Review: Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall

Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Wendy Mass has always been popular in our library. I was excited about her newest book, and made sure to read it right away. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed. Written in verse, the book is quick quick to read. Tessa, a high school student, is struck in the head during a dodgeball game in PE class. She believes to be in heaven when she is now in the neighborhood mall she has spent her life growing up in due to both her parents working there. Each chapter is titled with a different store name where something has happened in her life. Tessa is terrible person. I think this is why I struggled so much with the book. Each chapter I was forced to read another terrible thing this girl did during elementary, middle and high school. I still forged on and finished the book hoping that Tessa will come to her senses if she comes out of this life threatening situation and become a better person.

I was satisfied with the ending, but won't be shoving this book into students hands. On the bright side, I believe readers can learn from Tessa and hopefully make better decisions than she did.

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