Vicarious

Gr 9 Up—Have you ever wanted to go cliff-diving or swimming with sharks? Winter Kim works for tech genius Gideon recording Vicarious Sensory Experiences, or ViSEs. These devices allow others to experience anything from an adrenaline-fueled jump off a bridge to dancing with celebrities at the hottest clubs. Taken from a Korean orphanage, Winter and her sister Rose are trafficked to the United States and endure a hellish childhood. They are rescued by Gideon and move to St. Louis to work for his software company. Winter's dark past resurfaces when a ViSE of her sister's murder is sent to Gideon. The mystery surrounding what actually happened pushes Winter to seek answers, finding truths that she may never be able to live with. Stokes gives fans of suspense a story full of twists and turns. The pacing slows when Winter develops a relationship with pal Jesse. This might frustrate readers seeking a narrative full of thrills without the romance. The author admirably handles graphic and disturbing content in a subtle manner.