[REVIEW] The Adoration of Jenna Fox – Mary E. Pearson

Mary E. Pearson
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Henry Holt and Co. (29th April 2008)
Hardcover ISBN-10: 0805076689 ISBN-13: 978-0805076684
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This is not Mary E. Pearson’s first novel. I remember reading A Room on Lorelei Street, and at the time I enjoyed it. But in hindsight, it pales in comparison to the brilliance of Adoration. This will be the author’s breakout novel, no doubt about it.

The less you know about this novel before reading, the more powerful it is. But if you only read one young adult novel this year, make it this one. The author has taken the themes of identity, family, friends and bioethics, and has spun them into one unforgettable read. I like my urban fantasy to be as believable as possible, and Adoration does this, and more. Mostly what I loved about it was the science involved – that I can believe in.

But if you really must have an idea of the plot: Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox awakes from a coma and has lost some important memories. But they come back, and lead into an investigation of her life that brings up some big questions.

The novel has been optioned for a film. I can certainly see why. It is simply astounding, brilliant and completely realistic.