Flip by Martyn Bedford

Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction

Length: 258 pages

Published: 2011

Publisher Blurb: Fourteen-year-old Alex Gray wakes up one morning to discover he’s not in his own bedroom. More surprising is that he doesn’t recognize his hands, or his legs… When he looks in the mirror he gets the shock of his life. How is it possible that Alex has become another boy – a boy who everyone calls Philip?

My thoughts: The body swap stories have been done before, and I really wasn’t expecting much from this one, but I found it to be a very engaging read that I absolutely could not put down. This is a well written, well paced book. It is mostly plot driven, with excellent details and some great bits of dialogue. Switching from a skinny asthmatic boy to a fit, athletic one, Alex has to deal with an identity crisis like none other. Bedford’s skilled writing pulls the reader into the unfolding story and doesn’t let go. While he wants to find a way back home, he still worries about Flip’s family. This paranormal drama is full of mystery, suspense, and angst that focuses on Alex’s inner struggle with his identity and his drive to find his way back home. Stirring and poignant, Flip is unique and inspired. I highly recommend this book. It has widespread appeal, especially for boys.

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Other Reviews:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2012/jan/12/review-flip-martyn-bedford

http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Flip_by_Martyn_Bedford

http://thepagesage.blogspot.com/2012/06/book-review-flip-by-martyn-bedford.html

http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.com/2011/04/flip-by-martyn-bedford.html (includes book trailer)