Review of “The Schwa Was Here,” by Neal Shusterman
“The Schwa Was Here,” by Neal Shusterman is a fascinating novel about a boy who is “functionally invisible.”
The Schwa is a kid that most people overlook. It’s not that he’s physically invisible, but there’s something strange about him that makes people fail to see him. When Anthony Bonano discovers this unique characteristic he sees possibilities.
First he and The Schwa do a series of risky tests. Amazingly people fail to notice him, even if he is doing something ridiculous such as wearing an orange sombrero and a cat costume and singing “God Bless America” in the boy’s bathroom. The Schwa even manages to walk right through airport security without being seen. Its only when he carries an iron bar in his pocket that the metal detectors go off and attract attention to him.
Anthony decides that “The Schwa Effect” should be put to use. So he takes over as The Schwa’s manager. He spreads the word about The Schwa’s unique talent, and soon throngs of eager school mates are lining up to challenge The Schwa to do ever more dangerous stunts. For a while their dares and bets make plenty of money for Anthony and The Schwa. But then a dare leads them into trouble that will be both the best and the worst thing that ever happened to them.
When Anthony and The Schwa end up doing community service for a mean old man and his beautiful blind granddaughter it is only the start of a strange series of events that will reveal much about The Schwa’s past and an important danger that may be threatening him now.
I really enjoyed “The Schwa Was Here”. The book can only be described as quite unusual. The characters are highly lively and the fascinating plot kept my attention while covering such issues as the feeling of being ignored, and the reactions of seeing people to the blind. Schusterman’s writing style is just as unique as his eccentric characters, and this makes “The Schwa was Here” a delightful book.
I would definitely recommend “The Schwa Was Here” to young adult readers in search of a fresh, unique reading experience. If you have already read “The Schwa Was Here” then I recommend that you check out the sequel: “Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman.
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