Patrick D. Joyce

[Disclaimer: I got this book via LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program]
Well, people who knows me also know that I am a huge Beatles fan: probably this is why I have some doubt about this book. It's nice that the young main character is named "Harrison George" (George is the surname) and his friend's name is Prudence; it's also nice that the plot is based in the USSR and revolves around a Beatles' album; but some references are too lame, and I am not even sure that they can be appreciated by the casual Beatles listener, or the young adult which I understand is the _target of the book. Also the visions of Harrison are part of the plot, as the reader sees near the end, but in a convoluted way. Besides this, I found the second half more interesting that the beginning: so I suggest to keep reading even if you are not quite convinced.… (more)

I'm a bit confused. Who is this for? Maybe it's a Young Adult novel. The protagonists are in their early teens. Would a YA reader connect with all the Beatles stuff? Or maybe it's really written for someone who was a teenager in the 1960s (e.g., ME). I know all the Beatles songs. Have the whole collection. Even performed a few back in my on-stage days (not memorable). Or maybe Joyce has just got all audiences covered?

It's an easy, well-paced read. Short sentences. Good. The plot tension gets cracking on page one and doesn't let up much, except for the occasional need to explain things. I really enjoyed it. Add a STAR if it's intended for a 74 year old reader who can still channel his 14 year old self.… (more)