Impossible

Discussion page for //Impossible// by Nancy Werlin

The characters were the strongest element in this book. Lucy and her foster parents rang true, and it was refreshing to have adults portrayed as responsible, caring, helpful, and competent. Something rare in much YA literature. The lengthy passages where Lucy and Zach marvel at how much they love each other become a bit much to take, but teen readers might be more tolerant of it that I was. The plot was original, the puzzle the characters had to work together to solve was interesting, and the ending satisfying. I would recommend it to the list. Kathy Pearce, Oyster River HS

This book was impossible to put down. I also thought the character development was strong. I thought the tasks were somewhat odd, but made me want to read more on "Scarborough Fair". I would recommend it to the list. Karen, Nesmith

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were strong and the plot was unique; the tasks were very interesting. I couldn't get the song out of my mind once I started reading this book. I would recommend this one. - Judi Shea, Nashua High School South

I agree that this book was hard to put down. I loved the folklore feel to it. The romantic tension and magic realism set the tone well for this novel. I think it would find good company on the list. Brittany Moore Hall Memorial Library

A mesmerizing read that appeals to many types of teens. Don't read the second in the series - it's a let down! Kelly Budd Keene High School

***Kelly if you read this I'm just wondering what you mean by sequel to this. As far as I know there is not a second book. -Brittany***

I just loved this story. It's so well-told and compelling! I kept thinking about it after I went to bed, and had to get up and finish it, so I could sleep! I love the use of the folk song, Scarborough Fair, to shape the legend, and I couldn't think of a way around it, so I just had to see how Lucy would solve the riddle, and who would prevail. I found myself getting really perturbed at the Elfin King, even knowing how evil and insidious he was, just at the way he so maliciously set out to ruin lives. I highly recommend this book to older teens (due to the rape), and dare anyone to get through it without Simon & Garfunkel stuck in their head!

Kirsten Rundquist Corbett Lane Memorial Library

I agree, this is an excellent book. I think it has more girl than boy appeal, but that is not a negative. It is probably the best of the fantasy novels on this year's list and very well written. It is a complete contrast to the Alyson Noel books that do not produce such well rounded characters despite their popularity. Sally Nelson, leach Library

This is not a book that I expected to like much because it's a bit 'weirder' than I like. That being said, for people unlike me, this is a decent read. I liked the use of the folk song and the mystery element, but that is where it stopped for me. I would recommend this to older teens who enjoy a bit of magic.

As Kathy pointed out, this is a rare YA book, in that there is a complete, loving family throughout the book (SPOILER- that, in fact, plays a major part in the resolution). There's fantasy and romance here, plus a riddle & plenty of hurdles for the heroine to leap, making for a great YA book on its own, but the fact that her family is there, and functional, and supportive makes this a unique read for teens. //-Also, the next book the author wrote, "Extraordinary," is not so much a sequel as I could tell, although it has the same faerie element to it.// -Lucia Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham