Bus 59 and a Half

by Mel Ingrid

In a tranquil town where no one pays attention, June of 2016 means three things to three people–the start of summer vacation, the conclusion of a divorce, and a plethora of cardboard boxes. But when a sculpture exhibit near the local high school opens, June 2016 isn’t just about three things. There’s a flyer inside the exhibit–a job opening hiding underneath an innocent façade, waiting to lure victims into an anomalous trap.

A few traffic jams and a pine thicket away from the suburbs is the worn down warehouse of two sculptors. They’re slaving over a collection with a deadline that puts their lifelines at risk, but that’s the least either of them is worried about. Art is a form of life that exceeds the limitations of reality, and it can be dangerous.

So what is one to do when the muses want their encore?

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2018

About the author

Mel Ingrid is the Taiwanese-American author of Inkman and Bus 59 and a Half. Her writing also appears in her directorial debut, l’A.M.—a misheard love story. She's native to Long Island, New York and is currently completing her BA in Arts, Culture, & Media at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. Visit her at www.melingrid.com.

Reviews

[S.M. Creanza · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, I really love to review titles by young authors and see the potential within their stories. Today in our discussion, we have a novella entitled Bus 59 and a Half by Mel Ingrid. It’s a swift, daring read about mental illness and relationships. Overall, I give this novel a rating of 3 stars, here’s why.

I find this novel quite unique in the indie author community. It doesn’t have the typical, “white christian virtue signaling” narrative that a heck of a lot of books have. I really appreciate that Ingrid is expressing her own personal voice while never hesitating to be a little edgy. Still, Bus 59 and a Half comes with some obvious faults. I really love that Ingrid, writes sentences that are very lyrical. With that being said, often they turn into poetry and break the rules set by the Chicago Manual of style. So, I think this book could have used an editor or two to change the accidental poetry segments that ruin the pacing for the reader.

Also, much of the story takes place in the minds of the adults. I’m not too sure if I like that. I feel like the story would've been much more impactful if it were only through the minds of child/teen characters. It would've added much mystery around Yusef Bates. Finally, I often found it hard to keep track of what was going on due to head hopping and general pacing issues.

Still, there much to gain out of this book. I truly respect it’s awareness for mental illness. It presents topics that should be talked about, such as guilt, hallucinations and relationships. Likewise, I respect Ingrid's courage to present topics even adults are afraid of facing. The atmosphere in the book and cover are quite unique, and shows the author has beautiful artistic vision. I truly believe that Mel Ingrid has something very special going on. I'm sure she’ll be successful in the future, so be sure to follow and support her.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and will recommend to anyone who likes psychological thriller genre. I like the PLOT. The author knows how to build up the tension of the story as you read through the pages. In couple of the sections, the author described the struggles of a mental disordered person with a such vivid and powerful writing skills. I found myself not just reading the book but actually felt like watching a movie with the picture shown in my mind as I read. I like the open ending which you interpreted your own conclusion. By the way, I really like the cover which showcased the story well.

[Ariel Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I purchased a copy of this book on my own from Amazon.com. The opinions in this review are solely my own and do not reflect the views of the publisher or the author. 

Bus 59 and Half was a book that I stumbled on through another indie author on instagram. I was interested in reading more independent author novels and I found a few. This young adult psychological thriller takes you on a journey through the intertwining of a variety of characters. We watch each character play it's own part in the story and mingle with other characters. The plot was definitely a twist no one will see coming but it was an interesting surprise. This novel is short but thrilling, so be prepared to finish it in one sitting. 

[Olivia J · Rating 3 out of 5]

(More like 3.5ish lol)

Bus 59 & a Half is a quick, psychological thriller. However, with the territory of quick comes the pitfall of underdeveloped, and I feel that B59AAH suffers from a very cluttered narrative with the large cast of characters - so much so that not enough time is spent with any character in any storyline for the reader to get fully invested.

That being said, the writing and dialogue is often very skilled - Ingrid writes with finesse in building tension and the atmosphere of B59AAH. Diversity is an important - but not overbearing - part of this novel, and I believe that the theme of Yusuf's story is equally important.

But really, despite all that I've said, I really did enjoy B59AAH, and it's a good short read for anyone wanting to pick up more indie books!

Read more on my blog, oliviajthewordshaker.blogspot.com and on Instagram @olivia.j.the.wordshaker

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I loved the way the story kept building up to its climax – each chapter was even more exciting than the last. The plot was original and interesting, just like the author's writing style. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between the characters. It felt authentic. I also really liked all the hidden symbolism.

My only complaint about Bus 59 and a Half is that there were too many characters that the author focused on. Although I was never confused while reading this book, I think I would like it a little more if some characters got less "page time".

But overall, this novel was AMAZING! It portrays mental disorders in the light it deserves and it was extremely well-written. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a read that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful.

