Noggin

Whaley's such a talented writer, he deserves a bigger readership; his books are about complicated characters, but his language is crisp and easy to follow (and often hilarious). It's difficult to read second novels from outstanding debut authors; readers understandably believe that the sophomore effort can't be nearly as good as the first. But John Corey Whaley joins the ranks of esteemed writers such as Melina Marchetta, Rainbow Rowell, Andrew Smith, and Patrick Ness -- all YA authors who proved they were not one-hit wonders. Whaley once again focuses on a male protagonist going through a crisis readers can't personally relate to but will still empathize with because of his layered, emotional journey. Travis Coates is an ordinary teen going through something so extraordinary only one other person in the world -- a thirtysomething dad named Lawrence (the only other reanimated man to survive) -- has experienced. But we're right there with Travis as he adjusts to (and revels in) his awesome new body, gets reacquainted with his parents and his best friend Kyle (now a closeted gay college student), and misguidedly tries to win Cate back as his true love.

Travis' story doesn't have a pat ending that will satisfy readers looking for high romance or happily-ever-afters. But teens (and parents) looking for a compelling read about a future medical possibility that doesn't seem all that far-fetched will be rewarded with rich characterization, teen humor, heartache, and a valuable lesson that happiness doesn't always mean getting everything you want but rather enjoying the healthy life you have to live.