Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Children’s Department
Genre: Fantasy
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: Every Heart a Doorway tells the story of Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, a school and boarding house for those children that have disappeared to the hidden places of the world, and come back. Under the bed, in a wardrobe, through a miraculously disappearing door… These kids have found their version of fairy tale lands, and come back to tell the tale. It follows Nancy, the home’s newest resident, who like the rest of the children, is seeking her way back to her own fantastical world. A violent crime brings the many colorful residents of the home, including a guidance counselor and the principal herself, together in an attempt to figure out what is going on.
My Review: Being already familiar with (and a major fan of) several other works by Ms. McGuire, I was excited to see this on the new book shelf. I was not disappointed one iota. She weaves an amazing mystery that had me devouring the fairly small novel in a matter of hours. All the characters are unique but relatable in their own ways, even as fingers start to be pointed and everyone starts to bear a shadow of doubt about their fellow schoolmates. Even though the book deals with crimes and fantasy worlds the children are desperately trying to return to, the message of embracing your own little slice of oddity really shines through.
Rating: 5/5
Find it at the library!
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!