Far Away by Lisa Graff – OPTIONAL

Far Away by Lisa Graff, 266 pages. Philomel (Penguin), 2019 $17

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

CJ has an unusual life. She lives on the road with her Aunt Nic, who makes her living as a psychic medium –contacting spirits for their loved ones. CJ loves her life and especially her Aunt’s ability, which allows CJ’s dead mother to talk to her. When her mother ends their communication and says goodbye, CJ is determined to find an item that will allow her Aunt to still make contact, a tether. This starts her on a journey of discovery that turns her world upside down.

There is too much to give away by revealing more of the plot. Lisa Graff is an excellent author and this is no exception –the story moves at a great pace, with excellent characters and lots of surprises. That being said, I felt like young readers might not understand what the concept of mediums or if they did, not have a grasp on why people would be so desperate to talk to their dead relatives. (or any of the controversy about mediums). 




(Spoiler alert:) 





I have learned over the years that young readers don’t like to be tricked with 'fantasy books' that turn out to be just plain realistic fiction either.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.