Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650)-266-8233

Title: Cathy's Book: If Found Call (650)-266-8233
Authors: Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman
Publisher: Running Press
Publication Date: 2008 (Paperback)
Number of Pages : 144


This stunning debut combines reading with the world of internet gaming to create a masterful new genre that will allow teens to take the story from the page into the world of cyberspace and beyond.

Things weren’t so peachy in Cathy’s life before Victor broke up with her. Her father died unexpectedly, she’s failing school, and her best friend is mad at her. But when Cathy decides to investigate Victor’s reasons for ending their relationship, things suddenly go from bad to very, very, very bad as her findings produce more questions than answers. For instance, what does the death of Victor’s co-worker, the strange mark that appeared on Cathy’s arm, and the surreal behavior of several Chinese elders have to do with it?

Through Cathy’s unique and irresistible voice—and lots of proof in the form of letters, photographs, date book entries, telephone numbers readers can call, websites they can access, as well as secrets only a careful reader will be able to decipher—readers will enter a strange and fascinating world where things often aren’t how they appear.

When I heard about this interactive book I was set on reading it. After reading "Skeleton Creek" by Patrick Carman I was sure I would love this book.

After reading the first journal entry I was hooked. The mystery continued to expand and the excitement continued to build until I came upon the first phone number.

For those of you who don't know, I live in Canada. The setting of this book takes place in the U.S. which means that the phone numbers in the book are - you guessed it - for the U.S. I checked online to see if you still had to pay to call long distance and - once again, you guessed it - you did. I don't know about you but I don't really feel like paying $5 dollars just to get another small piece of the puzzle for a mystery book.

But other then the fact that I didn't get to experience the interactive part to it's fullest, this book was really good. In the margin of the book Cathy frequently doodles things that relate to what she is telling us in her journal entry. The doodles help to experience the book more fully and to get to know Cathy a bit better.

Even though some parts of this book were a little too surreal, the authors of this book pulled it off perfectly so that I was beginning to doubt reason. This is definitely an A- book.