The time on the watch—10:46. Time stops at 10:46 for Carson City teen Jason, the victim of a gunshot wound, and for Kyle, Jason’s best friend and the only other person in the shed in Kyle’s back yard. Kyle cannot remember the exact chronology of events, and he uses this love of movies (and famous directors) to try to reconstruct the tragic scenario and determine whether or not he shot his friend on purpose. Ostracized and bullied by his classmates, and confronted daily with the heartbreak he witnesses in his and in Jason’s family, Kyle encounters the juvenile detention system, a mysterious, but sympathetic librarian, and Jason’s younger brother, all of whom try to uncover the secrets of that fateful morning. His perception of “normal” is forever changed and his struggle toward redemption is hindered and enhanced by those around him.
As the reader races through Ayarbe’s debut young adult novel, alternately determined to know more and, like Kyle, dreading what might be in the next scene, many emotions come to mind—sadness, fear, regret, compassion and hope. Issues and interests so relevant to teens are explored, and the literary devices used, especially Kyle’s love of movies, Jason’s artistic cartooning ability, the librarian’s appropriate book suggestions, and Native American Kohona’s photography engage both teen and adult readers. Ayarbe has done everything right with this novel, from the realistic thoughts and actions of all the characters (many times authors create believable teens, but miss the adults, or include “preachy,” unrealistic scenarios), to create a story so compelling it resonates long after the final chapter has been completed.
Freeze Frame, which is set in Carson City has received such a positive response that Ms Ayarbe is currently completing her second novel. Her book has been favorably compared to S.E Hinton’s The Outsiders, and Walter Dean Myers’ Monster, and demonstrates her astounding ability to both weave a compelling story and create characters that leave an imprint on the heart of the reader for a long, long time.
Written by, Sandy Foley
Retired English/reading teacher, librarian at Carson Middle School
Member, Board of Trustees, Carson City Library
