I am Number Four Review -

     When you hear the book title I am Number Four, what do you usually think? Some may think, "the best book I've ever read" or "the book I can't put down". Maybe you think its the typical best selling teenage book which consists of great characters, an exciting plot, and something like a love triangle. This book is just that, but somehow manages to be bad. Interestingly enough, I was able to get through this book even though it was terrible.

     9 children from the life sustaining planet of Lorien, each accompanied by a guardian, were sent to Earth after the planet was taken over by members of another life sustaining, but dying, planet. The Mogadorians needed Lorien's resources in order to keep their own race alive. These Mogadorians followed the Loriens to Earth, intending to kill every one of them. Each child has supernatural powers in which the guardian helps them develop. In the beginning, John finds out that he's next on the list to be killed, so he moves to Paradise, Ohio. Throughout the story John and his guardian, Henri, face many situations that could reveal their secret identities and put them in grave danger along with the good friends that they have made. 

     I know what you're thinking. You're thinking (for those who haven't read this book) that I am Number Four sounds like a good book, and that you want to read it. Think again. The plot of this book is slightly interesting but highly predictable. Some parts of the book can be considered thrilling (fighting/action events) but other than that, it falls flat. For example, one power that John develops is the ability to withstand fire. Then in chapter 25, something awful happens. "And that's when we all hear it. A long terrible scream. And dogs barking. My heart drops...Gasps filter throughout the crowd." (Lore 310) Of course Sarah, John's girlfriend (who was a Mark's ex girlfriend), gets stuck in a house on fire. Obviously John is going into the house to save his girlfriend since he can withstand fire. I question why only Sarah doesn't get out. Out of everyone in that house (there was a party at Mark's house) she's the one stuck in the house. The story left me with many other questions such as >>
     -How did Henri explain what was happening to Mark?
     -Why did Sarah accept that John is an alien so easily?
Most part of this book consists of sappy typical teen drama. The characters love life, the bully, trying to fit in, etc. There's only so much teen drama one can handle.
     Moving on to the characters. The first thing I noticed was their name, John Smith, Sarah, Mark, Sam, all boring names. Most of the characters lacked personality although here were some likable characters like, Six and Henri (both were well developed). John is the typical superhero with supernatural powers who gets the girl. Sarah is the typical "perfect" girlfriend who "helps the world" (she helps at animal shelters). Mark is the stereotypical bully/jerk football player. And then there's Sam, who's the typical nerd in most stories. Not to mention the romance between John and Sarah was awful. The relationship didn't pull at my heartstrings or trigger any of my emotions. It's one of the most boring relationships I have ever read. They talked to each other on the phone for hours, always holding hands, and kissing. "She reaches up and kisses me again, her hand lightly pressed to my cheek. For the first few seconds I'm lost in the feel of her lips on mine and in the idea that I'm with this beautiful girl." (Lore 163) These 2 characters fell in love so quickly, it was unconvincing and  unrealistic.

Cliche teenage romance-Sarah & John (from the movie)

     The book's writing was pretty bad. Short choppy sentences, repetitive, no feelings. The text was not challenging at all: you didn't need to "read between the words" or interpret anything. This book is for teens, but was written like it was for 10 year olds. Blame it on the perspective, told by John in a very boring way.
     When asked the question "what is the theme of this book?" I get: trying to be yourself and fit in. Not very well thought out is it? I'm not sure if anyone can pull out a deeper meaning/theme from this book or if anyone learned anything. I know I didn't.
     Overall, the novel underwhelmed me. Maybe it was because I expected too much out of this book. I would give this book 2 stars and not recommend it to anyone. This novel is like a wannabe amazing teen novel: trying but failing.