I didn't really enjoy reading this book it was really depressing to me. I guess this is supposed to be a life lesson about separation and branching off but it didn't really touch me in that way. I hate to see siblings fight and I really didn't like how this story was kind of in "Ivans " favor it was almost just controlled by him. The writing didn't really have clarity with the changes of voices and I think the author could have done a better job with that. ( )

Strange, half-realized tale of a controlling brother and his sister who wakes up to herself. It wasn't formulaic by any means, but for me, it just missed being compelling and instead was curious. ( )

Ivan and Hilly are “gifted”, home-schooled, teen siblings whose very close relationship is challenged when writer Hilly decides to get involved with the local high school’s literary magazine. The story (a re-telling and blending of the Narcissus and Persephone myths) is told by each of the main characters, in alternating chapters. The “conversation” and relationship between the two siblings is compelling although many of the plot points which support the overall story are weak (Hilly’s emotional freefall over the death of the magazine editor, hapless parents, evil therapist, etc.). A mixed bag, weak plot but very “literary” writing. ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

GOING UNDER by Kathe Koja explores the psychological angles of a faltering brother/sister relationship. Hilly and Ivan have always been close. Raised by what Hilly calls "semi-useless" parents, both brother and sister would probably argue they raised themselves.

Hilly is sent to a therapist to help her work her way through the emotional aftermath of a friend's suicide. The first therapist is unsuccessful in reaching Hilly, so her older brother helps to find a new doctor. But does the new doctor have Hilly's best interests in mind--or his own?

Kathe Koja uses the myths of Peresephone and Narcissus to illustrate the siblings relationship. Hilly's brother Ivan tells his parents and his sister he is attempting to save Hilly from being dragged into the darkness. At the same time Ivan's own warped self-image causes him to become entangled with the therapist's scheme to use Hilly's journal writings as material for his own book.

Readers with a knowledge of the ancient myths will be treated to an interesting twist on the meanings of the old tales. Koja's book would work well and provide fuel for discussion in a high school lit class focusing on different interpretations of these classical stories. ( )

Koja, Kathe. Going Under. Frances Foster Books, 2006.

Kathe Koja vividly portrays the feelings of angry, confused teenagers in this book about loss, family, and identity. As teenager Hilly Polo grieves the death of her suicidal friend and tries to cope with depression, her older brother Ivan struggles to take care of her while searching for his own path in life. The siblings become entangled with a manipulative psychiatrist, and their relationship with one another deteriorates while each learns to find truth from within. Hilly and Ivan tell their sides of the story in alternating chapters throughout the book.
This book is most relevant for students in grades nine through twelve, provided that they are comfortable with the frequent profanity and sexual content Koja has included to develop the rebellious character Ivan. Although these factors might limit the inclusion of Going Under in some school libraries, Koja’s interesting portrayal of the search for identity and her development of intense characters who constantly question each other’s intentions make the book an excellent independent reading recommendation for teenagers seeking companionship while facing the oftentimes lonely soul-searching issues associated with the path to independence.