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Somebody Help Me
Just when things begin to settle down after her parents' divorce, Laurie Carr finds her life in turmoil again when she hears the cry of a helpless child pleading for help. Original.
- GenresYoung Adult
184 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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About the author
Beverly Hastings
9 books14 followersJoint pseudonym of Carol Barkin and Elizabeth James.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 22, 2025
This isn’t a book I had planned to read. However, my wife read it as a kid and couldn’t put it down—she’s not much of a reader, so evidently she really liked it at the time. She found her copy and requested that I read it, so here we are.
I would define this book as a middle-grade/young-adult thriller, with that description really nailing what I think are the biggest strengths of this book. While it seems pitched towards a younger audience, it captures the feeling of being that age really well through character dialogue and narrative voice. It kind of reminded me of other media doing similar things—I think it presents a “fictionalized” version of being that age to a degree, much like other media can, but it still feels sincere in that depiction. I also enjoyed the thriller aspects of this book, as it has a solid hook from the start—the main character mysteriously hearing a voice asking for help—and a pace that is consistently moving. There’s not really much fluff to this book, as it focuses exclusively on developing the plot and showcasing the characters. I liked the characters as well, especially the protagonist, Laurie. There’s not a ton of in-depth development here, given the book’s short length, but a little goes a long way with this book in that regard.
I do have a couple of gripes with this book, neither of which are really much of an issue. First, I do think it’s fairly predictable—not necessarily a bad thing, but still noticeable to me. I also am just bothered by the catalyst for this story, being the voice which Laurie hears. It’s not really necessary to explain why this is happening, but it’s one of those things that it’s just hard for me to accept without either more explanation or more depth to the story.
Overall, an enjoyable and quick read. I really enjoyed the “slice of life” aspects of the story and the plot and characters were generally well done. Not a book I particularly adore, but still a good time.
Rating: 8/10
I would define this book as a middle-grade/young-adult thriller, with that description really nailing what I think are the biggest strengths of this book. While it seems pitched towards a younger audience, it captures the feeling of being that age really well through character dialogue and narrative voice. It kind of reminded me of other media doing similar things—I think it presents a “fictionalized” version of being that age to a degree, much like other media can, but it still feels sincere in that depiction. I also enjoyed the thriller aspects of this book, as it has a solid hook from the start—the main character mysteriously hearing a voice asking for help—and a pace that is consistently moving. There’s not really much fluff to this book, as it focuses exclusively on developing the plot and showcasing the characters. I liked the characters as well, especially the protagonist, Laurie. There’s not a ton of in-depth development here, given the book’s short length, but a little goes a long way with this book in that regard.
I do have a couple of gripes with this book, neither of which are really much of an issue. First, I do think it’s fairly predictable—not necessarily a bad thing, but still noticeable to me. I also am just bothered by the catalyst for this story, being the voice which Laurie hears. It’s not really necessary to explain why this is happening, but it’s one of those things that it’s just hard for me to accept without either more explanation or more depth to the story.
Overall, an enjoyable and quick read. I really enjoyed the “slice of life” aspects of the story and the plot and characters were generally well done. Not a book I particularly adore, but still a good time.
Rating: 8/10
Displaying 1 of 1 review