” Not A Unicorn”

” I am not a unicorn” is a book that took me by surprise in many ways. I would recommend it for ages 10-infinity. I would rate it an 8/10. Originally, I suspected that this would be a bad book, that was boring. However, I was completely wrong. This intriguing book tells the story of 13 year old Jewel, who has a life that she does not like. Her old best friend is ignoring her, her mom is stressed about work and money, she’s unsure about how to fit in, and of course, she has a unicorn horn, directly in the middle of her forehead. Jewel was born this way, and no matter how hard she tries to accept that the horn is part of what makes her unique ( as her new best friends Mystic and Nicholas tell her) , she can’t since all she wants to be is normal. In addition to this, she desperately wants to compete in a French competition she was selected for ( but she can’t because she is too embarrassed of her horn). Jewel has never been able to find a doctor to remove it either. Until, one day, she stumbles upon Dr. Stein, a doctor who claims he can remove it for free. Though her mom resists at first, they agree to, in the end, and Jewel travels to LA to get it removed. It turns out that Dr. Stein was correct, and the surgery is successful. Now, Jewel can live a normal life. Things go just as planned, Jewel is becoming popular, her best friend wants her back, and nobody stares anymore. But the better she thinks her life is getting, the worse it actually is. Mystic and Nicholas grow farther, claiming that she’s not as nice as she used to be.

*Before I continue to the next part of my review, I have to explain something about the book. Jewel also has ” her unicorn”. This unicorn’s name is Carmen, and Carmen follows Jewel EVERYWHERE. But, Jewel is the only one who can see Carmen. She and Carmen used to be very close, however, as soon as middle school started, she pushed Carmen away and ignored her. When Jewel left for LA, Carmen didn’t follow her ( a very rare occurrence). Carmen has not come back since.*

Plus, Carmen, Jewel’s unicorn, is missing, and has not returned. Soon, things get even worse when Jewel has visions and headaches that include scary moments from her favorite graphic novel. Soon, the visions include Carmen, whose horn is gone and who is hurt. Jewel doubts if taking off her horn was worth it, and if everything ( including Carmen) would be better if she had never bothered. What will happen to Jewel? Will Carmen be okay? Will Jewel be able to continue living her “horn-less” life? Read this awesome (but confusing) book to find out! If you have any questions, or comments, just comment below!