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Mind Blind
"I killed a girl today, just after the school bell.
I keep trying to tell myself I didn't really kill her.
But she's dead. And it's my fault." 14-year-old Ciaran Bain is a highly trained fighter and gifted criminal with a special talent: he knows what his victim is thinking. He works in a mafia-style family of gangsters, thieves and thugs who share his mind-reading talent. But Ciaran's skill comes with a crippling side effect, one that makes him disposable -- even to his own family. Then he meets Lucy, whose older sister has been killed, and they form an unlikely team. But on their perilous search across London and up to Edinburgh, on the run from Ciaran's dangerous family, can they ever trust each other? And where can they hide if they aren't even safe in their own minds? Award-winning author Lari Don skillfully weaves a fast-paced world of secrets, power and supernatural abilities in her first book for young teens.
I keep trying to tell myself I didn't really kill her.
But she's dead. And it's my fault." 14-year-old Ciaran Bain is a highly trained fighter and gifted criminal with a special talent: he knows what his victim is thinking. He works in a mafia-style family of gangsters, thieves and thugs who share his mind-reading talent. But Ciaran's skill comes with a crippling side effect, one that makes him disposable -- even to his own family. Then he meets Lucy, whose older sister has been killed, and they form an unlikely team. But on their perilous search across London and up to Edinburgh, on the run from Ciaran's dangerous family, can they ever trust each other? And where can they hide if they aren't even safe in their own minds? Award-winning author Lari Don skillfully weaves a fast-paced world of secrets, power and supernatural abilities in her first book for young teens.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2014
7 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Lari Don
61 books101 followersI'm a children's writer based in Scotland, and most of my fiction is inspired by the Scottish landscape and local legends. I love writing fantasy adventures for 8-12 year olds, including the Fabled Beast Chronicles and the Spellchasers trilogy, but I also love creating stories for other age groups.
I've gone darker and more dangerous in my YA thriller MindBlind.
And I've worked with amazing illustrators on picture books, including a retelling of the Scottish tale of the kelpie, The Secret of the Kelpie, with gorgeous pictures by Philip Longson, and a new fable about Nessie, The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, with fabulous artwork by Nataša Ilinčić.
I've written collections of myths and legends, including heroine tales from all over the world in Girls Goddesses & Giants, and Scottish tales in Breaking the Spell and Viking saga tales in The Dragon's Hoard, both illustrated by the wonderful Cate James.
I'm passionate about sharing old stories, creating new ones, and inspiring new young readers and writers. And I'm writing more adventures and retelling more myths, right now!
But I'm also reading... I read a lot of non-fiction, because a lot of my fictional ideas are inspired by folklore and history. I also read a lot of children’s fiction, because kids get all the best stories! And sometimes I remember how old I am, and read books for adults.
I also love discussing books, and answering queries about my books and stories, so please do get in touch. You can chat to me here on Goodreads, or through my own website, http://www.laridon.co.uk, or find me on Twitter @LariDonWriter, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laridonwriter, or Instagram: laridonwriter Have fun reading!
I've gone darker and more dangerous in my YA thriller MindBlind.
And I've worked with amazing illustrators on picture books, including a retelling of the Scottish tale of the kelpie, The Secret of the Kelpie, with gorgeous pictures by Philip Longson, and a new fable about Nessie, The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, with fabulous artwork by Nataša Ilinčić.
I've written collections of myths and legends, including heroine tales from all over the world in Girls Goddesses & Giants, and Scottish tales in Breaking the Spell and Viking saga tales in The Dragon's Hoard, both illustrated by the wonderful Cate James.
I'm passionate about sharing old stories, creating new ones, and inspiring new young readers and writers. And I'm writing more adventures and retelling more myths, right now!
But I'm also reading... I read a lot of non-fiction, because a lot of my fictional ideas are inspired by folklore and history. I also read a lot of children’s fiction, because kids get all the best stories! And sometimes I remember how old I am, and read books for adults.
I also love discussing books, and answering queries about my books and stories, so please do get in touch. You can chat to me here on Goodreads, or through my own website, http://www.laridon.co.uk, or find me on Twitter @LariDonWriter, Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laridonwriter, or Instagram: laridonwriter Have fun reading!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 1, 2016
I can't believe it took me so long to read this. 4 stars.
A boy who comes from a family of mind readers doesn't fit in with them. While they can sense feelings without discomfort, he is extremely sensitive and hates touching people because he goes 'mind blind' and it cripples him. I guess emotions from a crowd would drive him insane! All those different thoughts running through people's heads...
