out as seemingly normal, but turns into something fun and magical and dark all at the same time. It was mostly fantasy (turning invisible/flying, etc) but was real (crashing parties, etc). The writing was simple but descriptive and captivating, and the story was somewhat fun but eerie.

I loved the relationship between Bee, Haze, and Sarah. They were all kind of outcasts before, but when they came together they seemed to fit just right. The ending made me a bit sad, but I won't spoil it for you! Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, but still had a great effect. If you liked Francesca Lia Block's other books, or something like Tithe/Valiant, you'd definitely like The Waters & the Wild.

Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Originality: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Overall grade: B