In
Graham Gardner's debut novel, fourteen-year old Elliot Sutton is
determined to reinvent himself when he starts the academic year at
his new school, Holminster High.

Elliot was picked on and beaten up by bullies at his old school. He
wants to make sure that he doesn't get noticed in the wrong way
ever again. As a result, he wears the right clothes, changes his
hairstyle and acts very cool. Much to his surprise, his plan
succeeds.

Elliot is noticed by the Guardians, a secret society of students
who run the school by terrorizing and bullying students. Their
organization is loosely based on George Orwell's book 1984. The
Guardians would like Elliot to join them. Not wanting to get hurt
again, Elliot goes along with them but soon finds out that he will
have to pay a terrible price for his new position of power.

Gardner made me feel Elliot's pain, both physically and
emotionally. Most of his actions are driven by fear. There are
several touching scenes in the book. Elliot befriends a boy named
Ben who is one of the Guardians' favorite targets. Elliot and Ben
spend several enjoyable Saturdays together, but ultimately their
friendship dies because Elliot is afraid to associate with Ben.
Elliot risks losing another friendship because he is hesitant to
reveal who he really is. He is crazy about a girl named Louise, but
he does not want her to find out about his secret life. Will he
reveal his true self to her?

In the end, this novel is about choices. Elliot has to decide how
to use his new power. Ultimately he must listen to his inner voice
and find his true self.

If you are looking for a light, funny novel, INVENTING ELLIOT is
not the book for you. It makes you think and touches on sensitive
subject matter. I thoroughly enjoyed it because it opened my eyes
to a world I've never known. I will be anxiously awaiting Graham
Gardner's second novel.

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