So he tends to do really shit on family 'missions', and one day, he stuffs up so badly a teenage girl ends up being killed by his family - just 'cause she saw (and therefore could recognize) his face.
This book was a very interesting premise. I don't think I've read anything like it. It was a mix of supernatural in a realistic setting, based on a family of thugs who could read minds!
I won't spoil it, but this was a really good book.
A boy who comes from a family of mind readers doesn't fit in with them. While they can sense feelings without discomfort, he is extremely sensitive and hates touching people because he goes 'mind blind' and it cripples him. I guess emotions from a crowd would drive him insane! All those different thoughts running through people's heads...
So he tends to do really shit on family 'missions', and one day, he stuffs up so badly a teenage girl ends up being killed by his family - just 'cause she saw (and therefore could recognize) his face.
This book was a very interesting premise. I don't think I've read anything like it. It was a mix of supernatural in a realistic setting, based on a family of thugs who could read minds!
I won't spoil it, but this was a really good book.
June 27, 2014
I noticed that there are no reviews of this book yet. I realize that I am writing this before the book is released, but I am excited to be the first person to go on record as saying this was a good read. The pacing was non-stop, and just when you thought it would get into a routine, it would take off running in a different direction.
Cieran and Lucy are great characters. I loved the shifting POV between them. It really adds to the story when there are different POVs. I felt the author did a great job of making sure you were able to tell which person was speaking. She also doesn't sugar coat anything. People die as a result of certain actions. Cieran feels responsible, and I found his guilt believable and real. I felt that Lucy wasn't really grief stricken enough. She would have glimpses of her sister and feel pain, but it wasn't powerful enough to have just happened.
The mind reading was intriguing. It definitely was something that I wish I could do. Cieran goes from an ineffectual mind reader to something truly powerful. I liked his journey and self-discovery. Characters who go from weak to powerful are always interesting to read about. Cieran is a perfect example. Even though he is far from your stereotypical guy with a white hat on, he engages the reader and makes you root for him.
I am hoping that there will be more books. I want to continue to watch Cieran grow into his powers. This is a really quick and satisfying read that I would recommend to fans of thrillers with a touch of paranormal.
Cieran and Lucy are great characters. I loved the shifting POV between them. It really adds to the story when there are different POVs. I felt the author did a great job of making sure you were able to tell which person was speaking. She also doesn't sugar coat anything. People die as a result of certain actions. Cieran feels responsible, and I found his guilt believable and real. I felt that Lucy wasn't really grief stricken enough. She would have glimpses of her sister and feel pain, but it wasn't powerful enough to have just happened.
The mind reading was intriguing. It definitely was something that I wish I could do. Cieran goes from an ineffectual mind reader to something truly powerful. I liked his journey and self-discovery. Characters who go from weak to powerful are always interesting to read about. Cieran is a perfect example. Even though he is far from your stereotypical guy with a white hat on, he engages the reader and makes you root for him.
I am hoping that there will be more books. I want to continue to watch Cieran grow into his powers. This is a really quick and satisfying read that I would recommend to fans of thrillers with a touch of paranormal.
January 12, 2015
OMG. OMG OMG OMG.
I was definitely not expecting to be so enthralled with this book. Usually, these types of stories end up not being my thing,(paranormals, that is) but I took a really wild chance with this book and boy did it deliver. I should take a few more wild chances, in the future, perhaps...
On second thought, maybe not. I doubt all of those books would be anywhere near the level of perfection that Mind Blind was.
First, NO ROMANCE! I have finally found something that is YA but doesn't waste its time with pointless love stories. I know I sound like a very bitter person here, but I loved that the relationship between Ciaran and Lucy stays platonic. Especially since, given their past, I would have found a romance plotline highly bizarre and a bit dysfunctional. If there are continuing books in this series, and I wish on every shooting star in the universe that there will be, I could see there being some romance eventually, but for the present, there was really only tension.
The plot was edge-of-your-seat, unable-to-put-down thrilling. I stayed up until twelve thirty reading this book. I was supposed to just start it and then go to bed, but I ended up reading half of the book because I knew that if I didn't read just a bit more, there was no way I would be able to focus on sleep. It is THAT good.
What makes it that good? First, the characters. Ciaran is my type of hero; he is at times downright unlikeable. He is flawed. But underneath all that, you can tell that he has a good heart. Plus, his character growth from scared boy to mastermind of awesomeness is great reading material.
