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A review by jcd1013
Mister Magic by Kiersten White
3.75
I had a hard time deciding on a rating. On the one hand, I devoured it in a day (it was a fast read). The writing was engrossing. The first half of the book was excellent as the story evolved with an unreliable narrator and a creepy atmosphere that felt claustrophobic. The end chapters that were of different media (emails, social media, fanfiction) were great and really added to the 80s nostalgia factor.
I liked the characters, but I also felt like I didn't get to know them and a couple of side characters were introduced and nothing happened with them.
And then the ending fell flat for me. The explanation for the mystery was disappointing and I really hated what happened to the main character.
I picked up the book knowing that it was written as a way for Kiersten White to process leaving the LDS church. And I definitely got that vibe and her dedication and author's note really resonated with me. But it didn't always work as an allegory and her experience leaving wasn't mine. So maybe somebody who didn't have that perspective would have experienced this novel better.
I liked the characters, but I also felt like I didn't get to know them and a couple of side characters were introduced and nothing happened with them.
And then the ending fell flat for me. The explanation for the mystery was disappointing and I really hated what happened to the main character.
I picked up the book knowing that it was written as a way for Kiersten White to process leaving the LDS church. And I definitely got that vibe and her dedication and author's note really resonated with me. But it didn't always work as an allegory and her experience leaving wasn't mine. So maybe somebody who didn't have that perspective would have experienced this novel better.