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Alchemy

by Mike Wood (Goodreads Author)

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 145 ratings · 39 reviews

The summer of 1984 was a golden time in America. From California, where gymnast Mary Lou Retton was winning Olympic gold, to Cape Cod, where explorer Barry Clifford was discovering pirate gold, the nation seemed obsessed with the precious metal. But for 15-year old Al, that obsession hits a little too close to home when he finds a code-filled notebook belonging to his miss...more

Paperback, 368 pages

Published January 12th 2010 by Booksurge Publishing

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Jun 11, 2011 Rafa Lombardino rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a nice little surprise! I got in touch with author Mike Wood through the Kindle page on Facebook by chance and soon saw that he had self-published his first novel. I'm all for supporting independent writers and, upon reading his book's description, I decided to give it a try. It looked fun, it was about the 1980s, I grew up in the 1980s, so it just jumped to the top of my "What to read next" queue.

I have to say I really can't remember reading a fiction book with a story so compelli...more This book was a nice little surprise! I got in touch with author Mike Wood through the Kindle page on Facebook by chance and soon saw that he had self-published his first novel. I'm all for supporting independent writers and, upon reading his book's description, I decided to give it a try. It looked fun, it was about the 1980s, I grew up in the 1980s, so it just jumped to the top of my "What to read next" queue.

I have to say I really can't remember reading a fiction book with a story so compelling that I actually felt I had to put the book away for a few hours after a big revelation hit me hard, out of nowhere. I really wasn't expecting it and I definitely couldn't go on reading because I needed to digest that important development in the character's life before moving on with the story the next morning. Besides, I got to that crucial part of the book when I was on my way to my niece's high school gala and I couldn't get my make up all messed up! Yes, had I gone on reading just another page, I'd probably burst into tears.

"Alchemy" is compelling indeed. It's the story of a young teenage boy during one eventful summer in the East Coast. His Dad has gone missing and he has to deal with both issues of abandonment and not knowing how to comfort his Mom. At the same time, he experiences his first love and feels jealous that his two best friends―who used to despise one another―are getting to hang out a lot and have fun without him, while he's too busy trying to get the girl.

There's also a lot of action: a manatee swimming north from Florida and getting caught in unfamiliar territory, the hunt for the treasure left behind by an 18-century pirate, trying to sneak into the drive in, and the inevitable quest for the next clue that could lead him back to his father, a "closeted alchemist" who had been fascinated with the idea of turning lead into gold.

Thinking about what I would take with me from this book, I realized that speaking English as a second language means that some expressions don't really ring true to me until I can finally associate some sort of feeling with the words. After having my daughter, I could finally realize that "I could eat you with a spoon!" does make sense. After reading Mike Wood's "Alchemy" I finally realized what a "coming of age" tale is all about.(less)

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Sep 12, 2012 V.S. Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars

Alchemy is the coming-of-age story of one Albert Einstein (yes, 'Enstein') Newman, who's engaging narrative steers us through the events of one memorable summer in 1980's Cape Cod.

School's out, the sun's blazing and his two best friends are up for some high jinx... but Al's summer plans make a sudden sharp turn when he runs into gorgeous, (relatively) sophisticated and out-of-his-league Cammie, who is visiting the area with her Marine Biologist father as they track a wandering manatee named 'Hug...more Alchemy is the coming-of-age story of one Albert Einstein (yes, 'Enstein') Newman, who's engaging narrative steers us through the events of one memorable summer in 1980's Cape Cod.

School's out, the sun's blazing and his two best friends are up for some high jinx... but Al's summer plans make a sudden sharp turn when he runs into gorgeous, (relatively) sophisticated and out-of-his-league Cammie, who is visiting the area with her Marine Biologist father as they track a wandering manatee named 'Hugh'. On top of all the ensuing hormonal drama, Alchemy blends in some pirate gold, the mystery of a missing father (a part-time alchemist), a snarky grandma... There's a lot more going on with this story than meets the eye, in part because several different stories have been sandwiched into one: it begins as a mystery, morphs into a boy-meets-girl teen romance, and then a treasure hunt and then... turns into something quite unexpected at the end. Yes, it's a little schizophrenic, but it pulls together.

What impressed me was how credible and well-written the fourteen-year old Al is - with all the requisite teenage angst. His gawky efforts to impress Cammie are hilarious, as are the cringe-worthy interactions with Cammie's unimpressed father. There were some very moving and insightful moments too, for example when Al's own father mysteriously disappears, leaving his mother to raise Al by herself. Both are coping but bereft - "I'll catch her crying, or just staring, and then I get mad at her for ruining my good mood", "I think we have both been punishing ourselves since Dad's been gone".