Lucy is grieving her sister. Her hatred for Ciaran is apparent. She doesn't make the greatest decisions because of it. But her stubbornness endeared her to me. She's intelligent and she's basically the perfect balance to Ciaran.
Ciaran's family is all kinds of messed up. They are...I don't even have words for them. Once we learn more about Ciaran's past, I couldn't believe he hadn't tried to run away before, because they were awful. Ciaran and Lucy have to try and evade them--their lives depend on it--but it is rather tough when you are outrunning mindreading killing machines. Yeah, beginning to understand why this was a very exciting story?
And yet even though the storyline was so wonderful, I loved flashbacks to past events as well, because they really gave a lot of depth as to why everything was happening and answered any questions that I might have had; I didn't find them to be a distraction, I loved them dearly.
This book has alternating POVs, and though some people hate them, I think that if done right, they can make the book. Such was the case here. It was so great for learning about Lucy and Ciaran, and in this case, I didn't even have a favorite POV--I loved to read about both of them equally.
I realize, looking back on this review, that this is quite a fangirl-y review, but I just don't care. This book deserves some fangirling. Needless to say, I will be crossing my fingers for a sequel. Because I don't want to say goodbye to this story.
I was definitely not expecting to be so enthralled with this book. Usually, these types of stories end up not being my thing,(paranormals, that is) but I took a really wild chance with this book and boy did it deliver. I should take a few more wild chances, in the future, perhaps...
On second thought, maybe not. I doubt all of those books would be anywhere near the level of perfection that Mind Blind was.
First, NO ROMANCE! I have finally found something that is YA but doesn't waste its time with pointless love stories. I know I sound like a very bitter person here, but I loved that the relationship between Ciaran and Lucy stays platonic. Especially since, given their past, I would have found a romance plotline highly bizarre and a bit dysfunctional. If there are continuing books in this series, and I wish on every shooting star in the universe that there will be, I could see there being some romance eventually, but for the present, there was really only tension.
The plot was edge-of-your-seat, unable-to-put-down thrilling. I stayed up until twelve thirty reading this book. I was supposed to just start it and then go to bed, but I ended up reading half of the book because I knew that if I didn't read just a bit more, there was no way I would be able to focus on sleep. It is THAT good.
What makes it that good? First, the characters. Ciaran is my type of hero; he is at times downright unlikeable. He is flawed. But underneath all that, you can tell that he has a good heart. Plus, his character growth from scared boy to mastermind of awesomeness is great reading material.
Lucy is grieving her sister. Her hatred for Ciaran is apparent. She doesn't make the greatest decisions because of it. But her stubbornness endeared her to me. She's intelligent and she's basically the perfect balance to Ciaran.
Ciaran's family is all kinds of messed up. They are...I don't even have words for them. Once we learn more about Ciaran's past, I couldn't believe he hadn't tried to run away before, because they were awful. Ciaran and Lucy have to try and evade them--their lives depend on it--but it is rather tough when you are outrunning mindreading killing machines. Yeah, beginning to understand why this was a very exciting story?
And yet even though the storyline was so wonderful, I loved flashbacks to past events as well, because they really gave a lot of depth as to why everything was happening and answered any questions that I might have had; I didn't find them to be a distraction, I loved them dearly.
This book has alternating POVs, and though some people hate them, I think that if done right, they can make the book. Such was the case here. It was so great for learning about Lucy and Ciaran, and in this case, I didn't even have a favorite POV--I loved to read about both of them equally.
I realize, looking back on this review, that this is quite a fangirl-y review, but I just don't care. This book deserves some fangirling. Needless to say, I will be crossing my fingers for a sequel. Because I don't want to say goodbye to this story.
November 30, 2015
This is a pretty decent YA novel about a criminal family whose talent is mind reading. The idea is great but the plot was a little forced. The two main characters are linked by an unexpected death, yet they seem to behave as if nothing happened! For instance, the surviving sister of the deceased develops a crush on the person suspected of committing the murder! That is what I call 'moving on'!
I would still recommend it to Middle Schoolers since it is a rather unique subject, but there are other better choices out there.
I would still recommend it to Middle Schoolers since it is a rather unique subject, but there are other better choices out there.
January 4, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal, finished within a few days
March 23, 2017
I really enjoyed "Mind Blind"- the story was intriguing and kept me guessing throughout, with a constant sense of threat keeping me hooked.
