I normally wouldn't include any books like this, or write a review on it, as they are more for me to simply pass the time then to get enjoyment out. This one though, caught me out. It's more than just the fact that the characters in this book act their age, and aren't all smarmy, extremely intelligent and able to do almost anything. They -are- children, by their actions and by their words. The adventure for the two main characters (Oleg and Emma) is different from what I've read before, especially in regards to the evil organization chasing them. Everyone acts like people, other than the one that is obviously made-up.
I enjoyed this thoroughly, especially as the writing is full of insights and written in a way that can make you laugh/smile/cry (I did do the latter a few times). I can't formulate a review of exactly how good this is, but I would ask that anyone, even if they are not children, read this. I've set off to read this again, this time with my -tabs- to highlight where all of my favourite passages are.
And I would just like to leave the reader with this.
-The Impossible Boy- by Ben Brooks (Pg. 245-246).
For a while, they sat deep in their own thoughts, until the cowboy humming Silent Night brought them back to reality. He stopped when he noticed that they were all staring at him.
'You were singing,' the scientist explained.
'Was I?' said the cowboy. 'I suppose I was. I didn't realise.'
Emma nodded. 'My mum says that every time a song comes into your head without a reason it's because someone's listening to it alone and having a cry. It is the universe's way of making sure they aren't really alone.'
'Yes,' said the scientist. 'The universe can be quite thoughtful when it wants to be.'