The James Logan Courier

By Krislyn Perez, Courier Staff Writer



Francesca Lia Blocks’ compelling novel, Echo, takes place in LA and is a story about a young girl with many insecurities who is looking to find what makes her special. This young girl is named Echo.

Echo wants nothing more than to be like her mother, who she considers angel-like, and her father’s attention. When her father is diagnosed with cancer her parents come closer together, and somehow leave her out. As Echo’s parents deal with the cancer, Echo goes off to find change and happiness.



The many chapters of Echo are about the people Echo comes across trying to find happiness and her parents' past. Echo becomes anorexic when she starts dating a man named Thorn and falls in love with a musician called Smoke with a very magical, but frail daughter. Echo also becomes obsessed with becoming fit and involves herself with some crazy fitness trainers who want a bit more than just her sweat and tears.

Echo eventually finds herself in New York where she once again meets a boy who once saved her life. Echo finally realizes that in order to be happy she just has to love and believe in herself.

Francesca Lia Block is a very powerful writer and connects very well with her audience.