Memphis Reads Archive

Andrea reviews GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry (Henry Holt, 2010).

This young adult novel begins with low-life, high school dropout, Griffin, perusing the mall parking lot. He is looking for a car to hijack, thinking his chances will be even better since so many people are out Christmas shopping.

Lo and behold, Griffin hits the jackpot when he finds a Cadillac Escalade with the keys in the ignition! His father, a seasoned criminal, is going to be so pleased with Griffin’s find. Griffin is definitely not expecting to find someone dozing in the backseat when he boosts the car from the parking lot. After both have been given the shock of their lives, threats are issued and the tension escalates. The biggest shock to Griffin and readers is when he realizes his sixteen-year-old hostage is blind!

Over the course of days, as Cheyenne is held captive, Griffin’s feelings for her shift dramatically. Even though Cheyenne lost her sight three years prior, she is not all helpless, and is in fact quite resourceful. Griffin goes from a feeling of terror that Cheyenne will turn in Griffin and his father, Roy, to admiration for Cheyenne and all she has gone through.

Readers will feel sympathy for the situation Cheyenne is in with Roy, Griffin, and their accomplices. Knowing she is disabled and in a horrible situation, readers will admire and respect Cheyenne that much more. Girl, Stolen is definitely a psychological thriller filled with drama and intensity. You won’t forget Cheyenne Wilder and her plight anytime soon.

Andrea King, Poplar-White Station Library

Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King, Young Adult

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