Which book?
The Sky Is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson
Genre?
YA contemporary
Summary? (from GoodReads)
Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.
When did I first read it?
A couple years ago (read my original review here)
Why did I first read it?
It was a recommendation from a blog, I believe.
What did I think about it then?
I immediately fell in love with how beautifully written the book was. Honestly, if this book were written in any other style and voice, I doubt I would like it as much as I do. Something about the author’s way with words pulls the whole story together and captured my attention. Plus, Joe just makes me happy. He’s no dark and brooding love interest. He’s happy and exuberant and uncomplicated—not unlike Cricket from Lola and the Boy Next Door.
What do I think about it now?
Sometimes I feel like I’m the only person I know who absolutely adores this book. Everyone I recommend it to is always like, “It was good, but…” and then usually they mention how much they disliked the love triangle. I’ll admit that it’s a little weird that Lennie, the main character, is making out with her dead sister’s boyfriend when she knows she’s interested Joe, but because of the way the book’s written, it’s never bothered me. Lennie’s confusion and sense of loss are practically palpable, and it’s so obvious that she’s spending time with Toby as a way to try to stay connected to her sister. So I can understand her actions, even if I don’t agree with them.
Have you read this book? What did you think?
I loved the little notes in the front of each chapter! I am with you a bit because my friends who read this book thought it was good, okay, but didn't like it as much as I did. I also understood her actions without agreeing with them too. I think maybe some people have a harder time with that from characters than others. :)
ReplyDeleteI started reading this one a while back and have to admit I think I'd be in the group of "it was good, but..." Though I can't really comment because I never finished it. I do remember thinking it was cute that Lennie leaves notes in all kinds of places.
ReplyDeleteI seriously love this book, but it seems like most people have never heard of it, or haven't had a chance to read it. I guess it never really felt like a love triangle to me? I could understand where she was coming from, too, with the sister's boyfriend. But it was still sad to see.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to go back and read this again. :)