I was really interested in this book because of the strange mystery at the center of the plot. It turned out to be a really good book all around - instead of idealizing a coming-of-age journey for two childhood friends, this book captured all the conflict and intensity of the weird transition from high school to almost adulthood. I was really impressed by how real the characters and situations seemed, and completely captivated by the mystery. ( )

I'll read this if my damn sister-in-law ever finishes it. ( )

After high school, two best friends (Chris and Win) go on a cross country bike ride before heading off to college. When Win disappears on the trip, Chris has to deal with parents (both sets) and an FBI agent while starting college. The book switches between the two time lines (summer road trip and fall aftermath) revealing how we got to the disappearance while discovering what Chris will do now. Although the flashbacks/forwards were a bit disorienting at time and frustrating if you were at a cliff hanger, the parallel time lines did help make the book more interesting and mysterious. Each boy comes to his own realization about himself and the other and the reader has a certain vicarious pride in watching them grow up and take ownership of their lives. ( )

I rate Shift by Jennifer Bradbury a three out of five because at some parts of the book it got boring with all of the flashbacks occurring. Every other chapter the plot would change from what was actually happening to flashbacks of what had already happened to the characters. This book had some moments where I wanted to keep reading but not many. ***plot may be revealed***
The themes in this book are discovery and deception. The books main theme is deception because throughout the book the main character, Chris and the FBI are trying to figure out what had happened to Chris' bestfriend Winston (Win). Winstons parents think the worst about Chris and think he had something to do with his disappearance after their argument on their bike ride out of town. This book shows discovery because Chris finally figured out what had happened to Win.
I recommend this book for people who enjoy to read about flashbacks and trying to figure out clues about someone through the authors writing. Overall I enjoyed this book. ( )

I found Shift by Jennifer Bradbury an interesting story of two young boys who, after graduating high school and before leaving for university, take a bike trip across the United States. When only one boy returns and resumes his life, questions arise as to the whereabouts of the other.

Told in a combination of flashbacks and current time, we learn about the boys, Chris and Win, what the trip means to both and where they feel they are going in life. When Win continues to be missing, an FBI investigation is launched and this investigation appears to be centered on Chris.

This is more of a story of relationships than a true mystery. As the details of the trip are revealed, the reader has a very good idea of what happened to Win. I enjoyed the story and my only quibble is that I felt the ending was a little to simplified. I should qualify this complaint with the allowance that this is a YA story and meant for a far younger audience than I. ( )