Vanished - Book Review

Title ~ Vanished
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Sheela Chari
Release Date ~ July 26, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Disney Hyperion
Source ~ NetGalley

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Eleven-year-old Neela dreams of being a famous musician, performing for admiring crowds on her traditional Indian stringed instrument. Her particular instrument used to be her grandmother’s—made of warm, rich wood, and intricately carved with a mysterious-looking dragon. When this special family heirloom vanishes from a local church, Neela is devastated. As she searches for it, strange clues surface: a teakettle ornamented with a familiar-looking dragon, a threatening note, a connection to a famous dead musician, and even a legendary curse. The clues point all the way to India, where it seems that Neela's intrument has a long history of vanishing and reappearing. If she is able to track it down, will she be able to stop it from disappearing again?

REVIEW

Neela has a talent for playing the veena. What is a veena you may ask? It is a famous Indian instrument that has been around for centuries, and is often used in traditional Indian ceremonies. Neela’s particular veena has been passed down for generations, and has a mysterious history of disappearing from its owners, including Neela. Neela needs to crack the code of her missing veena if she ever wants to see it again.

In addition to her veena problems, Neela is facing fierce pressure to be a normal American tween from both of her parents. They want her to give up the Indian culture that she so dearly loves and embrace America. The problem is, Neela feels connected to both her Indian and American roots, despite her parents’ wishes. I felt bad for Neela, having to choose who she really was at such a young age. I felt that she was equally American and Indian, and it made her unique and special.

The mystery of Neela’s veena was intriguing, with plenty of clues and hints along the way to keep the reader interested. I was caught up in the history of the veena, and how it played into Neela’s current problem. It was so interesting how the veena would disappear, only to reappear later. Did I mention there is a dragon too? I loved how the dragon’s story fits in with that of the veena.

I enjoyed this mystery complete with Indian culture and American tween issues.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

I really like this cover and its simplicity. I am drawn to the pretty starry sky.