THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE

James Fouhey emphasizes the sarcasm and humor of this book's narrator, Mikey, a senior who sneers at the "indie kids" at his school. The indies take on zombies, vampires, and glowing blue lights, while "the rest of us just live here." Increasing mysterious deaths and paranormal activities merit only summaries at chapter beginnings as they're only background in Mikey's "normal" life. He's concerned with his attraction to Henna, his recurring OCD, shielding his brilliant little sister from his alcoholic father, and his mother's compelling political aspirations. Fouhey's reading shines a light on evolving friendships and selfhood. He fully develops the personalities of the main characters, focusing on the humanistic aspects of this story rather than the fantastical. S.W. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]