What parent doesn’t harbor a wish for their children to behave beautifully, with a polite attitude that would even impress Miss Manners herself, and to consistently conduct themselves with respect, regardless of their parents’ presence? In Pam Bachorz’s debut young adult novel Candor, this ideal is realized, although it’s not a pretty picture once you discover the secret to the parents’ success.
In Candor, Florida, the houses are beautiful, designed and built with state of the art appliances and a customized audio system throughout the rooms. In fact, music is everywhere. At home. In the book stores. At school. Even played through outdoor speakers in public places. What might seem charming at first, is actually an integral part of the founder’s master plan for the residents of Candor. Underneath the melodies of that ever present music are the subliminal Messages. Messages about being respectful, about focusing on school work, about obeying one’s parents. The adults who seek out homes in Candor are fully aware of the Messages, often choosing to reside there for the exact effect they will have on their wayward children, but the children have no idea. They simply find themselves compelled to behave in certain ways after only a short time living there, even if they previously wanted to do nothing more than rebel.
Well, there is someone who knows, and he’s not just any average child. He’s Oscar Banks, son of the town’s founder, and he has plenty of secrets of his own. He’s been working to resist the Messages, and he has the resources to help others break free from the hold of Candor, for a price. While he is by no means happy with his life, he does have a good system going for him, putting up a perfect front for his dad by embodying the image of superiority that everyone believes. Until the day that Nia comes to town, that is, when everything changes.
While I’m still a relatively new reader of YA fiction, I’m starting to understand what I enjoy in this genre. The intensity of adolescence emotions can sometimes be overdone in literature, but I think it strikes just the right chord here. Edgy and thought-provoking, with a level of suspense that kept me reading even when I should have been doing other responsible-adult-things, Candor is a YA novel that shouldn’t be shackled solely to that age group. From a not-so-young adult’s perspective, this unique and disquieting story rises above age categorization to the level of high quality fiction.
I simply couldn’t write this review and not include a little tidbit from the back of the book that made me laugh: “Pam Bachorz conceived the idea for Candor while living in Celebration, Florida, the Walt Disney Company’s “perfect” town.” If I ever visit, I believe I’ll be packing earbuds for everyone… just in case. (Just kidding, of course, Disney folks!)
It could be argued that Dawn’s children could benefit from a few well-written subliminal messages, but then her blog, my thoughts exactly, would probably be pretty boring without their antics and random craziness.
Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says
As you know, I have this book sitting on my shelf right now. Great review!
When I went on my Disney Mom Blogger trip, I met some people who lived or had lived in that town. It’s solely for Disney employees, and it is perfect, I think.
This also reminds me of A Wrinkle in Time when they are all bouncing the balls together.
Anyway–I’m hoping to read it over Christmas.