Summary: Fourteen-year-old Aaron Greenburg is trapped in a vegetative state. He’s awake and aware of everything around him — but the doctors don’t realize it. After years of being left in a care facility and facing dwindling interest from his own family, Aaron begins to despair — until, that is, a new roommate arrives: Solomon, a crusty, eccentric jazz musician with dementia. When Aaron talks in his mind to stay sane, Solomon unexpectedly hears his thoughts — and replies.
In the surprise friendship that ensues, Solomon relives his past during episodes of dementia, and his mysterious connection with Aaron thrusts the boy into 1920s New York City, scuffles with a mob in a Chicago nightclub, foxholes in World War II, and more exciting adventures that will change Aaron’s life forever.
Four Years Trapped in My Mind Palace is a humorous and heartwarming coming-of-age story, entwined with an end-of-age story, that will renew your faith in the power of friendship and the beauty of life.
(Summary from back of book – Image is mine – This book was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review)
My Review: It’s been two years since a terrible illness rendered Aaron unable to speak or move. Two years since he’s been able to communicate with his family. Two years trapped in his own mind, completely aware. When Solomon, an elderly dementia patient, is moved into Aaron’s room at the care center, something odd occurs. Solomon can hear Aaron’s thoughts and, stranger still, Aaron can dream Solomon’s memories. As Solomon helps Aaron feel less alone, Aaron helps Solomon relive the moments of his life that are slowly slipping away, and a bond is forged that will prove pivotal for both of them.
Pros: I love the unique concept of this magical, miraculous connection between these two otherwise fairly isolated characters, each dealing with the betrayal of their own body and/or mind. I also appreciated that the content was age-appropriate for its intended audience (ages 10-13). The historical elements (derived from Sol’s memories/Aaron’s dreamscape adventures) gave the story added dimension. Also, the cover is flipping gorgeous. I can’t stop staring at it. I want to vacation there.
Cons: Aaron’s dreamscape adventures (where he relives some of Sol’s memories), went on a bit longer than I would have liked, but (again) I did appreciate the historical element these moments brought to the story. The story hits the ‘life lessons’ a little hard for adult readers but probably just right for tweens.
Overall, I thought Four Years Trapped in my Mind Palace was a heartwarming coming-of–age story with a unique fantasy element. The writing style felt suitable for middle grade readers, but could easily be enjoyed by YA and adults. I would recommend it to parents of tween-age to early teenage readers who are looking for an age-appropriate feel-good adventure for their not-quite-ready-for-what-YA-has-become readers.
My Rating: 4 Stars
For the Sensitive Reader: Some discussion of dementia. Some racist comments by secondary/tertiary characters (portrayed negatively). Some discussion of war, particularly concentrations camps and the associated horrors. Non-graphic but (obviously) troubling.
