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TRICK OF THE MIND by Judy Waite

TRICK OF THE MIND

by Judy Waite

Pub Date: Feb. 1st, 2005
ISBN: 0-689-87014-0
Publisher: Atheneum

Illusion battles truth as two teen narrators take turns describing events in a contemporary British import. Both Matt and Erin’s fathers are missing, but Erin has learned to use her skills as a magician for protection and refuge, while Matt struggles with a reputation as a troublemaker and an inability to focus. Readers know how neither teen is seeing the truth of things and that their own wishes, dreams, and fears shape each person’s conclusions and beliefs. Matt admires Kirsty and wants to believe that she’s really interested in him and not her apparent boyfriend, Billy, the local bully. On the other hand, Erin thinks Matt is romantically inclined in her direction, not just as a confidant. Misconceptions pile up and disaster looms when a death occurs. Waite confidently handles the plotting and makes every step along the way appear inevitable. Early on, the dual versions are somewhat tedious as both Matt and Erin describe the same interaction, but the pace speeds up and tension builds in the end. Magic itself becomes a character as neither Matt nor Erin explains the secrets behind the tricks that continuously emphasize the untrustworthiness of reality. (Fiction. YA)