Mind Blind is about a family line with a special talent -they can read minds, and will do anything to keep their talent hidden. Mind blinds are regular people without this talent (a bit like Muggles!) Lucy and her sister are descendents of a scientist who discovered this secret during WW11. Now their grandmother has died the secret is compromised.
Ciarain Bain is a mind reader but is thought of as a weak member of his family and a liability. Together, him and Lucy end up on the run from his family and the government.
Mind Blind is about a family line with a special talent -they can read minds, and will do anything to keep their talent hidden. Mind blinds are regular people without this talent (a bit like Muggles!) Lucy and her sister are descendents of a scientist who discovered this secret during WW11. Now their grandmother has died the secret is compromised.
Ciarain Bain is a mind reader but is thought of as a weak member of his family and a liability. Together, him and Lucy end up on the run from his family and the government.
December 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this intriguing story told from cieran & Lucy's point of view. It's a fast paced adventure story with murder, pursuits, psychic powers, emotional outpourings, dysfunctional families and a hint of romance. Just wondering, what will happen next!!!!
January 9, 2017
I liked this book a lot and how it described things. I would recommend this book to anyone.
June 9, 2017
It was a fun story about a family who could read minds in different ways and were criminals for hire.
Basically they had killed a girl and now they were after something she had and her sister gets involved.
I liked Lucy she was a strong main character and I liked her defiance attitude, the story line was quite good but I kind of hoped thy maybe they would be experimented on so the source of their power can be discovered.
I liked that the family were worried about being exposed because irl I think that is what someone would feel about having gym that kind of power.
Overall quite a good book but it didn't really go into enough depth for me.
Basically they had killed a girl and now they were after something she had and her sister gets involved.
I liked Lucy she was a strong main character and I liked her defiance attitude, the story line was quite good but I kind of hoped thy maybe they would be experimented on so the source of their power can be discovered.
I liked that the family were worried about being exposed because irl I think that is what someone would feel about having gym that kind of power.
Overall quite a good book but it didn't really go into enough depth for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
It was a bit hard to read and understand🤔
August 1, 2022
So ein einzigartiges Buch welches auf jeden Fall zu einer meiner liebsten Bücher zählt
March 30, 2023
Could be good for younger teens but lack of excitement for me .. simple world building slow paced .incomprehensible story line ..
August 5, 2014
Our two main characters in this book are Ciaran Bain and Lucy Shaw. Ciaran and his family are mindreaders who are trying to keep their special powers secret from the public and the law. Lucy is the daughter from the Shaw family who is trying to piece together her sister Vivien's mysterious death while also protecting herself and her family. Ciaran's family and Lucy's family are linked together because of the dangerous information the Shaws have on Ciaran's family. Ciaran is very talented at mindreading through touch, but because of this he is also the most sensitive especially when he is around people who are suffering. Lucy, on the other hand, is very curious, bold, and vengeful because of her sister's death. Together they have to work together to retrieve the secret information from the Shaw family and at the same time try to save themselves and their families.
In the majority of the book, Lucy's an Ciaran's relationship is not a very friendly one. Lucy is very bitter and determined to get revenge for her sister's death while Ciaran is out to prove something to himself and his family. Throughout the journey, none of them really trust each other, but I did like how their relationship developed at the end. Ciaran and Lucy definitely did not have a romantic relationship and their was not really any romance in the story. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it. There was never a dull moment and the story was very fast-paced. Most of the book's plot consisted of a big chase and nothing was predictable.
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In the majority of the book, Lucy's an Ciaran's relationship is not a very friendly one. Lucy is very bitter and determined to get revenge for her sister's death while Ciaran is out to prove something to himself and his family. Throughout the journey, none of them really trust each other, but I did like how their relationship developed at the end. Ciaran and Lucy definitely did not have a romantic relationship and their was not really any romance in the story. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it. There was never a dull moment and the story was very fast-paced. Most of the book's plot consisted of a big chase and nothing was predictable.
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July 2, 2014
I read it in a day. I read it in a day but...I didn't like it. I wanted to. I really did, but a couple vital elements of the plot fell flat for me which ruined my overall enjoyment of the story.
My main issue was the main character, Ciaran Bane. I think he was supposed to be an unlikable characters which would have been fine except there is virtually no character growth. Ciaran always looks out for his own interests and even though he wants to protect Sarah, he wants to is fine with an innocent person dying as long as it doesn't hurt his own prospects. He might feel bad later but that doesn't make him any less of a murderer.
