Paperquake: A Puzzle

By Kathryn Reiss

Book Overview

Violet's paralyzing fear of the San Francisco earthquakes changes when her family renovates an old building. An aftershock dislodges a letter addressed in 1906 to Baby V--and Violet is certain the disturbing letter is intended for her.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 015216782X
• ISBN13: 9780152167820
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.6" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Paperquake

This book is both highly unique and easy to relate to at the same time, as Kathryn Reiss is quite a genius at writing stories with both qualities. It is very interesting to read a story about triplets, as opposed to the standard twin stories. The dynamic is completely different and Violet's take on being an outsider, a 'Baby' was truly insightful. It's the mix of genres that sells this book to me. I very publicly despise Historical Fiction novels, but this isn't really a HF book. It certainly has those elements with the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, but there's plenty of mystery along the way, as well as your typical YA realism, a girl growing up and making her way through life. There's something for everyone and it's truly great, Reiss seamlessly blends all these great genres together. As well as weaving genres together, the storylines are beautifully interconnected, with a big end reveal that was well worth the wait. There's not enough praise I can shower upon this book--it really doesn't get the recognition it deserves--from the great characters to the amazing title. The only complaint I really have is a nitpicky format one-the text is obnoxiously tiny, but that's just my copy. Rating: 5/5

PaperQuake-- a review by Emily

Violet is struggling to cope with her fear of earthquakes, and the quakes that are stunning the Bay Area aren't letting her recover. Her sisters baby her, even though she is the same age as they are. Violet suffers from heart problems, and her family is afraid that she won't make it. She and her two sisters Rose and Jasmine are triplets, but a lot of people think that Violet is a younger sister. One weekend, while helping her two sisters clean up an old house so her parents can turn it into a flower shop, an aftershock dislodges a couple of letters addressed to `V', and Violet is confident that they are for her. One problem: they're dated 1906. More letters appear as time passes by, and the triplets try to solve the eerie mystery that lies behind the doorway of the past. One puzzle piece is missing though, and they may have to endure more than reading to find it... I couldn't stop turning the pages of this book, and I wish there wasn't the back cover to stop me from going on. Kathryn Reiss is an amazing writer, and always holds you in suspense. I definitely recommend this book. It's a mix of action, mystery, magic and fantasy. Reiss really hooks the reader in and describes the scenes with amazing sensory details. The writing paints vivid pictures in your mind.

PaperQuake, By Kathryn Reiss

PaperQuake is a fascinating book about a teenage girl named Violet. Violet lives in California and is constanly nervous about earthquakes taking place. She is the daughter of florists, hence her name. She is also a triplet. Her sisters, Rose and Jasmine, are identical, and she is constantly feeling like the third wheel. In the past she hd heart problems, so she missed tons of school. She was forced to repeat a grade over again, so she is now stuck in a grade lower than her sisters. It bothers her that she is the outcast and that her family subconsiously treats her like a child, even though she is the same age as her sisters. One day Violet and her sisters take a bus to San Fransisco to clean their parent's new flower shop. While cleaning, Violet comes across an old letter written in the early 1900's. The odd thing is that it seems to be written to her. It even includes things that have taken place in Violet's life. Violet is dumbfounded, because there isn't any way that a letter from so long ago could be written to her-or could it? Violet sets out on a journey to find out more about who wrote these letters, and along the way she finally bonds with her sisters and finds herself. This story will have you puzzled from cover to cover. You will keep thinking you know what's going to happen, and then it's exactly the opposite. That's the great thing about this book. The book is a little slow at first, but once you get past the first few chapters you will find your eyes glued to the pages. This is one of the most amazing and imaginative books I have ever read, and I highly encourage you to check it out.

AWESOME BOOK!

I loved this book. I recomend this book to all ages. This is exceptionaly good for teenagers to read. The description painted a vivid picture in my mind. I am definatly going to read more of Kathryn Reiss's novels!

Suspenceful!!!!

WOW! If you want suspence, this is the book for you to read. I had a hard time putting it down. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.