Stead has the incredible ability to write a relatively short book that packs an amazing amount of detail and layers into the story. Bridge and Sherm's stories unfold at the same time, but the unknown narrator's story takes place on Valentine's Day, with Bridge and Sherm's storylines catching up by the end of the novel. Goodbye, Stranger divides page time between Bridge, Sherm and an unknown, first person narrator. Of course, this also makes writing a review a challenge. Having read so many books, I can often see a plot twist pages in advance (and I am no fun to watch movies with) but I never see coming the surprises and rewards Stead (and Morton) always have in store. While Morton - and Stead's - novels are anything but formulaic, they both employ similar formulas for storytelling that keep me engaged and guessing. Morton's novels, which are rich with compelling characters, weave stories from the past and present, revealing the connection between the two at the end of the story and always delivering an emotional punch, one that has made me gasp out loud before.

She reminds me of one of the few novelists for adults I consistently read and always find gratifying, Kate Morton. Stead is a gifted writer and a masterful storyteller. And I know that I will have the same experience in the future after reading Stead's new novel, Goodbye Stranger. I shy away from making Top 5 or Top 10 lists, but I know that every time I see the cover for this book I will feel a thud of emotion and recall what a powerful experience reading that book was. When You Reach Me is a book that will stay with me the rest of my life. Rebecca Steadis the author of four books, two of which, Liar & Spy and the Newbery Medal winner, When You Reach Me, I have reviewed here.

Goodbye stranger rebecca