Hi everyone, this week’s post is a review of a quirky and moving book I found some time ago. The edition I read had a different cover but the story still lingers in my memories. I hope you enjoy this read and getting to know young Circa and her family…
Title: Circa now
Author: Amber McRee Turner
Genre: Fiction – contemporary
Publication details: Disney-Hyperion Books; NY, 2014
ISBN: 9781423176398 (Hardcover)
What this book is about: Twelve-year-old Circa Monroe has a knack for restoring old photographs. It’s a skill she learned from her dad, who loves old pictures and putting fun digital twists on them. One day, her father receives a strange phone call requesting an urgent delivery, and he heads out into a storm. The unimaginable happens: a tornado, then a terrible accident, and Circa never sees her dad again. Just as Circa and her mom begin to pick up the pieces, a mysterious boy named Miles shows up on their doorstep with no memory of his past. The only thing he has with him is the photograph that Circa’s dad intended to deliver on the day he died. As Circa tries to help Miles recover his identity, she begins to notice something strange happening around her. The mystery of Miles and the photos her father retouched are intertwined, and Circa has to figure out what’s real and what’s an illusion…
My review: What a lovely and touching story! One of loss, hope and courage. I really liked the characters and setting of this tale. The hardship endured by Circa and her mother after the loss of her father is something that any child shouldn’t ever have to endure. The description and prose has been expertly crafted along with witty dialogue between the children!! At times it can be a bit funny, but then you remember what’s happened. I took my time reading this book and savouring the story!! The retouched photographs scattered throughout the book gave the story another layer and element to enjoy! This is better suited for older tweens.
My rating: 5 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 