This is the first novel I’ve read by Vancouver-based author Emily Pohl-Weary, but it definitely won’t be the last. Her other works, such as Ghost Sick: A Poetry of Witness and Better to Have Loved: The Life of Judith Merril, have both won awards and showcased Pohl-Weary’s diverse writing style.
How to Be Found is the latest piece of work by Pohl-Weary and takes the reader on a fast-paced journey through the hardships and triumphs of a group of teenagers and their families. The main character, Michie (or Michelle), and her best friend and soul sister Trissa—who couldn’t be more different than Michie—have been raised in the same home by mothers who are more like sisters to each other.
One night, Michie discovers Trissa is missing and is accosted by law enforcement at her door, subjected to harassment and questioning without her mother—or any adult—present.
Eventually, everyone close to Trissa is hauled into the police station for questioning, only to have the police try to force Trissa’s friends and family to create a narrative regarding her disappearance that’s untrue, instead of following the actual evidence.
Frustrated by the lack of help in finding her sister, and panicked that an infamous murderer is involved, Michie sets out on her own mission to find out what happened to Trissa. Accompanied by Anwar, Michie’s crush and close friend, they turn over every stone and get on the wrong side of some dangerous people. However, that doesn’t deter Michie from stopping at nothing to find out what happened to her best friend.
Pohl-Weary touches on hard topics in such a natural way that it takes the reader into the world of gentrification and racism and helps them understand what those who are subjected to these daily have to deal with.
She also shines a light on how law enforcement can often make snap judgements based off a person’s neighbourhood and lifestyle and use that information to forgo an investigation.
I adore how Pohl-Weary flawlessly incorporated a non-binary character into her story in a way that was natural and unfettered. Novels like How to Be Found help remove the stigma of marginalized groups and create an atmosphere of acceptance for all.
This book is perfect for those who were fans of Nancy Drew growing up and are looking for a YA representation of mystery with aspects of young love thrown in. The adult themes showcased throughout this novel shed light on important topics still present in today’s society and bring forth the discrimination that some teens and parents suffer from while doing their best to survive. It does all this while still remaining a light-hearted read that kept me guessing at every page.
In How to Be Found, Pohl-Weary presents an overarching theme that the family you choose is often more important than the one you’re born into.