The Apothecaryby Maile Meloy

It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster. (goodreads.com)

Release date: October 4, 2011I have a bad habit of thinking I have read the summaries of books only to realize that I didn't really pay attention when I did because the book isn't anything like I imagined it to be per my idea of the title and cover image. I think the title and cover image distract my brain from processing what the summary actually says, and just lets my imagination go wild.The Apothecary is a perfect example of this miscommunication between my brain and my imagination. For example, I wasn't expecting this book to be set in London during the Cold War. I don't know why, I mean, the summary says where and when the story takes place. I think my brain read those words, looked at the photo and said "ooooo! Magical land! With wizards and potions and magic and MAGIC and fantasy and oooooOOOOOO!! MAGIC!!"So of course I was generally surprised when the main character, Janie, starts talking about World War II and Germans and spies and Russians and atomic bombs. I thought "Oh, this is an original way to write fantasy!"It's a good thing I am adorable because I am not very bright.Despite my imagination's refusal to pay attention to details, I have yet to be disappointed in a story when I completely ignore (unintentionally) what the book is supposed to be about. I have been lucky enough to enjoy the surprising plot line and enjoy the ensuing story. I was caught up in the life of Janie and her friend Benjamin. I loved the inclusion of Pip (though was sad that he wasn't a bigger role) and thought the idea of scientific magic to be almost as enchanting as sorcery and dragons.The inclusion of after-war London gave this book a sort of "I should be reading this in school" feel for me. It was historical and had references to events I know I probably studied in school, but don't remember anything about now. I wasn't the most attentive student. I found a lot of school work dull as dust and figured none of that stuff mattered anyhow, because I was going to be a singer.I still sort of feel that way, but know my chances of being a singing sensation in order to pay my bills are nil. Ah, well.So I found myself saying relatively stupid things like, "I don't think I ever realized that England was bombed during the war," to my husband. I mean, I am sure I KNEW this happened. I had history classes and such, I just don't think I actually GOT what we were learning. What it really meant. It was so far removed from my 10-17 year old self that I didn't care and I didn't grasp the full meaning. It's like a small child trying to understand death. You just don't get it until you sort of have to face it head on.I promise you I am not as stupid as that makes me sound. It's just that for some reason, as I get older, things I learned long ago and didn't care about suddenly mean something to me.Oh, look, I'm digressing yet again...This book was an excellent read. It's one of those intelligent type YA books. It makes you think. Whether you're thinking about what happened in the past or thinking about what sort of consequences will happen in the future, you're still thinking. It's not the kind of thinking that makes your head hurt, either. It's more... reflective.Yes, I thought this book was a delight to read. It's darker than I thought it would be, but that just gave it all the more depth as far as I was concerned. It's a nice mix of spy, mystery and magic and I am super happy I got a chance to read it!(I think this is a 2011 YA/MG debut, as well. It's the author's first YA, so I think that counts, right?Buy your own copy! AmazonUS | AmazonCA