The Night Tourist (Hardcover)

by Katherine Marsh (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Ninth-grade classics-prodigy Jack Perdu is a loner, but his lonely life soon changes after he is struck by a car and suddenly thrust into the underworld beneath New York—the world of the dead. The story can be somewhat difficult to follow, with references to Greek myths and other classics and with the underworld setting, but Rannels expertly guides listeners with a well-timed performance, convincing character representations, and an easy reading style. The underworld is filled with a wide range of characters, including Dylan Thomas and Tennessee Williams, and Rannels masterfully portrays the characters in dialects ranging from Irish to New York. The recording begins with haunting chimes and concludes with a gentle piano melody, indicative of the hopeful ending. Grades 6-9. --Anna Rich --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Review
"It was just after dusk when the accident happened." This alluring first sentence grabs readers' attention, and the compelling story line will hold that interest. Marsh's story focuses on ninth-grader Jack Perdu, a prodigy of classic mythology. Absorbed in a book, Jack fails to see the car that knocks him down. He's physically okay, but after the accident he sees ghostly beings. In New York City's subway, he meets Euri, a spectral girl who leads him eight stories below Grand Central Station, and together they enter the residence of hundreds of ghosts. The spirits, several dead for more than 200 years, are suspicious of Jack, because to them he appears to be alive. Is Jack actually dead? If so, will he be able to locate his mother who disappeared years before? Both Jack and readers will simultaneously unravel the mystery surrounding the author's surreal setting as he learns how to enter and exit this supernatural world. Teenagers knowledgeable about mythology and appreciative of sophisticated wordplay will especially enjoy this intricate read. -- Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2007

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (September 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142310689X
• ISBN-13: 978-1423106890
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #148,119 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Ghost Story, October 15, 2007

By	Joe Mathews - See all my reviews

This is a terrific ghost story for the advanced young reader. This adult enjoyed it, too, though he's easily frightened and found some parts a little scary. The Night Tourist is also a page turner, with brains and action. Marsh will have you flying over and under New York City. (And if there are any Latin-studying nerds out there, please take note: this is a book you can't miss).

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Haunted Journey, September 27, 2007

By	Robert K. Griffith "Reading Specialist" (Salisbury, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Night Tourist is a must-read for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, their teachers, librarians, reading specialists, and anyone who enjoys excellent young adult fiction.
It is the adventure of Jack Perdu, a smart ninth grader who lives with his father on the campus of Yale University. Due to a near-fatal auto accident, his father sends him to Manhattan, a place he hasn't been since his mother's death eight years earlier, to see an unusual doctor.
Later, in Grand Central Station, Jack meets Euri, a peculiar girl who takes him on a search for his mother through New York's ghostly underworld beneath the subway system, a metaphor for the Greek underworld. Much magical action also takes place in the night sky above the modern-day landscape of Manhattan.
The Night Tourist is an intelligently crafted work of fiction. Marsh writes with a deep understanding of adolescents. The author is masterful in her development of a bonding friendship between Jack and Euri. At times, the reader will smile or even laugh out loud at the touches of humor and word play. Unexpected plot twists and suspenseful action keep the reader intrigued right up to the last page. A sequel is a must.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clever urban fantasy for smart readers of all ages, September 19, 2007

By	J. Rasmussen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This Orpheus-inspired YA urban fantasy set in the New York City Underworld is distinguished by witty writing, an abundance of suspense and fun, and the occasional dead poet. By turns funny and poignant, it deals gracefully and honestly with issues of death (and life) without ever condescending to the reader. You will be transported into the world of these vividly drawn characters and settings; New Yorkers will enjoy an extra laugh or two, and those who've never been will be captivated by a clever and loving insider's look devoid of the standard NYC cliches.