Return to Me

November 26, 2012
Chen (North of Beautiful) delivers an uplifting story of a teen whose sixth sense proves to be a blessing, not the curse she thinks. Recent high school graduate Reb Muir has a feeling of foreboding about her family’s decision to move from Seattle to New Jersey the summer before she is to attend Columbia University. Disaster comes in threes shortly after the move: Reb bombs an interview for an
architectural internship; her father’s affair comes to light, further upending the family; and Reb questions her long-distance relationship with her boyfriend. At loose ends, Reb, her younger brother, and their mother take refuge with Grandpa George at a Hawaiian inn he’s built. There, Reb reconnects with her passions and dreams, learns to embrace her premonitions, and formulates an exciting new plan for herself. Celebrating the healing power of positive environments (exemplified by Reb’s passion for tree houses and other special spaces that can foster healing), Chen’s novel has a soothing aura that grows stronger as family members reunite and their hopes are realized. Ages 12–up. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

As this audiobook begins, Rebecca Muir lives in an almost perfect world. Her mother; her father, an architect; and her younger brother, who is writing a graphic novel, are vividly captured in Therese Plummer's lively narration. Reb's world crumbles, however, when she discovers her father, whom she has idolized, is having an affair. She's shaken by this betrayal and begins to question her own choices. Plummer's insight into the teenager's character portrays the depth and breadth of the emotional turmoil that now colors her world. As this coming-of-age story unfolds, Plummer's gifted portrayal of all of the characters will engage both young adult and adult listeners. E.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine