The Journal of Curious Letters (The 13th Reality)

The Journal of Curious Letters

(Part of The 13th Reality series)

By James Dashner

Illustrated by: Bryan Beus

Price: $7.99

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 528 pages

Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (December 22, 2009)

Language: English

Read more at: http://www.the13threality.com/

Description: What if every time you made a choice that had a significant consequence, a new, alternate reality was created -- the life that would've been? What if those new Realities were in danger? What if it fell to you to save all the realities?

Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, is a regular thirteen-year-old boy living a regular life until the day a strange letter arrives in his mailbox. Postmarked from Alaska and cryptically signed with the initials "M.G.," the letter informs Tick that dangerous -- perhaps even deadly -- events have been set in motion that could result in the destruction of reality itself. M.G. promises to send Tick twelve riddles that will reveal that on a certain day, at a certain time, at a certain place, something extraordinary will happen.

Will Tick have the courage to follow the twelve clues M.G. sends to him? Will he be able to solve the riddles in time? As M.G. warns Tick, very frightening things are coming your way. Will you join Tick and his friends on an amazing journey through the Realities? What will your choice be?

My take:  Is it just me or has the Young Adult Fiction market just exploded lately? I wonder if the monster success of Harry Potter and the Twilight series just opened some door to allow the publishing of all these other outstanding Y.A. fiction novels. Regardless of why, it's a wonderful trend to be able to reap the benefits from, no matter your age. Like the other Y.A. I've been reading from Simon and Schuster recently, The Journal of Curious Letters is a real page-turner. I know, that is an old hackneyed expression used far too often, but it really applies in this case; I lost a lot of sleep over this one as I stayed up late one night trying to finish. While this book's premise relies on the science of quantum physics, you don't need to actually be a physicist to understand and enjoy the book - Mr. Dashner does an awesome job at explaining what you need to know through his characters. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. I love his descriptive manner of writing - he literally paints the tale right in front of your eyes. It's safe to say I've already got the next two books in the series on my Amazon wish list too - I cannot wait to see what happens to brave Tick and his friends. What about M.G. and Mistress Jane - their paths are sure to cross again soon - and what of that strange power of Tick's - will it be explained? Can it be? I'm literally on the edge of my seat - and you will be too - I encourage you to pick up all three available books in the 13th Reality Series at one time so you won't have to wait like I am!

About the author (by the author): James Dashner was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in the Rocky Mountains with his wife and kids. He always had the dream to be a full time author, and it finally came true in 2008. He's currently loving every minute of it (he'll let you know if he gets sick of writing and needs a job).

He did several books with a small publisher before breaking onto the national scene with THE 13TH REALITY series and THE MAZE RUNNER (a lead title for Random House in Fall 2009). Learn more by checking out his website, http://www.jamesdashner.com/.

The giveaway: FIVE lucky winners will win their own copy of The Journal of Curious Letters, courtesy of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing! [US ADDRESSES ONLY PLEASE]

To win: Leave a comment here telling me something you learned about James Dashner from his interview on Simon & Schuster's website.  Be sure to leave your email address with your comment if you are not a blogger or your email is not easily found on your blog. This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m., EST, Tuesday, April 20, 2010.  Good Luck!

Bonus entries: Get up to 10 extra entries for a total of 11 entries (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

• Follow James Dashner on Twitter @jamesdashner (leave a comment here with your twitter id)
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This review was sponsored by the Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing who provided the books for review and giveaway. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary book.