Hypnotize Me by Gordon Korman (review)

Jax Opus is relieved to discover that there's an explanation for the strange effect he seems to be having on others more frequently of late: hypnotic power runs in both sides of his family. A bizarre occurrence on a school field trip brings Jax to the attention of Dr. Mako of the Sentia Institute, where hypnosis is studied seriously and Jax will be mentored to develop his abilities. It will come as no surprise to readers that Sentia shamelessly exploits its students, that Mako is a power-hungry villain with designs on mind-bending the next American president, and that Jax, with his unique talent for remote hypnosis, will be his unwilling tool. While Jax takes most of the book to figure out what readers will have long guessed, he eventually finds a way to save the rigged election and to defeat the lethal post-hypnotic suggestion Mako has implanted in Mr. and Mrs. Opus. Korman's a bit slipshod with the rules for hypnosis (surely a command to vote for a candidate "the next time you operate the lever of a voting booth" won't turn an election in the age of punch cards and touch screens), and many readers could find a simpler way to circumvent Mako's devious directive to the Opuses than the risky strategy played out here. Nonetheless, Jax's dilemma is equally fraught with thrills and hilarity, and his struggle to use his dubious gift ethically adds a touch of gravitas to this mad-scientist romp.