The Opposite of Here by Tara Altebrando

Image courtesy of NetGalley.com

I received an Advanced Readers Copy 

of this title in exchange for a fair review.

The Opposite of Here 

by Tara Altebrando

The Opposite of Here is the story of Natalie.  Natalie is grieving over her boyfriend, who has recently died in a car accident.  In an effort to cheer her up, her parents take her on a cruise for her 17th birthday with three of her closest friends.

On the first night of the cruise, Natalie meets a charming young man, who mysteriously disappears.  She quickly learns that this young man is not what he appears to be.  She also suspects that her friend Nora is hiding something from her.  Is she just hyper-sensitive after Paul's death.  Or is she starting to question everyone around her?

Altebrando has created a vivid image of life on a cruise ship for a teenager.  I loved the way the story was interspersed with scripts from two-line plays; which was the girls' assignment from their film teacher.  I also appreciated all of the nods to other works of art that take place on a boat, and yes, I would include the classic Love Boat as art, don't judge!

That being said, I didn't feel that I got to know any of the characters.  I didn't relate to Natalie at all, and I found her friends to be insipid.  I think that the ending was meant as a cliffhanger, but it wasn't compelling enough to hold my interest.

I think the story was interesting and there were many plot twists, but I wasn't sold on any of the characters, and I think the ending was a let down.  I think there might be some interest among high school girls and anyone who has ever taken a cruise.  I will not likely buy it for my middle school library.