The Name Of The Star: Maureen Johnson

Overview: Aurora "Rory" Deveaux, originally from a small town in Louisiana, moves to London to go to boarding school. The day she arrives, a gruesome murder mimicking the first of the Jacker the Ripper crimes of 1888 occurs. In the following months, "Rippermania"takes over London as the Ripper-like crimes continue. Rory quickly becomes friends with her roommate, Jazza, and Jerome. After nearly choking at dinner one evening, Rory begins to see mysterious people that none of her friends can see. On the eve of one of the predicted Ripper attacks, Rory and Jazza sneak out of their dorm to see the London streets from the boys dorm and wait for the attack with Jerome. When climbing back into their room, Rory sees and talks to a strange man the Jazza cannot seem to see. The next morning, the Ripper's next victim appears in the middle of Rory's school's campus, and Rory finds herself caught up in a dangerous, supernatural mystery.

Review: Let me first say that I love Maureen Johnson. Her writing style is quirky and funny without being forced. Her characters are likable, interesting, and relatively believable, and none of them come off as whiny, even though it would be easy to take them in that direction.

This book had an interesting plot, with a spooky, supernatural sort of tone. It's a book for a rainy day (but aren't all books better when it's raining?), and curling up with a cup of tea and a mountain of blankets. That's how I read it, actually. In bed with darjeeling, sage honey, and 1% in my favorite mug. One of the things I liked about this book was its believability. Johnson writes about a real place with possible characters and events, and adds just one thing. You don't get caught up in a confusing supernatural world. Aside from the existence of ghosts, most of the events in the book could actually happen. Some stuff pertaining to the ghosts got a little far-fetched, but that is to be expected with any fantasy novel.

I recommend this book, as it is creative, amusing, and, while not exactly deep and existential, a worthwhile, quick read. Honestly, I'd recommend any of Johnson's books. The Name Of The Star is apparently the first in a series, and I will certainly be anticipated the newest installment.