Henry, April. The Night she Disappeared, Henry Holt and Company, New York, 2012. (Pages 229, Harcover)

Rating: 8/10

Every time I visit the American library (now shifted to the Bandra Kurla Complex), I aim to pick up one book of which I know absolutely nothing. Not about the book, nor about its author. A literary casino if you like. A blind date between a writer and a reader. This time I picked up a new, nicely smelling book written by April Henry. I guessed April was a female name but I could have been wrong. My wife who is a graphic designer saw the cover and said it looked like a “young Adult” book. She was most surprised to see me reading it.

The book is a mystery book with a pizza delivering girl disappearing in the opening few pages. After the disaster with Junot Diaz (see the other entry today), I wanted to read for pleasure and entertainment. I am glad to report I had my revenge.

The book reads so fast, you will finish it in one sitting even if you were to start it after dinner. It is well written and well researched. Like Jodi Picoult, April Henry (yes, April is a woman) experiments intelligently. The ending is satisfying.  

Verdict: If young adult books are like this one, I don’t mind reading them at all.