Pearson, Mary E., Jenna Lamia, narrator.
Audio Book. Macmillan Young Listeners; Unabridged edition. 2008.
Summary
Jenna Fox has moved to California with her mother and grandmother. Her mother tells her that she has just recovered from an accident that left her in a coma for a year. She cannot remember the accident or her life before it. She cannot even remember her family. But things seem to be more complicated. Her grandmother is very unhappy about something, seemingly with Jenna herself. Her mother is anxious and controlling most of the time, not letting her out of the house. Her mother gives her a series of tapes to jog her memory and remember her past, and through those tapes Jenna sees what she grew up like, as her parents’ miracle, perfect in every way. As her story progresses, she uncovers more and more about herself, her life before the accident, and the accident herself. The shocking discoveries make her question her identity and what makes her human.
Critical Evaluation
The audio book version of Mary E. Pearson’s futuristic science fiction novel is haunting and engrossing. Jenna Lamia’s voice is perfect as the confused, vulnerable, yet detached voice of Jenna Fox. Many audio books make it difficult to relate to the book, especially young adult books that are told from the first-person point of view. In some audio books, the narration often makes it more difficult to relate to the novel by taking away the reader’s “inner voice.” However, Jenna Lamia’s narration is recognizably different from most audio books right from the start. She makes it much easier to relate to the narrator and to want to hear what she is saying.
The story itself is quite interesting, if not very intricate or dynamic. Jenna Fox’s story is mostly introspective, even though the book is of the normally action-packed futuristic science fiction genre. As Jenna finds out more about herself and her family’s decisions concerning her life, she explores many philosophical questions concerning identity. The book is a great pick for reluctant readers, because it is easy to follow, simple, yet suspenseful.
Reader’s Annotation
When Jenna Fox wakes up from a coma a year after an accident, she cannot remember the accident or her life before it. Slowly, she has to piece together her life and her identity.
About the Author
“I have always been enamored with story and character. My mother tells me I could be the most annoying little kid, waking up each day as a new character. Every morning she would have to ask me “who” I was for that day, because unless properly addressed I refused to answer anyone.
One time when I was about four years old, my parents were out shopping at Sears. They each thought the other had me by the hand when in fact I was exploring my own aisle (translation: I was lost!) Two salesladies found me and sat me on the counter, asking me my name so they could page my parents. I remember their consternation when I would only answer “Little Red Riding Hood.” They couldn’t shake my real name out of me no how, no way. I knew the value of persistence even then. My parents say they nearly fell over, when over the loud speaker they heard, “Would the parents of Little Red Riding Hood please come claim their child?” They knew exactly “who” was lost. These days I mostly wake up as myself, though I do seem to hang out with a lot of characters during the day.
Usually when people mention their education in their bios they only mention their college degrees, but to me, it is just as important what happened way before that. Wow–second grade! I will never forget Mrs. Alsenz. Boy, could she tell a great story! She would make them up and pretty soon have a classroom of wiggly kids exuberantly telling stories right along with her. And then there was Mrs. Bonsey in fourth grade. She always praised my writing and made a shy little girl feel like she might actually excel at something. And finally in twelfth grade came Mr. Kirk, crusty on the outside with a heart of gold on the inside, who loved the English language and taught his students to do the same. (Hey, Mr. Kirk, do you see me waving at ya?)
Later I went on to get a BFA from Long Beach State University in art. I worked for a time as an artist then started the most challenging job of my life–motherhood. Holy smokes, no one told me there would be no coffee breaks. But it is the most rewarding job I have ever had (watch out–I’ll start dragging out the pictures.)
Still later, I went to San Diego State University where I received my teaching credential. I went on to teach many different grades but it was my second grade students who pushed me back into writing. During Writing Workshop I would sit with them and write, loving the process, loving the stories, and lo and behold deciding I would love to return to my first love. That’s a whole lot of lovin’ going on and luckily for me I was able to do just that. Not that writing is easy. I have a huge stack of rejections to prove it, but I still have enough of that Little Red Riding Hood persistence in me to keep on going.
Now I write full time from my home in San Diego. My books to date are The Fox Inheritance, The Adoration of Jenna Fox, The Miles Between, A Room on Lorelei Street, Scribbler of Dreams, and David v. God. More are definitely on the way. “ – Mary E. Pearson Biography
Website: http://www.marypearson.com/index.html
Genre
Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties
English language
Booktalking Ideas
- Give a synopsis of the book from Jenna’s point of view, after the accident.
- Describe how Jenna wakes up without her memory, and everyone around her is acting strange.
Interest/Reading Level
Grade 9+/ATOS 3.8
Challenge Issues: mature themes (biotechnology)
Challenge Defense Ideas:
- Have a copy of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights to show/give to patron.
- In addition to, or in place of the above, explain library policy of inclusion of information that might be controversial. For example, Pasadena Public Library, Philosophy of Selection. Have a printed copy ready, with appropriate sections highlighted.
- Explain the parental rights and responsibilities with their children’s library use. Explain the different card designations and the parents’ right to monitor or restrict borrowing of materials.
- Depending on the library’s policy, either have paperwork to fill out for formal challenges, or the contact information of those who handle challenges.
- Give examples of book reviews from School Library Journal, Library Journal, or BookList. Note any awards that the book received.
Reasons for Inclusion
Teen Picks 