Wow, this book really struck a chord with me. Beautiful writing, a fantastic lead character, if a little naive (which I wouldn't want changed...it is part of her charm), a great history lesson, intrigue and adventure...just a really great read. And the imaginings...well, been there done that, so I of course loved that part of the book. This book had me weeping in parts, and I felt quite spent when I was done reading, but well worth it all. Five stars. ( )

This book came highly recommended, but I just found the whole concept bizarre. ( )

I think maybe I missed the point of this book. It kind of drove me crazy. The idolized Victor was a dead man from the get-go. No one that perfect makes it to the end of the book intact. The facility with which they go to Antarctica strained all credulity. You'd think they were going to the Alps. No, even that would be more difficult. She states that her hearing aids were off because of interference with the equipment, but then has conversations throughout the rest of the book. If she turned them back on, why did they keep working when all the other equipment failed?

The Printz committee said:
"Symone's unforgettable voice propels this journey of discovery in a book that is intricately plotted, richly imaged and brings new meaning to the term unreliable narrator," said Printz Award Committee Chair Lynn Rutan. "Readers will need to hang onto their snow goggles in this compelling book in which nothing is as it seems at first glance." (from ALA website)

I suppose her voice is unique and intriguing. She's not an unreliable narrator, though, if they're referring to Titus. We all know he's imaginary from the beginning. I definitely disagree with "intricately plotted". The subplot with the Sigurd and Manfred was visible from miles away. I was hoping the subterranean worlds were really there and I'd get a fantasy ending, but I was disappointed. Then I thought maybe they'd all die, but I was disappointed again. The descriptions of the Antarctic were vivid, but were not enough to transport me into this novel.

I'm giving it two stars instead of one in the hopes that someone can show me any brilliance that I have missed. ( )

This book made me feel very cold...and made me think a lot about imaginary friends. ( )

ARGGG! This book was SO boring that I decided to put it down. It was such a snoozer that I didn't even read it at bedtime, it was so verbose and rambling. Very little character development and too much blah-dee-blah-blah. I can't believe this author won an award. I also can't imagine that a young adult could actually stick with this through almost 400 pages. I am so glad to turn this book back into the library. ( )