Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Decent start to girl-who-hears-others'-thoughts series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Becca can hear whispers -- bits of other people's thoughts. When she discovers that her stepfather has committed a terrible crime, she and her mom go on the run to hide from him. Her mother puts Becca on a boat to Whidbey Island, near Seattle, and sets off for Canada to set up a safe new home. But the plan goes awry right from the start, and Becca finds herself completely alone, cut off from her mother and any support. Becca starts to carve out a fragile existence, befriending a talented musician who dropped out of school and a popular boy adopted from Uganda. But she soon finds herself enmeshed in a mystery that strains her new friendships -- and puts her in danger.
Is It Any Good?
THE EDGE OF NOWHERE is mystery writer Elizabeth George's first novel for younger readers, and it's a long but decent yarn. The supernatural aspect adds complexity without overwhelming the narrative. George visits the story from the perspective of multiple characters, some of whom seem likely to play larger roles in future installments.
That said, even aside from Becca's ability to hear people's thoughts, the plot lacks credibility. Character motivation can be muddy to downright baffling, but George makes an effort to give each person some depth and surprising facets. Hopefully Becca will grow and mature as the series continues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Becca's ability to hear "whispers" -- other people's thoughts. Do you think it's an important part of the story or a way for the author to hook into the popularity of teen books with paranormal elements?
Families can also talk about Becca's decisions. She's scared and on her own at the age of 14. Does she make good choices? What about her mother's choices?
Why do you think the author focuses on Becca's body image? What do you think of the way the issue is handled here?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking
- Publication date : September 4, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 448
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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