Amy's View: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan
♦publisher: Philomel/Penguin
♦release date: May 7th, 2013
♦hardcover, 358 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦source: from publisher for honest review

Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse.

But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

Review:  A contemporary read with a bit of paranormal flair. This book is beautifully blended as it quickly immerses you into its storyline.

Invisibility started off as an easy, fast read, told in the first person of both Stephen and Elizabeth.  Angry, frustrated and alone, Stephen’s world is filled with angst from the very first line, “I was born invisible.”  The authors, David Levithan and Andrea Cremer’s writing style captures your heart from the beginning pulling you into Stephen’s spell, even if that spell means he can’t be seen.

Stephen was born invisible and no one has even seen him, not even his mother. Life was simple and loving as he was greatly cared for by his mother, however when she dies his life is left open and uncertain. With his father living across the country and Stephen living alone, the book opens up to what looks like the most vulnerable time in his life;  and yet when you hit rock bottom isn’t it amazing what doors open? That is just what happens when the new neighbor Elizabeth, moves a few doors down, opening up the story line for a sweet, fast moving and delightfully tender relationship. With Elizabeth and her fun loving brother, Laurie, Stephen quickly realizes that Elizabeth has a gift, one that sees him, with her being the only one that ever has. Leaving questions to be answered, as a new ones arise, opening the door to a new world of both spell and curse casters.

This book was eloquently written, with each character being easily identifiable.  With Stephen, you can almost feel his vulnerability and loneliness, even if he can’t be seen. He is a character written to tap into that part of our soul that longs to be seen by others but also that fear of having others see us for who we really are. Whereas Elizabeth’s character, I felt, only wanted to hide. From the tragic events that brought her and her family to this new city, she is forced to feel invisible by being lost inside a big city. Holding to the comfort of starting over and having people see you for who you want be. However the most important value of her character is discovering the greatest lesson of all, “see with your heart.” Seeing others for who they really are, can be the greatest spell you can cast.

Invisibility takes you on a journey of new young love, and the adventures of discovering curses and gifts, powers and spells, hope and longing. All tied up into the greater need and desire of belonging. A great summer read.

Find Andrea Cremer online: Website   •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Find David Levithan online: Website  •  Twitter  •  Facebook

Purchase Invisibily:  Amazon  •  BookDepository  •  Indiebound

Not a trailer, but a super cute video with the authors. :D