Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

That’s how long ago Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism came out, folks. I have the ARC to prove it, although at least it’s one from Borders (may it rest in peace) rather than one I requested as a blogger. I finally committed myself to reading it–listening to it, technically–and after a lag of several months, I’m NOW committing myself to reviewing it.

Let’s all pause while I feel pathetic.

Honestly, though, I’ve put off the reviewing of it in large part because I haven’t been sure what to say. There’s definitely a Roald Dahl feel to Molly Moon, and for the first half of the book I couldn’t manage to actually like Molly, horrible orphanage background notwithstanding. I enjoy watching the oppressed putting their oppressors in their places, but gratuitous public humiliation bearing no direct connection to their bad behavior is not my jam. Molly’s hypnotic rise to fame didn’t do it for me either, but when she starts to see reality and examine her priorities, the story did (eventually) win me over. I’m still not passionate about it, necessarily, but kids who feel downtrodden and powerless–or just lacking in fair opportunities–will probably find it a solid romp, and the ending surprised me in a good way. If the idea of finding a book on hypnotism that enables you to get just about whatever you want sounds intriguing, give this one a try!