Possessing Jessie

A latest work by the two-time Edgar-winning author of the Enola Holmes mysteries offers the psychologically charged tale of a teenage girl who is possessed by the spirit of her dead brother.

From School Library Journal

Gr 7-10–Jessie is grief-stricken after her brother's death. Her mother has become unresponsive, refusing to eat, and has not spoken to Jessie since the accident. All her life, the teen has failed to win her mother's attention and now she has an idea. Become Jason, dressing in his clothes, adopting his speech patterns and strut. At first it is difficult but as time goes by, it becomes easier especially since her mother is finally talking and paying attention to her. The more Jessie pretends, the more Jason's persona comes forth, until finally she has no choice. Jason, the more dominate sibling, is trying to reclaim his life. The ending is abrupt, leaving readers with an eerie, creepy feeling. Springer has written a twisted story, and while characterization is weak and the story line can be frustrating for those readers who need resolution, this tightly woven novel is fast-paced and will be of interest to readers who like light horror.Sharon Morrison, Henry G. Bennett Memorial Library, Durant, OK© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

Jessie feels guilty for the car crash that killed her popular younger brother, Josh. Partly out of grief, and partly to force her mother to communicate with her, Jessie begins to wear Josh’s clothes, carry his backpack, and talk like him. The more she behaves like him, the more Jessie takes on her brother’s persona. Eventually, pretending to be Josh is no longer a matter of choice, as Jessie discovers her brother is trying to take back his life. The only person who recognizes that things are spiraling out of control is Jessie’s friend Alisha. Unfortunately, her halfhearted attempt to contact the siblings’ long-absent father for help ends unsuccessfully, a turn of events that may leave readers frustrated. Jessie’s initial motivation, to imitate her brother, is believable and understandable, and the premise of this slim volume immediately hooks readers, reluctant or otherwise. However, readers looking for a thrilling page-turner about possession will likely be disappointed, especially with the abrupt ending. Grades 7-10. --Shauna Yusko

About the Author

Nancy Springer, born 1948 in New Jersey, U.S., teaches creative writing at York College in Pennsylvania. She has written more than thirty SF and mystery novels, many with horses in them. She wrote Somebody, Blood Trail, and Separate Sisters, and the Enola Holmes Mysteries. She live in Florida.

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