There are plenty of vivid characters in Alchemy too - Al's grandmother is a wonderfully mean old bag! Of course, the real star of the story is Al himself who is written with such irrepressible charm you just want to ruffle his hair and call him a scallywag! His teenage-boy musings are the sugar of the story ("...how much of rain is actually evaporated sweat?"). And the description of him torpedoing a sunken pirate ship in his dad's fish tank with glycerin suppositories... Uh, that had me in stitches!

It seem to me that the 'alchemy' of the title is not just a search for gold, but for different kinds of treasure and precious things. I found it to be charming, nostalgic and quirky. Should also mention it's more-or-less pitched for young adults but adults will enjoy it too.

V.S. Williams (author of 'Slave')
Full disclosure: author Mike Woods kindly left a review for my first novel, Slave. I had already purchased a copy of Alchemy prior to this and let Mr Woods know that I would leave a review for it. I also warned him that (for good or bad) any review I left would have to be my honest opinion - and it is.(less)

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May 20, 2012 Betty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

In this book, Mike Wood gives us a chance to relive a small piece of 1984 with his 15 y.o. protagonist, Albert E. Newman. Al has a hole in his heart that hasn't healed. His scientist father disappeared from his life 4 years ago, and his mother has not given him answers. No one has. So Al dreams that his father's experiments in alchemy are the real reason he took off - he imagines plots of kidnapping and conspiracy. Summer visitor, Cammie is fascinated by the idea of a plot. When Al finds a noteb...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Al rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dtb, kindle, read-2011

In his bio on Amazon, Wood indicates he had many rejections from agents and publishers, "claiming the book was great, but too hard to market." After reading "Alchemy," I understand why. It isn't a mystery, although there is a mystery to be solved. It has a protagonist who is the perfect age for a Young Adult novel and I daresay many in this demographic would relate to much of the story - possibly (hopefully) even learn from it. However, some parents might feel that parts of the book aren't suita...more In his bio on Amazon, Wood indicates he had many rejections from agents and publishers, "claiming the book was great, but too hard to market." After reading "Alchemy," I understand why. It isn't a mystery, although there is a mystery to be solved. It has a protagonist who is the perfect age for a Young Adult novel and I daresay many in this demographic would relate to much of the story - possibly (hopefully) even learn from it. However, some parents might feel that parts of the book aren't suitable for the younger portion of the demographic; not because it is explicit or crude (it isn't), but because some subject matter might be too mature for them (saying more would be a spoiler.) Marketing as a Young Adult book might also limit the adult audience, many whom would find the book nostalgic for the time in which it takes place as well as some of the things Al is going through. It is a coming of age story, but that doesn't help with the marketing angle and also sells the book short -it is much more than that.

I also understand why those agents and publishers liked "Alchemy." Wood's writing voice (or maybe I should describe it as Al's voice) is different in a way I haven't been able to identify. Whatever it is that makes it different, it fits the character well. During the story, Al learns about love, in many different forms. He matures, learning that just being himself and being open about his feelings is best. Most importantly, he finds out that things aren't always as they appear and that sometimes people do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Older teens and adults, especially those who were still young in the 80s, should especially connect with "Alchemy."

One minor complaint I had were a few instances where Al's Great-Grandmother appeared in the story. She spoke in what I took to be an Italian accent and the dialogue attempted to convey this. Where accents in dialogue are concerned, a little bit goes a long way. On the positive side, this was a very small part in only two or three scenes. However, the first was very early, which didn't get me off to a great start.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **(less)

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Aug 22, 2011 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a "very good," but not "great" YA novel. I loved the first 38-and-a-half chapters, which is pretty good for a 40 chapter book from a first time author. The characters were engaging and likeable, the story was fast-paced and plausible, and the FIRST ending was very satisfying.

Though I hate cliches, I have to say "I couldn't put it down." I was emotionally engaged with the characters to the point where I had to stop reading several times because I couldn't see through my tears, or because...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This debut novel by author Mike Wood was a fun summer read and a very cool trip down the 1980s memory lane for me. The story is set in the summer of 1984 in Cape Cod, MA, and is told in the 1st person narrative by 15 year old Al Newman. During this coming of age summer, Al struggles with the unanswered disappearance of his father, and he is determined to find out what happened to him. Along comes a pretty teenage girl, Cammie, who along with her marine biologist father have tracked a wayward man...more

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Jul 13, 2011 P. Christopher Colter rated it 5 of 5 stars

By the time I was halfway through Alchemy, I was already thinking about how I was going to review the book without spoiling it. It's about a 14 year old boy in New England in the summer of 1984, which I also was, coincidentally. The protagonist, Al, experiences some major upheaval in his life that summer, and author Mike Wood takes us along for the ride.

