Strato Nyman has many problems, not all of them related to his unusual name. He loves Science and is considered a geek by his classmates, one of whom, Lloyd Archibald Turner, bullies him. On top of that, his unmarried parents are considering splitting up and Strato is thoroughly miserable.

Then one day, while browsing the Hedgecombe-Upon-Dray bookshop he picks up the mysteriously titled How To Be Invisible. Intrigued, he opens it up to read, only to find that its pages are blank! The shop keeper spots him looking and insists he takes the book as a gift. Strato is not impressed with his generosity but then, when he accidentally drops the book in front of his mirror, he discovers that it actually is full of writing that can only be read when in front of it. He picks it up and begins to read, gradually realizing that book is actually telling him how to become invisible! Eager to try out the method (don't try this at home!), he hugs the book to his chest and runs full pelt at the mirror. Instead of crashing into it, he runs straight in, before being 'bounced' out again. At first he doesn't think it worked, as he can still see himself, but when he looks in the mirror, he has no reflection! Maybe now he can make Lloyd stop bullying him and perhaps even prevent his parents from splitting up.

I thought this book was brilliant! At first I wasn't sure about all the 'family issues' as it's not what I normally read, but it was definitely only an aside to the main invisibility plot. Strato is a very lovable character, and is easy to relate to. Although there were some complex 'science' bits (like the light wave/particle paradox), the style is generally easy to understand, though it can be read on many different levels. It wasn't just a straight forward fantasy and I can't really think of any books that are comparable to it, which I guess is a great thing. Putting it simply, this is a must-have book!

Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!