Edward Bloor Reviews

Added May 14, 2007

Tangerine

Author: Edward Bloor
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: September 2006
Genre: Young Adult: Mainstream
Format: Trade paper
Price: $6.95
ISBN-10: 0-15-205780-3
ISBN-13: 9780152057800
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Tangerine gives readers a taste of triumph. Brimming with dynamic dialogue, intertwining subplots and compelling, yet companionable characters, these pages ripple with realism. The classic theme of the geek versus the school's star athlete is taken to new and exciting levels in this young adult novel.

Although legally blind, Paul Fisher sees things his parents don't. While his mom and dad applaud his older brother Erik's skill on the football team, Paul watches what happens off the field. Erik's calculated moves of brutality are smoothly covered up, until a surprising eyewitness comes forth. Will the star athlete finally get a penalty called on him?

This novel is brilliant! The author has captured the complex world of young people and set a dynamic story within it Emotionally packed, these pages explore the issues of justice and loyalty, as seen from Paul's perspective. The setting lends a unique atmosphere to the story, as Tangerine, Florida is famous for its lightning strikes, sinkholes and muck fires. These elements create subplots that run parallel to the main story and foreshadow the uncertainties life holds.

The soccer theme that runs throughout the novel seems to invite readers to sit on the bleachers and watch the events unfold. As with any sport, there are moments of frustration as well as joy, which the author depicts with compassion and creativity.

An air of mystery surrounds Paul and the childhood accident that left him legally blind. Glimpses into his past slowly take readers closer to the truth, until an amazing revelation pierces the darkness of his memories. The climax is both astounding and appalling, yet the author takes this tragedy and turns it into a surprising triumph.

Tangerine is a winner!

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