Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
Reviewed by Stephanie Best
Fifteen year old, Amelia, and her mother, Kate, were all each other had. Amelia shared everything with Kate. That is, until the day she was “tapped” by the Magpies, an exclusive club only the select few were admitted into. Reluctantly, Amelia agrees to join, and her life is changed forever. Within weeks, she is found dead. According to the police, she jumped off her school’s roof committing suicide. In her clouded grief, Kate accepts this, until one day getting an anonymous text saying that Amelia didn't jump. Kate begins to realize that perhaps this text isn't just a cruel joke. Through the process Kate find out shocking things about her daughter and the people she knew. But with everyone telling Kate different stories, and continually gaining more questions than answers, will she be able to find out what really happened to Amelia?
I rated Reconstructing Amelia four stars because I thought the story was
interesting, and I enjoyed trying to figure out how it was going to end as the
story went along. I did not, however, like the fact that the story changed
between characters, as well as time periods. More than once I was confused and
would have to go back and figure out when it was happening. I do think that
multiple views help give dramatic irony for the readers, but I thought
sometimes it could add to the confusion. Overall I enjoyed the book. The genre
is quite common so I think anyone that enjoys murder mysteries would enjoy this
book.