Ciaran's family might be to blame. They bullied and mistreated Ciaran and, oh yeah, they kidnapped and tortured people for their clients. That's the type of work you get, I suppose, as a family of criminals. When Ciaran escaped, they planned to hunt him down for torture.
The mind-reading aspect of this aspect of this novel is quite neat, actually. The family members read minds in different ways: some read through eye contact, others through sound, others (like Ciaran) through touch. How cool is that? (The answer is very cool, by the way.)
And...the ending. Gah! Everything that Ciaran fought for during the duration of the novel, for independence and safety, he pretty much gives up at the end. When I put down Mind Blind, I felt completely dissatisfied. So unfortunately, I probably wouldn't recommend this. However, if you think the book sounds interesting, I would love if you could check it out and tell me what you think!
My main issue was the main character, Ciaran Bane. I think he was supposed to be an unlikable characters which would have been fine except there is virtually no character growth. Ciaran always looks out for his own interests and even though he wants to protect Sarah, he wants to is fine with an innocent person dying as long as it doesn't hurt his own prospects. He might feel bad later but that doesn't make him any less of a murderer.
Ciaran's family might be to blame. They bullied and mistreated Ciaran and, oh yeah, they kidnapped and tortured people for their clients. That's the type of work you get, I suppose, as a family of criminals. When Ciaran escaped, they planned to hunt him down for torture.
The mind-reading aspect of this aspect of this novel is quite neat, actually. The family members read minds in different ways: some read through eye contact, others through sound, others (like Ciaran) through touch. How cool is that? (The answer is very cool, by the way.)
And...the ending. Gah! Everything that Ciaran fought for during the duration of the novel, for independence and safety, he pretty much gives up at the end. When I put down Mind Blind, I felt completely dissatisfied. So unfortunately, I probably wouldn't recommend this. However, if you think the book sounds interesting, I would love if you could check it out and tell me what you think!
September 1, 2014
Fourteen-year-old Nathaniel Clark lives in two worlds—the outside world of his family and friends and his own, special, inside Aspie world, where he’s not forced to interact with people or worry about wearing his clothes right-side out. The world where he can solve mathematical problems that elude even the brightest graduate students. The world where he feels he can find his own inner truth. People say he’s a genius, but Nathaniel thinks differently. According to a book he once read, a true genius uses his talent to make a contribution to the world. Nathaniel takes the definition literally, and begins his quest for genius status. "I will start, right after I wash the chocolate off my face. If I want to be seen as a genius, I should not look like an idiot." Nathaniel has a sky-high IQ and perfect SAT scores, but Jennifer Roy and her husband, Greg, have a remarkable 8-year-old son, Adam, who not only inspired the character of Nathaniel Clark, but also created the "Amazing Race" charts and the narrative at the back of MindBlind
July 28, 2015
Well, I like the start. It had impact and I was shocked by the death of Viv and how calculating Ciarans family could be. The reason I only gave this book three stars is because the storyline after that was soooooo slooooooooooow. Also, everything just seemed to be getting repeated, Ciaran and Lucy, their hate of each other, and whether they could trust each other . It was just so boring. 3/4 of the way through, the pace of the book picked up again and I found myself wanting to know what will happen to the characters. I liked the ending because it didn't write off anyone or anything and therefore possibly a sequel? I would read it if there was! I really liked Lucy and Ciaran as characters and Roy too, but sometimes I felt like there was so much about their negative sides we didn't really see their other sides till the end, would have liked to have read in more detail about Ciarans childhood especially.
August 29, 2015
Mind Blind is a short story about a crazy family that can read minds and the sister of a dead girl who was killed by the family. In the family there is a young boy who is adventures to wonder out into the world outside his house. He tries to find a usb that will save his family from being in danger. In the mean time Lucy, the sister of a dead girl, is trying to find the killers of her sister. This book has a ok plot with a theme, never trust anyone but you. The conflict is between the family and the two sister's curiosity. As an old saying goes, curiosity kills the cat. This book is highly recommended to young adults that like mystery and adventure. This book was mediocre it did not really interest me. Anyone with a liking to mind readers, mystery or adventure would be sure to like the book. This book is a 3/5 for the characters were well described but the plot and theme did not really catch my attention.
