Dear Reader

Only being published this year, Mary O'Connell's Dear Reader is a fairly new addition to the young adult fantasy genre. However, don't let that deter you, as O'Connell's novel is a tender, 'coming-of-age', ode to the much-loved classic, Wuthering Heights. When a student discovers her favorite teacher is missing, she discovers a clue to her whereabouts in her teacher's copy of the famous Wuthering Heights, which subsequently turns into a 'live-time' version of the teacher's journal. These clues take her to New York where she meets a boy who is so obscure, he almost seems to have jumped out of the pages of Bronte's Wuthering Heights. While the fantasy aspect of this novel is subtle, the book-magic that O'Connell incorporates into her tale is just enough to satisfy any fantasy nut. O'Connell's whimsical yet concise writing style along with the fast-paced and enigmatic plot make this novel an ultimately fantastic read.  If, like most people, you find it impossible to even finish half of a classic Bronte novel, do not fear, as O'Connell's world makes Wuthering Heights references mostly accessible and easy to follow. O'Connell's plot feels original and highly relatable, particularly for high school graduates and those looking to 'find themselves' before starting college.