Review: Who is Mackie Spence by Lin Kaymer

A love story about a girl who comes back from a near-death experience with powers no one can explain

With a strong, appealing boy narrator, Who Is Mackie Spence? is a story no boy would be ashamed to read and no girl would want to miss
This ecological and mythological story is spiced with everyday questions of young love: if someone you care about has a destiny beyond your town-even beyond your world-do you give her up?

Jeremy has known Mackie Spence all their lives, growing up together on a small island in the Atlantic. But after a near-drowning accident, Mackie is changed. She's different, and if no one else can see it, Jeremy can. But maybe he's only looking through the eyes of love, as his feelings for Mackie have gone way beyond childhood friendship. She's even more beautiful, but it's as though she has a new soul . . . or something. Jeremy can't explain it; he's a jock, a real-world kind of guy. Then things start happening that he couldn't explain even if he could find the words. One night, at the local nature rehab center where Jeremy and Mackie volunteer, Jeremy sees with his own eyes how terrified, dangerous, injured birds of prey grow calm in Mackie's presence. It's as if they know her. She doesn't understand or even seem to notice. Without being some kind of stalker creep, Jeremy makes it his job to grow more protective of Mackie, and sees her with wild otters and other creatures in situations that are beyond belief. And finally, something happens that not only changes Jeremy's future, but the way he will see life, forever.

Hardcover, 208 pages

Published January 2nd 2015 by Merit Pres

Terri's Thoughts

**I won a copy of this book in a giveaway on Goodreads.  In exchange I will offer my honest review**

It is hard to hone in on what I really feel about this book.  I have not read the other reviews however I did notice that they have been a little less than favorable.  I am afraid to admit it that I am leaning that way as well and here is the reason why.

This book seems to be geared to the younger end of the YA spectrum, perhaps middle school age.  I think people expecting a high school type read may be disappointed.  The book is very clean and the characters seem to less mature than any of those I know of the same age.  I think as a result people can't identify. It is not common to see a 16 year old asking permission to do absolutely everything and it was the case in this story for both Jeremy and Mackie.

Unfortunately this makes it hard to see the good parts.  It is a cute story.  Young romance mixed with a bit of mythological paranormal (if that exists??).  I think properly marketed to a young audience that this story could see a lift in its current reviews.

For me I thought it was a cute story.

About the Author

Lin Kaymer is deeply attached to the wildlife of Puget Sound. Lin worked as a graphic designer and newspaper columnist. She loves to write during the rainy months of the year. Her favorite writers include Charlotte Bronte, Alexandre Dumas, Ruth Ozeki, Charlaine Harris, and Studs Terkel.