A.J. Steiger

When Eddie finally gives up on life, he stumbles upon a mystery that gives him a reason to live another day. That mystery is a desperate cry for help from a woman he almost sees. The notebook she leaves behind sends him down a dangerous and magical rabbit hole that forces him to examine his life at every twist and turn.

This riveting tale manages to balance creepy and heartwarming in a blend that kept me turning pages. After I finished, I wanted to keep reading and hearing Steiger's deft show more voice in my head. show less

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: for young adults in 12th grade and beyond
Level: Upper High School; New Adult

Alvie is 17, has Asperger's Syndrome, and is hoping that having a job and her own apartment will prove that she is ready for emancipation. When Alvie sees Stanley in the park, she is intrigued by him, and begins corresponding with him online. Stanley has a condition which makes his bones break easily, osteogenesis imperfecta, but he is equally intrigued by Alvie, show more and soon they meet in person. Alvie's Asperger's Syndrome is only one aspect of who she is. Years of abuse and neglect in the foster system--as well as what happened when her mother died--have given her PTSD, which she has to learn to deal with. Stanley is also suffering from PTSD, which is a bond that both ties them together and threatens to tear them apart. Both have a lot to learn about who they are and what it means to be in a relationship, but ultimately they learn that they are stronger together.

There was a lot to like about this book. Alvie and Stanley were both portrayed in a realistic and honest way, and both characters were lovable for different reasons. At times, they made horrible choices, but part of the author's message, I think, is that bad choices are necessary for growth and self-discovery. While I can't really recommend it for students in my middle/high school due to some frank sexual experiences, I would recommend it to young adults in 12th grade and beyond. show less

This is a story of two people with differences that make them outcasts in the real world but when they find each other suddenly they realize they don't have to be alone.

Normally, I'd be put off by a 19 year old showing interest in a 17 year old but I'm going to go in defense of this one. Alvie and Stanley are in the same stages of life. She's not some high schooler worried about applying to college in her junior year, in fact, she's already got her GED. And Stanley isn't some worldly show more experienced guy, he might be in college but he's never had a girlfriend. They both want to prove to themselves that they're capable of sharing a human connection with someone else regardless of their circumstances.

The question is: is this really a YA contemporary novel? Because to me, it felt more like that weird New Adult genre where the main characters aren't old enough to make this adult fiction but it's not exactly teen angst with a mix of high school drama.

The book cover was very misleading, at least to me. It looked like one of those tumblr minimalist aesthetics so I thought it was going to be a cheesy romance. I've just got to say, thankfully, that the sex didn't come across as some smutty fanfic so that was a surprise. The budding relationship was so real and nicely paced that I liked where it went.

I really liked how Alvie was not broken because of her autism but rather her childhood trauma. I think that was something really important to highlight especially because of the adults with authority that tried to make that the main source of her problems. And Stanley becoming aware of his body and accepting it was just as satisfying.

I'm a prude so I would never admit to anyone that I read and enjoyed this but if it wasn't I wasn't I would totally recommend this *hint hint nudge nudge* show less

Should someone be allowed to have their memories modified if they believe that it will result in a better life for them?

That’s the question posed in AJ Steiger’s novel, MINDWALKER. And let me tell you, whatever you’re thinking now will be challenged over and over again while you read this book.

I read a lot, as you probably know. But this book was one that I looked forward to being able to pick back up all day – seriously, it’s that good. With short, easy to read chapters I never show more felt like I was going to spend too long on any one section but then I would look up and it’d be an hour later and I’d have put away another 5 chapters. If you ask me, that’s a sign of a very good book.

In MINDWALKER, we get to know a young girl named Lain who is training to become a mindwalker. A mindwalker is a highly trained specialist who goes into the minds of their patient in order to alter or erasure memories. But it isn’t always as simple as performing a standard procedure. As we get to know Lain better, we learn of her familial connection to the beginning of mindwalking and how that affects her when she is approached by someone she has been forbidden from seeing for help.

Faced with deciding whether to go against her training and help out a new friend knowing that if she does, she will be forgotten from his mind completely or whether to play by the rules and live with the guilt that comes from not helping others, Lain must choose wisely – but it’s by no means an easy choice.

Stalking, brainwashing, lies, deceit, love, and some past-paced action will have you unable to put this book down. Trust me on this one, each twist and turn – often at each turn of the page – will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, something totally plot altering would happen and I would have to keep reading in order to know what happened.

I was both relieved and sad when I reached the end of this one. Relieved because everything works out for either good or bad. But the ending is fulfilling which is something that I love. But sad because throughout this book I became so attached to the characters that I feel I could have continued to follow them for longer even though I was left with a basic idea of what was going to come of them.

If you love dystopian novels that somehow resonate profoundly with the present, pick up this book today. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s the perfect weekend read. show less