A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

Laura Whitcomb's debut young adult novel is an impressive addition to relevant teen literature. Capturing the story of two ghosts who call themselves "Light" who come to inhabit bodies that have been abandoned by their former owners, Ms Whitcomb highly styled writing is both eerie and elegant. While, admittedly, this is not fast paced action packed novel, enough "events" take place to keep the reader interested. The only real downside of this book is the feeling of foreboding that strikes in the middle and leaves the reader dreading the tragic event that is surely lurking around the next page. Gratefully, despite the overdone melodrama, said tragic event never really comes and the ending is happy, if brief.

There are a few sticky spots in this book that require the reader to push on through to the finish, but it never gets dull enough that you decide to leave the book unfinished and instead donate it to the library. However, it never really gets lively enough for a reread either. In fact, although I did purchase this book and read it in one day, it has already found its way into the donate bag that has taken up residence at the top of the stairs.

As a caution to young readers, this book does have some mildly explicit sex scenes and addresses some unsettling family issues such as abuse, drug use, infidelity, hypocrisy, etc. There are very few warm fuzzy moments in this book and while it has a happy ending, you must first wade through the mud of unhappiness that surrounds the main characters in this book.

Overall, I would recommend this book for mature young adults and I would recommend checking it out from the library rather than purchasing it for your collection.