Sometimes when there has been a lot of talk about a book, actually reading it turns out to be a bit of a let down because we expect too much. Not so this time. This book matched its reputation and the time spent between its pages was time well-spent.
The book tells the story of twins - Noah and Jude. Do not be mislead; Jude is a female. They are the only children of a beautiful, spirited mother who writes books about art and artists. Both twins adore her and believe it or not, this is the heart of the main conflict in the book.
The story is told between alternating points of view: Jude at 16 and Noah at 13/14. I thought this was a brilliant way to peel back the layers of both the characters and pave the road to the resolution. I never felt confused by this but rather I lost myself in both of their stories so much that I was sorry I had to leave one character and journey with another. I adored both characters and the stories that shaped them and connected them.
That is the true strength of the plot, in my opinion. While each character is bogged down with very different troubles, Jude and Noah are always connected. That unusual connection shapes their choices, their feelings, their thoughts and the heart of their struggles. Jandy Nelson develops them as individuals with much depth, but she also strongly develops their connection to each other and the lives they lead.
In addition, the issues are contemporary and also deep. Because I am an only child, I had never considered sibling competition for parental attention and approval, or how challenging it might be to share the same talents in a family. The book reminded me, too, that parental interactions shape teenagers a lot more than teens are willing to own up to.
This book touches so many issues that boys, girls, men and women could all pick it up and enjoy it. In fact, that is what I recommend you do: put it at the top of your TBR pile and be prepared to be given the sun and then some.
Your writing made me think that i should read this book!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why they competed for attention
ReplyDeleteI dont understand either Jules
DeleteI think this book is sounds like one I would enjoy, and I will most likley be reaading by the time I am done the series I am on now.
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of the book Grasshopper Jungle when I read this, they kind of seem like similar stories.
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ReplyDeleteThis made me think about how my sister an I have fights sometimes. I discovered that I like how kids are nice to their mother instead of fighting and getting yelled at, its always nice to never fight. I actually might enjoy the book and might consider picking it up.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I couldn't relate. I do have siblings, but I can't compete with them because I'm twelve years older.
ReplyDeleteThis made me realize that I have never read a book in which the point of views change on one situation.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds cool because it is told from two points of view in different years.
ReplyDeleteThis made me wonder what it would be like reading a book with two seperate stories, seems complicated
ReplyDeleteThis book doesn't seem like one book I would read and enjoy but reminded me of a book that I read long ago when they switched point of views frequently.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this would be my type of book, but after reading this I would be willing to try it out.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why the twins were fighting for parental attention, when they know their parents love them equally.
ReplyDeleteI am very intrigued by this book! I love how it has two point of views told during the book. I have read a book like that before and I loved it, I am pretty sure I am going to be reading this after my book.
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