Subway Love

Gr 10 Up—Initially, readers might think that this is just another story about two teens who come from dysfunctional, broken homes. Laura lives with her mom in Woodstock, where her brother's drug problem is ignored and her mother's boyfriend abuses Laura. Jonas lives with his mom and dad, but discovers that his dad has a girlfriend. Laura travels on weekends to visit her father in Manhattan, where she meets Jonas on the subway. Their first encounter is fleeting, and though they eventually strike up a conversation, they don't speak the same generational language. Laura has no cell phone and doesn't know what Facebook is. Laura lives in 1973, and Jonas lives in the present day—the only place their love exists is within the limits of the subway. Baskin makes the time travel seem believable and leaves readers hopeful by relaying an ending that fits with the theme, "Know how to live in the time that is given you." The novel calls attention to the lost art of graffiti on New York subways, which inspired parts of the story. Language and an off-the-page sexual encounter make this a better choice for older teens. Readers will be intrigued and enjoy this romance that could be found in The Twilight Zone.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI