Title: Respossessed
Author: A.M. Jenkins
Summary: Kiriel is getting tired of his thankless job and is in desperate need of a little vacation. Sound familiar? The twist is that Kiriel is a fallen angel and his thankless job is reflecting back, rather like a mirror, all the misery and guilt that tear up and torment souls in hell. And, Kiriel’s idea of a vacation involves hijacking the body of Shaun, a human just seconds away from being crushed to death by an oncoming car. Once in Shaun’s body, Kiriel gets a chance to experience what he has only been allowed to observe. Ketchup, baths, writing utensils, and fruit loops are just a few experiences Kiriel relishes. But human life is not just about experiencing materialistic pleasures: Kiriel must also deal with the people in Shaun’s life including his divorced mother, isolated and angry little brother, the school bully, and the girl who has secretly been nursing a crush on Shaun.
Who will like this book?: Those who appreciate a witty, thought-provoking, fast-paced book. Through Kiriel’s thoughts and experiences, A.M. Jenkins has created a venue for considering not just human life but the concepts of good versus evil, and the afterlife.
If you liked this, try this: Night Road by A.M. Jenkins. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin. One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
Recommended by: Jen, Branch Teen Librarian