Snapshots

by Paul W. Buchanan

Even before Jen disappeared, Jimmy knew his best friend was leaving him behind. While she attracts stares from boys and men, fifteen-year-old Jimmy still passes for a child at the movies. He takes refuge in the past, before their friendship and life became so complicated. She’s his favorite subject―in front of the camera and otherwise―but photos can’t capture what he really wants. Yet Jimmy remains devoted, even lying for her when she runs off with strangers―men―she’s met online. Jimmy feels that Jen’s disappearance is his fault, just like the twelve-acre blaze he starts in the canyon near their trailer park. And he’s holding on to a secret that no one can drag out of him―not the taunting kids at school, an apathetic psychologist, or his despairing mother. Revolving between past and present, Paul W. Buchanan’s vivid “snapshot” vignettes evoke a young man’s struggle with oncoming adulthood, heartbreak, and incredible loss.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

209 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Paul W. Buchanan's family immigrated to Southern California from Belfast, Northern Ireland when he was eight years old. Currently he lives with his wife and three children in Orange County, where life is pretty much the way they portray it on television. He enjoys reading, writing, film noir, eBay, NPR podcasts, and sarcasm.

Reviews

[Cara Ledet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was very compelling, and the way the book was written was amazing. I love how it went from past to present time in the book and changed different perspectives :) I finished it in one sitting... even for a short book, it had lots of depth to it, and I really loved how short the chapters were (lots of times when I read a book, I really don't enjoy very LONG chapters, and this book hit the spot)
I giving this book 4 1/2 stars, because the ending was not very satisfying, and made me feel like there definitely could have been more to the story! (The ending was sad and underwhelming...)

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

very interesting although the ending was kind of underwhelming

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely quick read, but really gritty and gripping with a huge sense of longing and sadness at the end which leaves the reader wondering and thinking.

[QingFang Wu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy and Jen shere very good friends. Jimmy alsays looked younger than his actual age and Jen on the otherhand was a yolder and more attractive girl. Jimmy tol Jen one thime that he may be attracted to her. Jen was no- where to be found because she told Jimmy about a guy he met online. I think this book is very connected to a lot of teenages now beacuse of the use of Myspace and other websites. It shows how an attractive person can leave behind everything in the real world.

[Raegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books like this, with the short chapters that fly by. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but I got totally into it and kept saying, "okay, one more chapter. One more chapter," until I ended up reading more than I had intended. It definitely had me hooked!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting story. Well-written and easy to follow. Nice changes of pace and perspective throughout. Does leave some unanswered questions but personally I like it when an author trusts their readers to come to their own conclusions.

[Sarah Yoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snapshots is one of those books that just gets how people think of, care for, and fail each other. Apparently Buchanan has another book coming out later this year (right?) and I'll definitely be on the lookout for it.

[Ifahh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was intrigued because I have a soft spot for photography, but this book is really really dull. I really wanted to know what happened to Jen and the ending just sort of drew a blank on it.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was predictable, and it left a lot of unanswered questions.