[bksvol-discuss] Book Review: "From Charlie's Point of View" by RuchardScrimger : A Mystery

"Shelley L. Rhodes" <juddysbuddy@xxxxxxxxxxxx> · Sat, 09 Jul 2005 17:12:24 -0400

I would really like to read this one.

andPOP.com
Saturday, July 09, 2005

Book Review: "From Charlie's Point of View" by Ruchard Scrimger : A Mystery

By Amanda-Marie Quintino

andPOP) - The professionals aren't always able to find the bad guys. In 
fact, sometimes it takes a blind, but determined teenager like Charlie 
Fairmile, to uncover the evidence of a crime even the police can't solve.

In Charlie's Point of View, written by Ruchard Scrimger, this 13-year-old 
genius who lacks the ability to see saves the day -- and his father's 
reputation. Wth the help of Bernadette, his loyal guide, Lewis, an insecure 
tag-along, and Gideon, an odd classmate always appearing in the nick of 
time, Charlie finds out who the real Stocking Bandit is, clears his father's 
name and spares the damage of even more bank machines all around town. It's 
a bit of a stretch since it is set in big city, presumaby Toronto, but 
entertaining the idea that something of such importance can fall into the 
lap of a middle-schooler is quite intriguing in itself.

The novel is detailed and action-packed, with plenty of humour. Best of all, 
it's light and simple. The chartacters' one-liners and quick quips become 
quite appealing.

"Hey there." He can hear the smile in Bernadette's voice.

"Hey yourself." Charlie strikes a man-of-adventure pose.

"So, where do you want to go today?"

"Did somebody say 'seventh grade'?"

He chuckles. "There's a little seventh grade in everyone. Say, do you mind 
going on the bus by ourselves? Dad's running late."

"Can do."

Now Charlie smiles. Can do is one of Bernadette's favorite phrases. She is 
so competent. Charlie can't remember ever hearing her ask for help.

For her part, Bernadette is pleased - almost relieved - to be in charge. 
She'd rather not have to depend on someone else. Anyone else.

Charlie's parents are nice, but...well, they're parents. How far can you 
really trust them?

Charlie proves that despite everyone's accusations, his father can indeed be 
trusted. As if being a blind boy facing the challenges of middle school 
isn't enough (bullies, weird teachers, dog attacks, wild bus rides, 
snickerung peers and difficult assignments), Charlie Fairmile also has to 
face public ridicule for having a thief for a father -- supposedly. 
Witnesses state that Mr. Fairmile resembles the man in the suit aka the 
Stocking Bandit and so, he was therefore accused, charged with a whole slew 
of bank machine robberies. And, although most of the incriminating details 
point in his direction, making it near impossible for him to defend his 
case, his son insists that his father, a bank worker himself, is absolutely 
incapable of being the cash culprit.

Charlie is "stone blind, bottom-of-a-midnight-well blind", but he and his 
friends set out to unmask the Stocking Bandit and after many false 
assumptions and countless missions, they discover the real cash-crazed 
criminal. This novel contains twists and turns that will make your head spin 
and it is not at all predictable. A good mystery.

Canadian novelist Richard Scrimger, also author of The Red Nose From 
Jupiter, is usually known for his short and quirky tales of abstract topics. 
He makes a statement with this particularly exciting work of juvenile 
fiction, coming a bit out of his element and giving the characters more of a 
voice, the plot more detail and making the subject matter a tad more 
serious.

Along with being a mystery, this novel is an exploration of what it's like 
to be blind for a kid. There are lessons to be learned within these pages --  
about truth, integrity, faith, friendship, and much more. Scrimger's attempt 
to write a more mature novel for young adults was a success, as long as he 
or she enjoys a little bit of thinking. But rest assured that all that 
happens in this novel is in fact from Charlie's point of view.

By: Richard Scrimger
Genre: Juvenile Fiction/Mystery

http://www.andpop.com/article/4461

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