“Trading Secrets” by Melody Carlson is a sort of mix between
the films “You’ve Got Mail” and “Witness” for teens, but without the suspense
or secrecy. It does not take long for Micah to reveal to her pen pal that she
is really a girl and not a boy as she let him believe in her letters. The plot
of the book revolves more around her spring break with his Amish family after
she tells the truth and finds herself stuck in an unwelcome environment.
Since Micah is only 17 and Zach only 18, the romance is not
fully able to take off, which is why I say this book is written more for
teenagers. We all know that the book will end well, but not with a marriage or
proposal. The ending does leave room for a sequel or series, though.
The novel is an enjoyable read, but nothing too special.
Just the usual light fair for when there’s nothing much better to read. What
really bugs me, though, is Carlson’s use of the present tense in her first
person narration. I have never cared for this style, and, personally, I would
want to know that a book is written in that style before choosing to read it or
not. So for all those who agree with me, this is your warning. I have read
present tense books before that I surprisingly enjoyed. But this was not one of
them. It was a pleasant enough read, but there was not much to the plot and the
book did not make me want to run out and buy another Melody Carlson novel to
read. But if you like teenage novels, you’ll still probably love “Trading
Secrets.”
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for
my honest review.
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