I don't want to get into the plot too much, for fear of spoilers, but Alchemy is essentially the tale of Al's first love and his search for the...more By the time I was halfway through Alchemy, I was already thinking about how I was going to review the book without spoiling it. It's about a 14 year old boy in New England in the summer of 1984, which I also was, coincidentally. The protagonist, Al, experiences some major upheaval in his life that summer, and author Mike Wood takes us along for the ride.

I don't want to get into the plot too much, for fear of spoilers, but Alchemy is essentially the tale of Al's first love and his search for the father who disappeared from his life several years before. Set in Cape Cod, the geography and landmarks of that area make regular appearances, as do some of the real-life events of that remarkable summer that I remember so well.

What drew me in the most deeply is the convincing way Mike developed his characters. Al is REAL. If he doesn't remind you of yourself, he reminds you of someone you know. Al walks the same twisting paths that I did at 14: confusion about how to best live life as things change around him; worries about keeping a balance between family, friends, and a first girlfriend; experiences with numerous "firsts" in life; and even the little eccentricities of a teenage boy's mind, like how to get rid of that bright spot behind your eyelids if you close your eyes after looking at the sun, and how great it is to pee with the bathroom door open when no one is home. I've read a number of books that have reminded me of circumstances in my youth, but this one was one of the rare ones that took me back inside my head at that time in my life. And not only Al. All of the characters Mike Wood has created in Alchemy are people you HAVE met at some point. And you would want to if you have not.

Then there are the twists in Alchemy. They are terrific, and yet none are merely contrived merely to excite. Each one fits perfectly into the flow of the story. You'll say "I didn't see that one coming" more than once.

I can't recommend Alchemy by Mike Wood strongly enough. If you were a kid in the 80s, before or after, you will be able to relate to this terrific debut novel. I am eagerly waiting for Mike Wood's next project, though it is going to be a tough act to follow.(less)

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May 20, 2012 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm actually going to give this book 5 stars because it had everything I look for in a good novel - a bit of suspense, some mystery, some times when I literally laughed/chuckled out loud, and an overall good story. I found the writing style to be very refreshing; I could really seem to get into the head of a 14-year-old boy. It was fun, direct, and yet not-so-direct all at the same time.

That said, I can see why publishers were wary of it. Not because it wouldn't sell or wouldn't be a good read,...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Shellys♥ Journal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fiction, indie-author, ya, library

Al Newman is 15 years old and ready for the same old, same old summer when he meets sweet and beautiful Cammie. It's love at first sight. Al resurrects his search for his missing father - a scientist who disappeared four years ago, and enlists Cammie's help to try and spend more time with her. His plan falls apart as she is called away. But still the mystery calls for him to solve and discover the truth.

I enjoyed this book. It was a trip in the way back machine to the 1980s. Al is a very sympath...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Brenda Mengeling rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, fiction, 47

Very enjoyable coming of age novel set in 1984 on Cape Cod. However, it is NOT a YA novel. The themes are quite sophisticated and nuanced, and young adults who read this should have an open-minded adult to talk to about the story.

I found the first person narrative of teen Albert E. Newman quite engaging. All the secondary characters were well drawn also. Cammie, Al's girlfriend for the summer is the most obscure, but that is because Al finds girls confusing and mysterious. The reader can see in...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-books

This was another free book I received for my kindle in one of the daily emails alerting readers to deals on amazon. I am continuously amazed at the quality of many of these books. Alchemy proved to be no exception to that and is one of the best books that I've read so far this year. Hugh Manatee, the wayward manatee who makes his way up to Cape Cod each summer, is the perfect mascot for this novel. Alchemy is filled with heart, laughter (I was literally cackling out loud while reading parts), lo...more

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Jul 27, 2011 John added it

This was an excellent book. The author did an AMAZING job of capturing how it feels to be an early teenage boy...it really took me back 35 years. The characters are well developed and multidimensional. The book moves along at an excellent pace, and even when the story completely changes gears, the transition is smooth. There is an emotional depth to this story that is quite amazing, especially for a first-time author. Lastly, this book has an excellent message, and yet it avoids getting "preachy...more

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Apr 18, 2011 John rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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Oct 17, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is truly a wonderful story. It is nothing like I was expecting! I loved all the characters; they were real, well rounded and engaging. The way the author was able to take us into their lives and understand all perspectives was amazing. This story had depth, drama, and humor; it is far more than a simple story. I think this is an author to watch. I recommend this book to anyone who loves heartfelt coming of age stories. This is also a very well edited book, very professional.