August 1, 2014
Intriguing YA Paranormal story. Fourteen year old Ciaran Bain lives with his family of mind reading criminals and he and his cousins are trained, spy kid like, to go on missions and perform whatever jobs they are sent on, no questions asked. Bain has the strongest mind reading powers, but is the weakest member of his family because he is crippled by other people's emotions. When a girl dies due to his errors in a job, he feels bound to try to make things right. This leads him into an adventure with the dead girl's younger sister, trying to evade the police, his family and the military police as he tries to save his life and hers and keep his family's secrets safe. Action, adventure and mind reading abound in this fast paced adventure. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
July 12, 2014
I killed a girl today, just after the school bell. I keep trying to tell myself I didn't really kill her. But she's dead. And it's my fault.' 14-year-old Ciaran Bane is a highly trained fighter and gifted cat burglar with a special talent: he knows what his victim is thinking. He works in a mafia-style family of gangsters, thieves and thugs who share his mind-reading talent. WOW what a book - started it and finished in two sessions. A fabulous story and a fast paced turn pager. A thrill of a read and highly recommended.
October 31, 2014
Wow! What a fantastic book for teen readers! This has it all: murder, psychic powers, romance, chase scenes, dysfunctional families, emotional outpourings... boys and girls alike can find something to love about "Mind Blind." This was such an exciting and emotional read, that I can't wait to tell all of my students about it!
December 23, 2014
The more I think about this book the more I like it. It's a fast paced thriller about a guy who can read minds who is trying to protect his family from being exposed with the girl who's sister his family have just killed. Full of twists and turns, very descriptive with the effects if mind reading. Really enjoyed it, couldn't put it down in places.
March 15, 2017
Some bits seemed too quick, some bits too slow but I found the main characters believable and I admired that the relationship was kept platonic. There wasn't enough explanation given into what exactly Ciaran's family do and why - beyond the obvious protect the secret thing. Things also seemed a little unresolved at the end. How is Ciaran getting on with his family now?
September 28, 2015
I was intrigued by this story, especially coming from two different people's point of views. There were also quite a few plot twists and sudden changes of mood. A good read for anyone interested in mysteries.
November 15, 2014
Fun, sparky, other worldly. A great read from Lari Don. Final star is missing because I want to know what happens next!
May 20, 2015
I tried really hard to enjoy this book but I din't really like it tbh. the writing was kinda bad and the storyline confusing.
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January 1, 2017Content Rating
http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...
Goodreads says that this book is for ages 11-14, but due to high language content, I'd advise the opposite.
http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...
Goodreads says that this book is for ages 11-14, but due to high language content, I'd advise the opposite.
December 19, 2014
I could not forgive this book for the way it ended, but it had me right up until the 11th hour.
May 1, 2017
Ciaran Bain is a criminal. Though, he possesses something particularly unusual. He and his family can read minds. Unfortunately for Bain, this talent costs him a lot of his dignity and is more of a curse to him. Any time he gets near a mind-blind, a person who cannot read minds, he cries and throws up because of all the feelings and thoughts overwhelming him. His family knows he's useless. Bain decided to start blocking all of the feelings out of his head by building a wall of hate in his mind. Hate for his family that does not care about him, and hate for himself because he is useless. This method seemed to work until the day Bain had to be on his guard more than ever. He was on a mission with his family, and he was the one on duty to capture the victim. He did as he was said and locked her in their van. Her head was full of questions and fear. Bain tried to ignore her and build his wall again. What he did not know was that he needed to be present there at a hundred percent. The girl was starting to plan her escape and Bain wasn't even paying attention. "...trying to build a wall against people's emotions. And I almost managed it. That's why I didn't notice her change of focus until she moved" (Don 46). At last, the girl pulled Bain's mask off him and revealed his face. Bain stood up and took his mask back. She had seen his face. The girl could now describe it to the police and get him arrested. He decided to keep the fact that she saw his face a secret, though he knew his family would murder her because of him. As they got to the family's base, the girl was kidnapped for interrogation and asked questions by the adults. Her name was Vivien, and she knew about them being mind readers. They just had to get rid of her. Additionally, they saw a perfect image of Bain's face. That gave them an additional reason to kill her. Ciaran could not bear it and was happy that he wasn't allowed in the interrogation room. Though in the first place, Bain was wondering why they needed her. He decided to investigate and found out that Vivien's dead grandmother, Nana, was doing research on his grandfather about mind reading. She took many notes on the subject, and Vivien read them all. Vivien knew who Bain's family was and what they could do. What made the family uncomfortable was that the notes were still out there, but Vivien hid them. Ciaran saw the perfect opportunity to regain the trust of his family. He went on a solo mission to find the notes and burn them. His first clue was to go to Vivien's house. It took only one step into the dwelling to wake Vivien's younger sister up, Lucy. To save himself, Ciaran makes a deal with Lucy. She helps Ciaran find the notes, and he leaves her alone for the rest of her life. They had to move quickly because Bain's family had already realized he was gone. Thus, making them travel all around the U.K. At the end, Bain succeeds in his mission and gains more the power to defeat the hate in his family.
