The Reader by Traci Chee - OPTIONAL

Chee, Traci  The Reader, (#1 Sea of Ink and Gold), 437 pgs.  G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2016.  $19.99 

Content: Language: G; Violence: PG-13; Mature Content: PG.  

Sefia lives with her aunt named Nin.  They have been on the run ever since Sefia’s father was violently murdered.  The people who killed Sefia’s dad, are looking for a book that Sefia’s father has given her for safe keeping.  When Nin is taken by those who were chasing them, Sefia has to learn how to read the book in the hopes that she will be able to find her aunt Nin.  Along the way she rescues an abused boy that she names Archer and they encounter pirates.  

This book has a lot going on-a few story lines, many characters and multiple dimensions.  Eventually it comes together and makes for an interesting story, but I’m not sure many teen readers would stick with the story.  The violence is torture and amputated limbs.  

MS, HS – OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.