Book Review: Mixed Up 

By Gordon Korman 

3 Stars 

Mixed Up by Gordon Korman is a book that, although interesting, could be much better. It's about two boys, Reef and Moody, who, although don't ever remember meeting, begin to lose their memories… to each other. This, they call The Phenomenon. For Reef, it mainly means losing the visual memory of his recently deceased mother, and for Moody, it means trouble with daily life and keeping up with his father's harsh demands.   

When I started reading this book, I had great hopes for it, but I must say that the ending left me extremely dissatisfied. Without giving any spoilers, it ended as I imagine a normal comic book would, and this did not fit with the style of the rest of the book, which was evidently crafted as a novel. In fact, I think the ending ruined the entire book with its simplicity and dull descriptions.  

Although I greatly dislike the ending, the idea of The Phenomenon had me intrigued since it was first introduced in the book, and I believe that it was a great idea on the author's part. It made daily life an emotional, chaotic, and at times, comic adventure, which I think is a little triumph.   

In conclusion, I think Mixed Up by Gordon Korman is a good read, but it could have used a little more thought and effort in its ending, as it seems unfinished. Other than that, it's a nice book with a good sense of humour and is a pleasantly heartfelt novel about differences and the importance of memory. It makes you appreciate memory more, and for those who might like this, it is a rollercoaster of emotions. 

Reviewed by Uliana as part of the Teen Reviewer, opens a new window program.

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