Mind Blind shares many similarities and differences with The Giver. Firstly, both books are coming of age. Bain grows and learns the difficulties of life and Jonas learns what the world was and how it is different. Another similarity is that both characters have no one to love them. In Jonas' community, no one knows what love is. Consequently, no one loves Jonas the way he can. Bain too, has no one to love him because his family thinks he is useless. Finally, Jonas and Bain have a goal or a dream in the story. Bain's goal is to find the notes Vivien's Nana took and destroy them. Jonas wants to find a way to make everyone in the community have the memories and the feelings. One difference in the book is that Bain and his family can read minds and Jonas has the Capacity-to-See-Beyond. Secondly, the conflicts are different. The conflict in Mind Blind is Man vs. Self because Ciaran wants to be a better version of him by not appearing as useless. "Don't you dare, boy! Don't make yourself look even more stupid! You can't handle something that complex."(Don 41). On the other hand, Jonas' conflict is Man vs. Society. Last but not least, Jonas has never broken a rule in the community and has always been well-behaved. Opposingly, Bain has violated many rules as he is a criminal and does many illegal things. As one can see, both Mind Blind and The Giver share many similarities and differences.
My favorite part of the book was when Ciaran proved to his family that he was worth something in the spying business. He showed that he mattered and he could do things that others can't. My least favorite part happened on the bus trip. Lucy and Ciaran were on a bus on their way to Lucy's uncle, in Edinburg. Lucy wanted revenge for her dead sister, and she knew Bain was the reason of her death. She also knew that he was a mind reader. That power can come in handy when it comes to Lucy. She starts to think of hate and everything Ciaran hates. Lab experiments, his family tied to chairs, needles, and other gadgets. "I tried to build a wall against her. I really did try. The wall that had worked at the hospital: solid, smooth, high, silver, hate. She was forcing pictures and noises, words and ideas into my head." (Don 213). Ciaran then fainted after all the hate and revenge Lucy transmitted. I would recommend this book to people ages 10-14 because Mind Blind is a coming of age book explaining that it can be hard to find a place where we belong in the world. In the end, there is always a place to go home.
Mind Blind shares many similarities and differences with The Giver. Firstly, both books are coming of age. Bain grows and learns the difficulties of life and Jonas learns what the world was and how it is different. Another similarity is that both characters have no one to love them. In Jonas' community, no one knows what love is. Consequently, no one loves Jonas the way he can. Bain too, has no one to love him because his family thinks he is useless. Finally, Jonas and Bain have a goal or a dream in the story. Bain's goal is to find the notes Vivien's Nana took and destroy them. Jonas wants to find a way to make everyone in the community have the memories and the feelings. One difference in the book is that Bain and his family can read minds and Jonas has the Capacity-to-See-Beyond. Secondly, the conflicts are different. The conflict in Mind Blind is Man vs. Self because Ciaran wants to be a better version of him by not appearing as useless. "Don't you dare, boy! Don't make yourself look even more stupid! You can't handle something that complex."(Don 41). On the other hand, Jonas' conflict is Man vs. Society. Last but not least, Jonas has never broken a rule in the community and has always been well-behaved. Opposingly, Bain has violated many rules as he is a criminal and does many illegal things. As one can see, both Mind Blind and The Giver share many similarities and differences.
My favorite part of the book was when Ciaran proved to his family that he was worth something in the spying business. He showed that he mattered and he could do things that others can't. My least favorite part happened on the bus trip. Lucy and Ciaran were on a bus on their way to Lucy's uncle, in Edinburg. Lucy wanted revenge for her dead sister, and she knew Bain was the reason of her death. She also knew that he was a mind reader. That power can come in handy when it comes to Lucy. She starts to think of hate and everything Ciaran hates. Lab experiments, his family tied to chairs, needles, and other gadgets. "I tried to build a wall against her. I really did try. The wall that had worked at the hospital: solid, smooth, high, silver, hate. She was forcing pictures and noises, words and ideas into my head." (Don 213). Ciaran then fainted after all the hate and revenge Lucy transmitted. I would recommend this book to people ages 10-14 because Mind Blind is a coming of age book explaining that it can be hard to find a place where we belong in the world. In the end, there is always a place to go home.
