The Visitor

The second Animorphs book is narrated by Rachel, who was one of my favourite characters when I was younger. I'm not sure how much I buy all her protestations that it's what's in your head that matters or whatever, for the characterisation of a pretty teenage girl who doesn't even realise her second best friend is going through hell... But I guess I did buy it when I was younger. Rachel's kinda ideal, really, as a character to relate to -- her family isn't perfect, her parents are divorced, so she isn't quite too good to be true, and she's smart and beautiful and trying to do the right thing.

I kind of forgot how character focused these books are. Rachel and Jake both have Human-Controllers in their family, and have to struggle with that aspect of the fight. So does another character, I'm pretty sure I remember that rightly, but we don't know that by this point. Cassie doesn't seem to have much angst in that way, it's true. But all of them have personal issues to deal with along with the fighting. It's not quite as action packed as I thought it was.

It's kinda realistic that the kids don't know how the hell to start fighting a war. It kinda feels like, at this point in the books, you don't see how they're ever going to get a handle on it. There's so much they don't know. Just surviving is a huge victory -- and that's all they do in the first two books. This book shows us a very little more about the Yeerks -- a little of their culture, I suppose, with us finding out what their names are like and that it seems quite hierarchical... But ultimately, nothing much is won.

Fun and quick to read, doesn't require much thought. Not exactly full of subtlety, though there are some touching and emotional bits -- I quite like the scene where Rachel realises she can't trust anyone, not even her little sister... I remember how much I used to root for certain characters getting together -- Cassie and Jake, of course, and Rachel and Tobias... I'm looking forward to finding out how it all ends, and whether those characters do get that.

Again, rating mostly reflects how I felt about it as a kid, though I did like it quite a bit as a quick trashy read even now. ( )

Animorphs was a good series that kept me reading. Enjoyed these as a kid. ( )

Back in the day, this was actually the first Animorphs book I bought and read. I have no idea why, as I I was (and am) a bit obsessive about always reading/playing/watching the first instalment of a series first, but in any case, Rachel was the one who introduced me to Andalites, Yeerk and the idea of turning into a kitty - or a shrew.

I don't know how often I read and reread the book as a young teen; I thought the scene towards the end with Chapman-the-human was very powerful. Rereading it now, I note that The Visitor's scale is definitely smaller than that of The Invasion, but that's nothing to hold against it: For Rachel here, it's not so much about a big ideal like saving the world, it's about saving one of her best friend from losing her family in more ways than one. It's a personal story, and I think it's good that the series brings it up so early. Got to know what these kids are fighting for.

I was a little annoyed at Rachel's instance on pitying Tobias but other than that, I enjoyed her narration and the differences from Jake's - she's more obviously reckless, she's the one with a streak for vengance. One thing I'm getting a bit tired of (for both narrators) are the many, many instances where the narration goes as follows:
"Oh, it's nothing, just the usual" I said, and thought, "Like turning into animals, fighting aliens that control your brain... you know, the usual."
It's funny the first few time's but it's getting old.

Favourite scenes: Rachel and her sister after Rachel wakes from a nightmare, and Rachel talking about it with Jake on the bus. Also the aforementioned scene with Chapman. ( )

Jake's Review: There was a little too much talking and not enough action in this one, I think maybe because it was narrated by a girl. (Mom's note: points for knowing the word narrated, smack upside the head for the sexist comment). There was lots of funny and gross stuff which I liked. Liked the part where Jake turns into a lion. I don't like the Taxxon dudes because they are super scary. I think this would be awesome if they remade it into a movie or TV show -- not like the old one you showed me. Hopefully the next story will be told by Marco -- you are going to buy me more of the series right mom. (Mom's note: darn straight I will, I have to make sure you become a lifelong reader -- unlike some other male members of this family)
Jake's Rating: 9/10

Mom's Review: I can see why Jake didn't like this one as much as the first story, it s narrated by a girl. There is also a lot less action than in the introductory story. That being said, I enjoyed it more than the first one. Found it fascinating when the kids morphed into the animals and described their experiences as the animal. Sort of a way of teaching the kids something, but not having them realize it. I think this will be a great series for both boys and girls, as long as they keep switching the narration up. I never read the Animorphs series before, so I don't know if these are just reprints or updated stories. What is nice if it is just a reprint, the stories are told in such a way that it won't become dated. I Like that there are strong female characters in it. That's right lovely son, chicks can and do kick a**. A good continuation of the story and I actually look forward to reading the rest of the series. That is right followers -- I have never grown up.
Mom's Rating: 9/10

We received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review ( )

Cause & Effect, Story Elements