Hocus Focus

by Stephen Hines

Lenny Lusendt receives a pair of contacts that enable him to see who people really are. He sees living Ken and Barbie dolls, and teachers who are cavemen, mummies and cardboard cutouts. Since he’s the only one who sees who Pauline really is (everyone thinks she’s autistic), Lenny must race against time to rescue her before his contacts wear out.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2008

About the author

Stephen Hines was spawned, and currently lives, in Ohio. When he’s not infiltrating the system by teaching high school English, he’s holed up in his home writing. To date, he’s published two graphic novels (Valedictorian USA: Vol. 1 and Zombie Fabulous), a young adult novel (Hocus Focus), a one-shot surrealist horror comic (Icon-O-Plastic), and two complete comic book trilogies: Zombie Fabulous and The Soccer Mom Killer. His prose memoir, Rebirth Defect: My Journey From Catholic Altar Boy to Teen Atheist to Adult Christian Metal Evangelist and Back to Atheism, was released in 2016. He also released a mini-album of original music called The Punk-Metal E.P.

Reviews

[Brittany Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a quick read with amazing imagery and characters that are very relatable.

[Joe H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written and had some of the best visual descriptions that I have seen in some time. They are simply brilliant. I dare you to try to refrain from cracking a smile when Mr. Neanderthal is introduced. However, I am convinced this book was written for a younger audience. I am too old to be able to assure you that the younger reader in your family will enjoy this book. Nevertheless, the cleaver way the author addresses stereotypes and prejudices make me wish they would read it anyway. I can’t stress enough how this book reminds me of the old after school specials. Still my biggest complaint is the book is too short. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to see Mr. Neanderthal one more time. In conclusion, I recommend this book for younger readers, for moral interest as much as entertainment. As for those of you who are older readers like myself, you must ask yourself if you need a break from the usual Greek tragedies, horror, or romance. Would you like a well a written and very humorous book with modern social lessens? I am guessing we all could. Take a break and read this book. I don’t believe anyone will be disappointed. Most likely you will be upset that has ended so soon and will read it again in the future or pass it on to a younger family member.

[Sandy Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lenny and his mother move to Ohio, much to Lenny's dislike of leaving his friends behind and starting eighth grade in a new school. Because he is out of contact lenses and needs new ones immediately, his mother is unable to go with him, so he must go to the eye doctor by himself.

The doctor fits him with a special pair of contacts that gives him bizarre sights of the other kids in school, along with most of the teachers. Lenny soon meets Pauline, a girl at the school who everyone thinks is autistic, and he finds out why he was given the special contact lenses.


Stephen Hines is a fantastic writer with the ability to understand issues of young adults. He takes the reader into the mind and emotions of the characters.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty great book. It is unlike any other YA/Teen book I have read recently read-- not necessarily better or worse, just different. It focuses not on a pretty girl with relationship troubles (supernatural or otherwise) but on an eighth grade boy who needs a little help, whether he knows it or not. Definitely worth a read.