Some Quiet Place

May 27, 2013
Sutton sets a high bar in her YA debut, challenging readers to empathize with a protagonist who has no emotions. Elizabeth Caldwell’s best friend is dying of cancer, one of the cutest boys in school loves her, and her alcoholic father beats her—but Elizabeth doesn’t care about any of it. Her only meaningful interactions are with the Emotions, immortal personifications of the feelings she can’t experience. With them, she does not have to pretend, as she must when she tries to muster believable social responses. The only Emotion who hasn’t given up on her is beautiful, passionate Fear. He’s not above tormenting her with graphic hallucinations, but he’s also intent on uncovering the mystery behind her coldness. Then the quest turns from a private parlor game into a matter of life or death for Elizabeth. Sutton’s plot unfolds slowly, and some scenes may unsettle more sensitive readers—neither Fear nor Elizabeth’s father pulls his punches—but most teens will find this a haunting and fresh psychological thriller. Ages 13–up. Agent: Beth Miller, Writers House.

May 15, 2013
Haunting, chilling and achingly romantic, Sutton's debut novel for teens will keep readers up until the wee hours, unable to tear themselves away from this strange and beautifully crafted story. Elizabeth Caldwell can't feel emotions, yet she sees them everywhere, human in appearance, standing alongside their "summons." Guilt and Worry flank the mother of a dying friend. Resentment grips the shoulder of her bruised and battered mother. Elizabeth can see them, acknowledge their power and even speak to them, but ever since the night of a terrible car accident when she was 4, the only sensation Elizabeth is capable of mustering is a numb nothingness. The only emotion that still bothers to come calling is Fear, a menacing and surprisingly seductive suitor who seems as determined as Elizabeth to uncover the truth behind who and what she truly is--no matter what the cost. Elizabeth may not be able to feel, but her novel-long dance with Fear is as sexy and intense as any couple's in recent memory. This is a testament to Elizabeth's brilliantly crafted narrative voice. Reminiscent of Death in Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, she shares her story with the cold detachment of the emotionless yet still manages to convey the urgent and desperate nature of her search for the truth. Chills and goose bumps of the very best kind accompany this haunting, memorable achievement. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)

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October 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-Elizabeth Caldwell knows something terrible must have happened when she was a small child. There was a car accident that no one will discuss with her. Her mother has all but disowned her, and her abusive, alcoholic father is determined to keep her under his control. Since the age of five, Elizabeth has seen emotions as human forms hovering beside the people around her but they have no effect on her. Most of her peers consider her a freak; a few believe they can see beyond her stoic demeanor, and they are the most troublesome to her. The only emotion still trying to rouse a reaction from her is the handsome, seductive Fear, whose constant appearances in her life encourage her to try to solve the mystery of her recurring dreams. Gradually, Elizabeth becomes aware of feelings trying to break through her seemingly impenetrable wall of nothingness. Her dreams become more like memories, and a strengthening sense of unease takes the physical form of Nightmare. He is bent on destroying her, but not before she reveals to him information that she cannot provide until she discovers what happened to her 13 years earlier. Sutton provides a creative and refreshingly original approach to the supernatural genre with well-developed characters and rich description. While certain elements of the story lack thorough explanation, this intense roller-coaster ride of palpable emotions and suspense will keep readers engrossed from start to finish.-Cary Frostick, Library of Virginia

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