I read this for a book club, which I'm going to tonight. The synopsis on the back is short, so I had no idea what to expect. Initially, I thought this book had lots of great elements - quirky characters like Jeremy Johnson Johnson, Ginger Boultinghouse, and Sheriff Pittswort. There are references to fairy tales and the Brothers Grimm, a sweet teen romance, and a quiz show.

And yet, the characters remain caricatures, except possibly for Jacob the omniscient narrator. Jeremy is under Ginger's spell from the beginning and never seems to think for himself. Ginger is upbeat and bossy. I'm all for girl power, but I think relationships should be a partnership.

It reminds me a lot of "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman. Both slightly dark and cobbled together with bits of other stories, it didn't deliver memorable characters.

Quotes:
Ginger said, "My grandfather says there's no point in traveling. He says all that happens when you go far, far away is that you discover you brought yourself along." (page 29)

Well, the grammar was poor, but the sentiment was kind. (page 205)