Book Review – P.O.W.E.R. by Lisa A. Kramer

What if you loved words?

What if you loved words and were told you could not use them? No reading. No writing. No words. If you were told you had to give up words completely, would you stop? Could you?

Andra BetScrivener has a secret power. But her life – and the lives of those she loves – may be in grave danger if it is discovered. Andra is faced with the challenge of finding a way to utilize her gifts without jeopardizing her own safety or anyone else’s. Her position is less than enviable. Step into Lisa A. Kramer’s P.O.W.E.R. and join Andra as she learns about herself, her powers, and the dark secrets of New North.

If you’ve read some of my other reviews, you know that I am not a big reader of YA literature. But every now and then a book comes along that makes me reconsider my stance. P.O.W.E.R. is one of those books.

Kramer’s tale is immediately engaging and the characters are believable, likable, and real. Andra is intelligent and creative, passionate and brave. Her doting father is town between wanting his daughter to celebrate and develop her gifts and wanting to keep her safe. Family friend Brian loves them both and helps them find their way.

The atmosphere of P.O.W.E.R. reminds me much of one of my favorites, Orwell’s 1984, but with an absorbing  modern adventure story that had me rooting for the characters every step of the way as they fought against injustices suggestive of some of the evils our world faces today.

P.O.W.E.R. has strong messages for girls and young women today- messages for everyone, really. P.O.W.E.R. beautifully portrays themes of love, of family and friendship, or loyalty. It encourages creativity, determination, and courage. It celebrates the strength of the individual and the strength of community. It gives the reader a clear vision of what can happen when women – or any of us – stand united and support one another.

Kramer’s P.O.W.E.R. is now on my list of must-read suggestions for any teen or young adult girls – or anyone, for that matter. The story is accessible across age and gender lines and would be a smart addition to high school reading lists for the future adult members of our society. We need more books like this to inspire them to work together toward a better world.

It is my understanding that for each copy of this book sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to causes that support women and children around the world. An investment in the future is high on my list of things worth supporting.

If you haven’t read Lisa Kramer’s P.O.W.E.R., what are you waiting for? Grab a copy today and get ready to be drawn into a world that while seemingly desolate is filled with possibility and hope.