Title: Into the Light
Author: Mark Oshiro
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication date: March 28, 2023
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Book Depository | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Summary
Since getting kicked out by his adopted family, Manny has been making it on his own in Southern California. He knows keeping moving is one of the best ways to keep himself alive. As well as not forming any new relationships. Manny’s past has shown him he can only rely himself and nobody else. Until meeting one family promises a different kind of future.
On the flip side, Eli seems content in his secluded community with his family. Except for the fact that he can’t remember his past. When a body turns up in Southern California, it will bring both boys together in ways that they never expected. And reveal secrets a lot of people would rather keep hidden.
Review: Into the Light
Thanks to Tor Teen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Into the Light by Mark Oshiro to review! This is their first YA in a few years, after publishing a few middle grade books. Before you start reading, I highly recommend checking out their trigger warnings. There are some difficult topics broached in this book, but know that it ultimately ends on a note of hope!
Oshiro is always good at writing strong, emotional characters. And this book is no different. We get two different points of view throughout, from Manny and Eli. Some of the point of view switching is a little confusing at first, but once you pick up on what’s going on, the two narratives definitely make sense. There’s a little bit of a surreal element to the plot, but it also helps to emphasize the trauma that Manny goes through throughout this book.
In addition to Manny and Eli, I loved the Varela family. At first, Manny doesn’t want to trust them. And as readers, you don’t really want to either. But as we get to know more about them, you realize they can be trusted, just like Manny does. There’s hope woven throughout the story, despite all of the trauma that Manny goes through.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the twist towards the end of the book, so that’s the only reason this isn’t getting five stars. But it’s a beautifully written book, just make sure you’re in the right head space to read it!
4/5 stars