[Erelah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bus 59 and a Half is a psychological thriller told in the perspective of multiple different characters. Mel Ingrid does a wonderful job of setting the creepy undertone within the first page and then leads with some nice Summer-vibes in the opening paragraphs.
There have rarely ever been times where I read a book and find myself a bit confused, yet still am completely sucked into it. I love this book. I’m now a Mel Ingrid Fan and no one can stop me.
I don’t usually read psychological thrillers, I’ve been trying to expand my horizons though. Coming from the point of view that I do read often, this book is indeed extremely poetic.
My favorite character was Frank, with Dana coming in a close second. I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll stop here, but all in all I give it a solid 5 Stars :)

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Bus 59 and a Half, how it had me wondering what would happen next and engaged in the story the whole time. I really liked the themes of mental health disorders and how the story worked to show it in a very real, unfiltered way. I've read many books that sugarcoat, but my favorite part about this book is how it presented the issues in a real way. The story was really interesting and I loved the premise.

[Oli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only read the proof so there were a couple of grammar errors, etc.

The plot was well thought out, and the characters were interesting. The changing POVs definitely helped me understand all the characters more. It felt a little rushed at times but I still enjoyed it. 3.5/5!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The author definitely has a knack for connecting with readers through her intriguing characters, strong emotions, and vibrant storytelling. The plot was unique, the messages delivered were impactful–5 out of 5 stars!

[Sowon Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid debut. Lovely prose and an interesting concept. Lacking in character development.

[Mike Diener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody tells stories like Mel Ingrid does. Nobody. And this was no exception.

This is the second book I've read by this author, but this is the first book she wrote. Her vision in weaving together storylines to create a beautiful creation is something I don't see in most other authors.

This story was not perfectly polished. It could have used a little more editing and proofreading. The author probably tried to do a little too much. But none of that matters to me. It doesn't because this story had heart and soul, and I was wrapped up in it from the opening line.

The author made me feel something in every chapter. Her characters all feel like real people who are hurting. The story was not just entertaining, it was consuming.

Is it possible you could read this book and nitpick things? Absolutely. Should you? Nope. You'd miss the beautiful story.

I'm so glad I read this book!

[Olivia Faye Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for swapping books with me, Mel!
~4 stars~

I really enjoyed reading Bus 59 and a Half! I was really impressed by Ingrid's writing style- you would never guess she was a teen author if you didn't know before you started reading. I also really loved the characters- they felt real and extremely believable right from the beginning.

The first half of the book was the best part to me. The lead-up to *spoiler* was well-written, detailed, in-depth, and compelling, and I was hanging on to every word. I loved getting to know each character and learn about their relationships. After *spoiler*, however, things felt a bit more rushed. The big "thriller" section of the book happened very quickly, and, as a reader, I was never worried about the characters' safety because of how easily they escaped from Yusuf after he trapped them in the warehouse. He attempted to strangle Ace, but Ace just walked away and was fine. It would have been more thrilling and suspenseful if Alexi, Ace, and Vanessa were trapped for longer or unable to escape.

In short, I would have liked more thrills, more rising action, and more climax to compliment the excellent exposition of the story. In general, I really enjoyed reading Bus 59 and a Half, and am excited to read more of Mel Ingrid's work in the future!

[Wysteria Campion · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so sorry Mel, but this book simply was not for me. I was confused, which is apt for the genre, but the ending didn't make sense. While I liked the characters ok, they were pretty cut and dry, I just did not understand what was going on with the sculptors. In an attempt to make this book confusing for the genre I fear it was too confusing, period. I appreciate the work that went into this book, and I encourage you not to give up! It was a good first book and you can only go up from here.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read the proof for this book so far, so the formatting/grammar was slightly off.
The plot was great, and the chapters flowed well even though the perspective changed. The character development was decent, though I feel a bit pointless at times. The epilogue was beautiful. 4.5 stars!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a rollercoaster of a puzzle.

This book starts off with a divorce, the beginning of summer for a pair of teens, and the next chapter for a young working adult, but it gets a little complicated. The story centers around a pair of sculptors who have a deadline. Yusef Bates and Frank Callavera want to make a series of sculptures for a contest, which could give them good prize money. However, Yusef has been going through a tough time. Having gone through a few traumatic experiences, things don’t seem to be going so good for this man.

For a short read, this story sure packs a punch. It raises awareness of mental illness while also keeping you guessing at what is going to happen next. The way it all unravels was something I enjoyed. You definitely have to read with a careful eye or you’ll miss the whole thing.

I rated it four stars because while I enjoyed the story, I think it still needed some polishing. However, I also know that Ingrid was very young when she wrote this, so I’m super excited to read her newest work with her more mature voice. Go give this book a read if you can!