Zelda is a total throwback to another time - "anachronistic," Parker says. She appears to be young, but she has the knowledge and experience of someone much older. She has a sophisticated understanding of art and music, alcohol and food, cities and countries. She is nothing like anyone Parker has ever encountered, and he falls for her immediately.
The book also has a cast of secondary characters, each well developed in his or her own way, each one bringing his/her own spin on some element of the story. I especially liked Parker's friend Alana, who is tough and funny and super smart - the prodigy of the school chess club.
And then there is there is the plot. I really enjoyed some aspects of the plot because they were so original - the interactions of a young and silent petty thief who preys on unsuspecting tourists in hotels meeting a silver-haired young woman who carries around a giant wad of cash and calls herself Zelda. I kept wondering how the author came up with it all because it was so atypical. In addition, strewn throughout the story there are thought provoking messages about love, life, and suffering.
But something happened. Weirdness. The insertion of a seemingly fantasy element that left me wondering if I had actually understood anything. I'm not sure that part was necessary (although I'm sure the author would disagree!) but the twist doesn't detract enough from the story to ruin it.
Overall, Thanks for the Trouble was engaging and original and definitely worth a read.
LAME FACTOR: I'm going to have to throw in a 1 for the plot twist, so 1/5.
YOUR PARENTS WILL FREAK FACTOR: I suppose you know your parents best. Younger readers should probably check in with them first.
BRAIN POWER: The book is extremely well written with some awesome vocabulary. Go learn something.
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