TO FEEL STUFF by Andrea Seigel
ISBN: 0156031507
Format: Paperback, 288pp
Pub. Date: August 2006
Publisher: Harcourt, Harvest Books
Elodie Harrington has taken up permanent residence in the Brown University infirmary due to the parade of illnesses that march through her frail body. She has become the central focus of several people: To Chess Hunter, the charasmatic a capella singer whose violent attack she silently bore witness to, Elodie is a diversion and the object of his affection in a budding romance. To Professor Mark Kirschling, MD, Elodie is a medical anomaly and a case he is intent on cracking to further his professional career. And to the ghostly apparation, Elodie seems to be the only person who has the ability to make contact with him, yet she’s not quite sure what exactly he wants from her.
Seigel’s writing is uniquely her own–humorous, eloquent, and suspenseful. She manages to weave a story that has great pacing, an intriguing plot, and supernatural undertones. Seigel brings Elodie to life in a story that calls into question human frailty and mortality.
Healthwise, Elodie is the weakest of the three narrators, yet Seigel manages to make her the most “real” through her dry humor, keen observations and compassionate nature. The things that may seem to make her the most neurotic–constantly switching shampoos; drinking Coke first thing in the morning; reading the STD pamphlets in the pharmacy waiting room; getting first dibs on pharmaceutical gifts; and watching the Home Shopping Network–are the things that endear her to the reader.
Seigel, author of LIKE THE RED PANDA, has provided a wonderful read in her sophomore book. She is a great example of the new generation of writers. Andrea Seigel is definitely one to watch. Bookfinds is looking forward to this young writer’s next endeavor.
