The Art of Escape deals with a truly unique concept, escapism. The author writes from the viewpoint of two characters: Mattie the escape artist who is very shy and introverted, and Will who is her partner-in-crime. She does an okay job of creating different voices for each character, though at times it may take a second to realize who is talking if you are not paying attention.
The story itself is an average tale of a shy, yet pretty female teen and an outgoing, handsome athletic male teen and their unlikely friendship. There are also supporting characters such as the popular and beautiful best friend and the geeky, technically proficient friend.
The concept, though, is fun! Mattie loves a subject that few know about, escapology, and gets a reclusive woman to help her. This recluse is the most interesting part of the story. The recluse's mom was a famous escape artist and she learned her mom's tricks, which she eventually teaches Mattie.
Unfortunately, the reclusive woman is only glossed over. She is snarky and hilarious, with a quick wit. However, the story only uses her sparingly. The real story is about Mattie and Will discovering who they are. And while that is important, it is a played out trope.
I suppose I would be easier on the author if she didn't have such an interesting character in the book. The recluse and the diary entries could have been used much better and created a backdrop to the story that could have been phenomenal. I guess I am just upset by the missed opportunity.
The story itself is an average tale of a shy, yet pretty female teen and an outgoing, handsome athletic male teen and their unlikely friendship. There are also supporting characters such as the popular and beautiful best friend and the geeky, technically proficient friend.
The concept, though, is fun! Mattie loves a subject that few know about, escapology, and gets a reclusive woman to help her. This recluse is the most interesting part of the story. The recluse's mom was a famous escape artist and she learned her mom's tricks, which she eventually teaches Mattie.
Unfortunately, the reclusive woman is only glossed over. She is snarky and hilarious, with a quick wit. However, the story only uses her sparingly. The real story is about Mattie and Will discovering who they are. And while that is important, it is a played out trope.
I suppose I would be easier on the author if she didn't have such an interesting character in the book. The recluse and the diary entries could have been used much better and created a backdrop to the story that could have been phenomenal. I guess I am just upset by the missed opportunity.