Mind Blind shares many similarities and differences with The Giver. Firstly, both books are coming of age. Bain grows and learns the difficulties of life and Jonas learns what the world was and how it is different. Another similarity is that both characters have no one to love them. In Jonas' community, no one knows what love is. Consequently, no one loves Jonas the way he can. Bain too, has no one to love him because his family thinks he is useless. Finally, Jonas and Bain have a goal or a dream in the story. Bain's goal is to find the notes Vivien's Nana took and destroy them. Jonas wants to find a way to make everyone in the community have the memories and the feelings. One difference in the book is that Bain and his family can read minds and Jonas has the Capacity-to-See-Beyond. Secondly, the conflicts are different. The conflict in Mind Blind is Man vs. Self because Ciaran wants to be a better version of him by not appearing as useless. "Don't you dare, boy! Don't make yourself look even more stupid! You can't handle something that complex."(Don 41). On the other hand, Jonas' conflict is Man vs. Society. Last but not least, Jonas has never broken a rule in the community and has always been well-behaved. Opposingly, Bain has violated many rules as he is a criminal and does many illegal things. As one can see, both Mind Blind and The Giver share many similarities and differences.
My favorite part of the book was when Ciaran proved to his family that he was worth something in the spying business. He showed that he mattered and he could do things that others can't. My least favorite part happened on the bus trip. Lucy and Ciaran were on a bus on their way to Lucy's uncle, in Edinburg. Lucy wanted revenge for her dead sister, and she knew Bain was the reason of her death. She also knew that he was a mind reader. That power can come in handy when it comes to Lucy. She starts to think of hate and everything Ciaran hates. Lab experiments, his family tied to chairs, needles, and other gadgets. "I tried to build a wall against her. I really did try. The wall that had worked at the hospital: solid, smooth, high, silver, hate. She was forcing pictures and noises, words and ideas into my head." (Don 213). Ciaran then fainted after all the hate and revenge Lucy transmitted. I would recommend this book to people ages 10-14 because Mind Blind is a coming of age book explaining that it can be hard to find a place where we belong in the world. In the end, there is always a place to go home.
Mind Blind shares many similarities and differences with The Giver. Firstly, both books are coming of age. Bain grows and learns the difficulties of life and Jonas learns what the world was and how it is different. Another similarity is that both characters have no one to love them. In Jonas' community, no one knows what love is. Consequently, no one loves Jonas the way he can. Bain too, has no one to love him because his family thinks he is useless. Finally, Jonas and Bain have a goal or a dream in the story. Bain's goal is to find the notes Vivien's Nana took and destroy them. Jonas wants to find a way to make everyone in the community have the memories and the feelings. One difference in the book is that Bain and his family can read minds and Jonas has the Capacity-to-See-Beyond. Secondly, the conflicts are different. The conflict in Mind Blind is Man vs. Self because Ciaran wants to be a better version of him by not appearing as useless. "Don't you dare, boy! Don't make yourself look even more stupid! You can't handle something that complex."(Don 41). On the other hand, Jonas' conflict is Man vs. Society. Last but not least, Jonas has never broken a rule in the community and has always been well-behaved. Opposingly, Bain has violated many rules as he is a criminal and does many illegal things. As one can see, both Mind Blind and The Giver share many similarities and differences.
My favorite part of the book was when Ciaran proved to his family that he was worth something in the spying business. He showed that he mattered and he could do things that others can't. My least favorite part happened on the bus trip. Lucy and Ciaran were on a bus on their way to Lucy's uncle, in Edinburg. Lucy wanted revenge for her dead sister, and she knew Bain was the reason of her death. She also knew that he was a mind reader. That power can come in handy when it comes to Lucy. She starts to think of hate and everything Ciaran hates. Lab experiments, his family tied to chairs, needles, and other gadgets. "I tried to build a wall against her. I really did try. The wall that had worked at the hospital: solid, smooth, high, silver, hate. She was forcing pictures and noises, words and ideas into my head." (Don 213). Ciaran then fainted after all the hate and revenge Lucy transmitted. I would recommend this book to people ages 10-14 because Mind Blind is a coming of age book explaining that it can be hard to find a place where we belong in the world. In the end, there is always a place to go home.
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