Phanton Limbs

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

At 16, Otis Mueller is carrying a lot of grief; grief over the death of his younger brother Mason 3 years ago, grief over the wonderful family life they had before Mason's death and grief over the loss of his best friend Meg who moved across the country after the loss of Mason. He has heard nothing from Meg since. Otis's friend Dara is grieving the loss of an arm and suffers phantom pains to an excruciating degree. She also has lost what could have been a brilliant swimming career. She is training Otis now with a vengeance and hoping that he will be good enough for the Olympics. The title is fitting as it seems everyone is in pain due to losses. With some strong blasphemy, drinking, drugging and sex this is definitely for older young adult readers. This author's first novel which boasts wonderfully rounded characters is well worth considering for young adult audiences.

Overall Book Score: very good