Penny Joelson's "The Girl Who Wasn't There" is an emotional and gripping young adult novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The fictional story follows the life of Kasia, a young girl with a chronic illness that keeps her homebound. Her only view of the outside world is through her bedroom window. One day, she witnesses what appears to be a kidnapping from her window. As she watches it happen, she sees a girl in the window across from her house but she immediately shuts the blinds. Kasia wonders if the girl saw everything she did. However, when she tries to investigate further, she is told that there is no girl in the window across the street, leaving Kasia questioning her own sanity. Throughout this thrilling book, the author does a great job of creating suspenseful situations that allow the reader to think outside the box. The well-developed characters are very relatable, particularly Kasia, who is a likable protagonist that readers will root for throughout the book. One of the things that stand out in the book is the way it deals with the themes of mental illness and disability. Kasia's chronic illness is a significant part of the story, and the author handles it with sensitivity and care. This allows me to realize how fortunate I am and the struggles disabled people fight through. Many previous thriller novels I’ve read were interesting and enjoyable, but I realized I wasn’t learning much from them. This book is much different though, because it is both suspenseful and knowledgeable. Overall, “The Girl Who Wasn't There" is such a great read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. It is an engaging and thought-provoking book that is a perfect thriller for a range of ages to enjoy. This book is not only well-paced but also consists of relatable characters throughout the unexpected twists and turns in the plot. Read it with a creative and imaginative mind to capture each new discovery and fully enjoy Kasia’s journey. In conclusion, I highly recommend "The Girl Who Wasn't There" to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or is interested in exploring themes such as mental illness and disability. Penny Joelson has created a captivating mystery that will leave you feeling accomplished.
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