Jek/Hyde

August 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-This update of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde includes diverse characters, drug use, and bioethics. Lulu Gutierrez, a teen computer hacker, lives in a small Illinois town where most of the residents work for London Chem, a large scientific research facility described as "Big Farm meets Big Pharm." Her best friend Jek, aka Jayesh Emerson Kapoor, the only half Indian, half Black kid in town, is a chemistry genius who concocts experimental hallucinogenic drugs for his friends. When Jek's buddy Hyde, a mysterious new guy in town, starts violently lashing out at parties, Lulu grows increasingly worried about Jek's connection to him. Ross retains the basic plot of Robert Louis Stevenson's story and modernizes it with racially diverse characters and details of Hyde's sexual exploits that were only implied in the original Victorian version. Tension between the upper class children of London Chem scientists and those of the lower class workers who develop health issues from exposure to the company's chemicals adds depth to the story. Teens who enjoy suspense and horror will gravitate toward this fast-paced page-turner. For a different interpretation, they may want to check out Chandler Baker's Teen Hyde. Better yet, hand them Stevenson's classic along with this one. VERDICT Purchase where suspense, horror, and reimaginings of classic novels are popular.-Amy Duffy, Chicago Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is reimagined in the modern American Midwest.Lulu Gutierrez, a 17-year-old Latina, and her best friend, Jek, a biracial young man with an Indian mom and a black dad, are from different social worlds but have been best friends since they were children, with their love for science and each other as the glue that has kept their friendship going strong. Lately, though, Jek has been distancing himself and keeping more secrets than usual. Lulu has just started coming to terms with her more-than-platonic feelings for Jek, but his lack of interest is disappointing. To add even more complications, a new, white (or maybe Asian?) guy with some connection to Jek has come to town: Hyde. Everyone seems to be unable to resist Hyde's charms, even after hearing of his dangerous and violent exploits. At first, Lulu finds Hyde disgusting and wishes that Jek would cut ties with him, but soon she is unable to deny her attraction to Hyde. This retelling of a classic leaves much to be desired. Storyline holes and character-development gaps go unresolved even to the end, a contrived and painfully expository conclusion. The Gothic flourishes of the original clash with the aggressively contemporary setting.A retelling that struggles to live up to the notoriety of the story on which it's based. (Thriller. 14-18)

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