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May 09, 2011 Kristi, A Book Fanatic rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, chick-lit

The premise got me -- anybody who grew up in the 80's will love this book...
This was a wonderful coming-of-age tale about a fatherless boy who is figuring out his place in life. The author did a great job making the reader root for Al during this story. This book would be great to develop into a movie!! I would recommend this book to anyone that was ever a child or has a heart :)

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Jul 18, 2012 Tyyne' added it

I just finished reading this book by Mike Wood. Mr. Wood happens to live in my hometown and he is going to be a guest speaker at our next book club meeting to talk to us about his book. Alchemy was a fun, easy read about a young boy coming of age in Cape Cod. I took this book with me to the beach and thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters.

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Aug 18, 2012 Lou rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great summer read & awesome to get to have the author at our Book Club. It took awhile to get into the story but once it caught on I couldn't put it down. Mike brought us back to the 80's of a young summer romance. I would recommend this book for anyone to read from young adolescents to adults. Good job Mike!!

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Apr 23, 2012 Trish0116 rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was a hesitant to read another "coming of age" story but I am glad I did. I loved the first person narration but thought that some of his observations were a bit too mature to be coming from a person of his age. I thought the author captured the time period well and made enough references to current happenings of the 80's for you to be immersed in that time frame. The characters were well fleshed out and I enjoyed the ending's'(other reviewers made reference to 3 endings)I think Mike Wood is a...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Justin Tappan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Tried and couldn't finish. This was self-published on Amazon, and it shows. Not edited very well, as I discovered quite a few grammatical errors. That in itself isn't a deal-breaker, but I just couldn't get into the story. The writing is decent, don't get me wrong. There's potential here. But in the end it just lost me.

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Jul 06, 2011 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm currently reading and really enjoying this young adult book that had nothing but fantastic reviews on Amazing. The Kindle edition is currently only $2.99....

Update - I would give this 3.5 stars. It wasn't amazing but it was really good, especially for $2.99 - a sweet summer story about young love, forgiveness and a manatee named Hugh.

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Jul 14, 2011 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Good coming of age type story. I enjoyed this book. It is the story of a boy trying to find out why his father left/disappeared. The ending surprised me, but not in a bad way. I liked the character development and the author did a nice job crafting the characters.

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Apr 15, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Somehow I knew this book was special from the moment I saw it. It is unlike any other book I have read. Al is such a great character, and I ended up feeling like he or maybe the author was my little brother.

No way am I going to spoil any of the surprises in this book, but it has really touched me. Mike, you should be proud of this book.

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Feb 11, 2012 Arni Vidar Bjorgvinsson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow. What a wonderful read and a wonderful first book by author Mike Wood.

It's a beautiful coming-of-age story that made me both laugh out loud and weep, as I got the privilege of following 15 year old Al and his friends as they enjoyed the pleasures and pain of the fateful summer of 1984.

I can't say much more without spoiling the story, so I won't :)
What I WILL say, however, is: Buy This Book! :D

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Aug 09, 2011 Holly V rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book well enough even though it read like a young adult novel. I kind of skipped over the adolescent romance stuff to get to the rest of the story line. A coming of age story with some twists.

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Feb 10, 2013 Jean rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: couldn-t-finish

I tried to like this because everyone else seems to but I didn't get it. I read 58% of it on my kindle but I decided to move on. I couldn't get into the alchemy concept although the romance between Al and Cammie was "cute." Guess it just wasn't my thing.

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Aug 21, 2011 Jan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow...just WOW! After finishing this story I could see it being a movie. The author weaves a "coming of age" story unlike any I've read before. Al's Dad doesn't come home one day and nobody tells him why leading him to think all sorts of things that may have happened to him and we see it all from his eyes letting us feel the confusion and everything else that happens to Al. Five years later at age 15, Al is dealing with a first love, his boyhood friends, his Mom, his Grandma, his missing Dad and...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Bob Parks rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

I saw this at the Superette in Eastham on the Cape this past fall and put it on my list. I was attracted to this because it takes place in Eastham and in the '80s. It was a fun read.

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Mar 13, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved having a book with every emotion possible! Good read!

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Feb 23, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this book from the beginning -- loving all the free books on my Kindle!!!!

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Aug 11, 2011 Sharon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

YA. Very enjoyable light easy holiday read. Review to follow.

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About Mike Wood

Mike Wood is a middle school teacher by day, husband/father by night, and author by accident. His first novel, Alchemy, was mostly written while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon (which is a cool injury when it happens on a football field, but not so cool when it occurs while dancing at an outdoor concert!) That injury, and a somewhat serendipitous meeting with best-selling author AJ Jacobs,...more

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