The book tells the story of a girl named Aislyn. Aislyn is extremely shy and reserved, but that comes to an end when her doctor provides her with an illegal drug called Charisma that changes Aislyn into an outgoing and energetic young woman. Then, her peers start to act similarly when they realize Charisma is contagious. The illegal drug becomes lethal and everyone is talking about, but the doctor goes off the map after creating a national dilemma.
In my opinion, Charisma was a spectacular novel. The suspense and chaos in the book put me on the edge of my seat for every minute. The best situations entailed Aislyn’s desire to escape her new self, despite long dreading her shy character. The mysteriousness of the doctor in addition to the panic in the media were also exciting elements of the book.
The moment of realization that the criminal doctor had gone off the map was one of the most memorable parts of the book.
Reviewed by Alex, Grade 8, Twin Hickory Area Library
