Voyages

by Doris Buchanan Smith

Janessa's only way to ease the pain of lying immobilized in a hospital bed is to remain numb to everything and everyone until the day her imagination chances on the key to another world where she can run free again

Genres: Fantasy

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Doris Buchanan Smith (June 1, 1934 – August 8, 2002) was an American author of award-winning children's novels, including A Taste of Blackberries (1973).

Reviews

[pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different from what Smith usually writes, and refreshing at that. My sister bought it at a used bookstore when she was around twelve (and me, 7), and we read it together. It's a great story with dreamlike qualities, coupled with a realistic portrayal of main character Janessa, who lies in a hospital bed, slowly learning to trust the world again.

[Kara Szymanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my gateway into mythologies of all kinds when I read it at 10 years old- I must have caught it as soon as it was published at my library.
As a re-read, Journeys sweetly delivered directly to my nostalgia.
I was also struck by how complex Janessa’s character was written for this children’s story, a further validation of my enjoyment as a child. Kids don’t want to be pandered to, and if they feel seen in a story… it’s the stuff that lasts.