Books › 1-800-Where-R-You
1-800-Where-R-You
When Lightning Strikes
272 pages
A snarky, fast-paced romp about a tough-as-nails teenager who accidentally acquires a superpower and wants absolutely nothing to do with it.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping straight into the golden era of early 2000s young adult fiction, complete with a fiercely independent, combat-boot-wearing heroine who would rather sit in detention than save the world. The narrative moves at a brisk, highly entertaining clip, driven by a first-person voice that is relentlessly snarky, deeply conversational, and surprisingly vulnerable. It balances the lighthearted, humorous angst of high school social dynamics with the genuine tension of a missing persons mystery. The atmosphere is energetic and slightly suspenseful, never taking itself too seriously while still delivering real stakes. It is an absolute delight for readers who love reluctant heroes, witty banter, and the nostalgic charm of a teenager trying to hide a massive secret from her Midwestern family.
- Mood
- energetic
- lightly suspenseful
- nostalgic
- Tone
- snarky
- irreverent
- conversational
- humorous
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- reluctant heroism · teenage rebellion · burden of responsibility · finding one's purpose
- The writing
- The narrative is delivered in a snappy, highly conversational first-person voice dripping with teenage sarcasm.
- The arc
- The protagonist moves from fiercely guarding her rebellious independence to reluctantly embracing a dangerous, life-altering responsibility.
- Who it's for
- Anyone who delights in early 2000s YA nostalgia, sassy tomboy heroines, and fast-paced paranormal mysteries.
Content notes
- missing children
- kidnapping
- mild violence
About the book
Jess Mastriani has never been what you'd call a typical Midwestern teenager—her extracurricular activities, instead of cheerleading or 4-H, include fist-fights with the football team and month-long stints in detention. A part of Jess would like to be the prom queen her mother has always envisioned her being, but another part is secretly counting the days until she's saved up enough money to buy her own Harley.
Then something happens that guarantees Jess will be one of the in-crowd...at least until her newfound talent ends up getting her dead.
Description from Open Library.
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