Calvin

by Martine Leavitt
Calvin cover
Good Books rating 4.1
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 11150
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • ISBN: 9781554987214
  • Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd
  • Published: 2015-11-06
  • Reviews: 3

In the town of Leamington, Ontario, seventeen-year-old Calvin wakes up in the hospital after a schizophrenic episode. Plagued by hallucinations, he believes the only solution is to walk across Lake Erie in January. The frozen lake is filled with strange encounters, from abandoned cars to a sea witch named Jenny Greenteeth. Along the way, Calvin is accompanied by Susie, the girl of his dreams, but he questions whether she is real or a figment of his imagination. /n/n Martine Leavitt's novel is a blend of romance, adventure, and a quest for self-discovery. With gentle wit and compassion, the story explores Calvin's struggle to gain control of his mind and destiny, making it a compelling read for young adults.

Reviews
SciFi Pulse · 2024-12-24
gut-wrenching 4.50

The reviewer describes the book as a strange, beautiful, and gut-wrenching tale that deals with mental illness, romance, and growing up.

The reviewer finds the book to be a strange, beautiful, and gut-wrenching tale that effectively deals with mental illness, romance, and growing up. They appreciate the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that explores these themes with depth and sensitivity. The reviewer highlights the emotional impact of the story and the way it resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    Martine Leavitt's book Calvin is a strange, beautiful and gut-wrenching tale.

    That deals with mental illness, romance and growing up.

    The novel is a highly polished work of fiction.

Goodreads · 2015-11-15
beautiful 3.80

The reviewer is captivated by the protagonist's mind and the author's creativity. They found the book beautiful and tragic.

The reviewer is deeply moved by the protagonist's mind and the author's creativity. They describe the book as beautiful and tragic, highlighting the intricate workings of the protagonist's mind. The reviewer loves how the author portrays the complexity of mental illness and the emotional depth of the story. They appreciate the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    The workings of this kid's gorgeous, tragically ill mind!

    The workings of Martine Leavitt's beautiful, creative mind!

    I loved this book.

Good Books and Good Wine · April (Books&Wine) · 2015-11-11
engaging 4.00

The reviewer finds the book engaging and well-written, praising the author's ability to tackle serious themes with sensitivity.

The reviewer appreciates the book's engaging narrative and the author's ability to handle serious themes with sensitivity. They highlight the book's emotional depth and the way it explores mental illness, romance, and growing up. The reviewer finds the characters well-developed and the story compelling, making it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    Calvin by Martine Leavitt is about a boy named Calvin.

    He is in high school and has not completed two very big projects that are due in English.

    The novel is a strange, beautiful and gut-wrenching tale.

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