Instant karma by Marissa Meyer
Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781760983468.
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Prudence Daniels is the eldest in a family
of five children named after Beatles songs. The family own a shop
that sells vinyl records, and music features throughout the story
through references, Karaoke sessions and the title of the book.
Prudence is a perfectionist and the reader meets her as instant
karma begins to bite. Prudence then accidentally received a blow to
the head (moving on to the second line of the Beatles song). As a
result of the blow, Prudence finds she has the ability to deliver
instant karma (positive and negative) - and she uses it. Being a
perfectionist, Prudence judges harshly and a focus for her efforts
is her lab partner, Quint Erikson. She believes Quint is responsible
for her receiving a C grade for their team report. However, all her
efforts to ensure Quint suffers karmic justice backfire.
Prudence (Pru) will stop at nothing in her bid to raise her grade.
Pru volunteers at a local animal rescue centre as part of her deal
with Quint to redo their assignment. Pru discovers that Quint's
mother owns and manages the refuge and that Quint also works at the
refuge. Here we see Pru, at times an unlikeable and flawed
protagonist, learn to challenge her assumptions and trust others
enough to work with them collaboratively.
This easy to read romance provides an insight into the world of
animal refuges. The author relied on information provided by the
Pacific Marine Mammal Center to expand on the operations of the
centre as well as the rescue, rehabilitation and release of seals
and sea lions.
Pru tentatively develops a respect for animals and re-evaluates her
estimation of Quint. Their relationship blossoms amid
misunderstandings, storms and accusations of theft. This is the
perfect book for the person restrained, in working with or trusting
others, by perfectionism.
The print is small and the margins close to the edge of the page.
For some readers this will influence their choice to read this book.
Themes: Relationships (family, friends), Romance, Animal
sanctuaries, Karma.
Linda Guthrie
