Book Review: Whisper

I’d love a cup of coffee. I wish she knew how pretty she was. I wish I could drop this kid in the dryer sometimes. I just want her to be happy. I hope she didn’t find out what Ben said about her. I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin…

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears a frightening whisper from Jessica’s own mind, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.–From Goodreads

Cover Inspection:
I absolutely love the smoky look of the title.

First Thoughts:
Joy is just too sweet!

***


My Review:
Let me tell you why I am smitten with this book! Beneath the surface, below all the Whispers, is the story of a young girl who is turning into an adult. More than anything I connected with Joy on the level of being a normal teenage girl. Joy reminded me of myself at her age. She has friend issues, a sister who drives her nuts, and is looking for her niche in a crazy school environment. Check, check and check! At its broadest level, Whisper is simply a book about coming of age and the trials that come along with that.

That being said, I loved every little thing about this story! Although “mind reading” has been dealt with before, I sincerely enjoyed the spin that Phoebe Kitanidis put on it in Whisper. Joy’s inability to select what it was she hears was refreshing. That’s the way I imagine it would be in a real world situation.

I fell in love with the relationship between Joy and her sister Icka (Jessica) too. Their relationship was perfectly true to life. Sisters who grew up, and grew apart. Sisters who love one another deeply, but don’t always get along. Sisters who argue and scream, but feel bad about it later. Perfect.

Joy is a wonderful protagonist to follow! She is sweet and funny, albeit a little awkward socially sometimes. Following her through her day to day actions was never boring, and I liked that as she grows in the story she never looses sight of who she really is. I also thought it was delightfully perfect that she uses her ability to make people feel better about themselves! Joy is definitely a character to fall in love with.

Overall Whisper is an exciting and extremely well written read! I’d highly recommend it if you haven’t gotten to it yet. It seems that Phoebe is hinting at a sequel and if that is the case then I cannot wait!

Book Details
Title: Whisper
Author: Phoebe Kitanidis
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: Hardcover; 281
Source: Around the World Tours

Final Rating: 5 Keys to My Heart
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