A YA novel that hits all the right notes

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The Art of Escaping was a thoroughly pleasant read. It tells the story of Mattie, a young woman preparing for her final year of high school. She lives a mostly unremarkable life, but like most teenagers, she wants more. She has a secret fascination with the art of escapology and when a series of unexpected events reveals that the heir to a famous escapology act lives nearby, Mattie's life will change forever. She goes from a girl with one friend, to a star on a small but quirky stage, bringing crowds to their feet. She will struggle to keep her dual-life secret, all while making some new friends and generally kicking butt at life. This story has some truly excellent dialogue and you will find yourself chuckling often. The sentiments are perhaps more mature than a teen might express, but it will leave all who read it feeling sentimental for those times when finding your place in the world was terrifyingly exciting. The plot moves along quickly and the backstory of escapologists is fascinating. The characters are well-rounded and struggle with realistic issues facing today's young adults. This one might stay under the radar, but it is a winner in my book.