Vibes

Title: Vibes
Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Published: 2008
Genre: Contemporary, Supernatural (psychic)
Rating: 3 out of 5

Gusty Peterson, the hottest bimboy in school, is always thinking I’m sick, as in totally gross to look at. Not that it matters, since I don’t have a crush on him or anything. And Mallory, my first real friend since forever, has disturbing romantic ideas about me and my ginormous gazungas.

Ask me if I’d rather not know these things.
I have enough to worry about with my dad showing up after two years of saving Africa from typhoid, ready to resuscitate our relationship. There’s something he’s not telling me. I know it.
And now I’ve been assigned to work with Gusty in a hideous new project the faculty are torturing us with at school. It’s so wonderful to explore yourself with someone who’s always thinking you’re sick.

I’d probably be a lot better off if I weren’t psychic after all . . .

From Goodreads

I didn’t find Kristi the best of characters. Although she was realistic, she repeatedly mentioned her boobs, which annoyed me. Her ability to read thoughts isn’t as prominent in the books as I felt it would be, from the blurb. Also, I just knew that when Gusty uses the word "sick", it's being used in a 'whoa that's awesome' way.

However, this doesn't mean I didn't like Vibes. It was interesting enough because the novel didn't focus too much on Kristi's ability. Her attitude towards others was completely reasonable, with her putting up a tough front. She seemed aloof only because she wanted others to like her for who she is, rather than how she looks (e.g: boys like her chest).

I would recommend this read to someone who likes to read about teens having supernatural abilities but set in a more contemporary setting. Vibes was a light read (with a happy ending) and although there were mentions of serious issues like body image, eating disorders and divorce, they weren't the main feature.