Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. This book is extraordinary and emotional and relatable and OH WOW. (Did I already say that? Just a few times. WELL YOU KNOW I MEAN IT.)
How does Patrick Ness write this incredibly?! (Answer: he is a wizard.)
This is my 4th Ness book and so far I’ve rated all his books 4 or 5 stars. I was 99% sure that I’d adore The Rest Of Us Just Live Here. But I didn’t actually know what it was about, except that it was NOT about “The Chosen One”. I had noooo idea it was about families and sibling relationship and end-of-school and anxiety. So, give me a moment. I just need to hug this book and pronounce it a new favourite.
“Not everyone has to be the Chosen One. Not everyone has to be the guy who saves the world. Most people just have to live their lives the best they can, doing things that are great for them, having great friends, trying to make their lives better, loving people properly. All the while knowing that the world makes no sense but trying to find a way to be happy anyway.”
It’s set in the kind of world that’s had all the weird superhero stuff happen in the past. But it happened in the last generation and no one really believed and it got covered up as “accidents”. So everyone believes in supernatural stuff, but they don’t. Make sense? OF COURSE IT DOES. I think this is an epic (and somewhat original) spin on the old superhero story. Except, honestly? This isn’t a superhero story. it’s set in the world, yes, but it’s 98% a contemporary and 2% supernatural. It has a superhero background, that that’s literally all it is: a background.
So can we talk about the characters?!
- Mikey: He’s the narrator. He’s, like, incredible. He’s the quiet one, the one who feels replaceable. He has serious OCD and unrequited love with his sister’s best friend and…he’s just adorable. The way he loves his sisters and takes care of them?! HE IS A FINE SPECIMEN OF HUMANITY. Of course, he hates himself. #awkward
- Mel: Yes, the entire family has names that start with M. Worse, their last name is Mitchell. (Although I think that’s done on
Me encountering these incredible characters. #emotions
purpose.) SO. Mel also has anxiety, and is recovering from nearly dying from anorexia. I really loved that the story didn’t focus on Mel’s decline, but her journey forward, even though it’s far from smooth. I really connected to both Mel and Mikey. Their relationship is SO CLOSE, and they’re there for each other when the other is having an anxiety attack. I love sibling relationships. Have I ever mentioned that?! I LOVE ‘EM.
- Meredith: She’s the baby Mitchell, the 10 year old. And she’s altogether fabulous. She’s excitable and clever (like, genius clever) and I LOVED how the teens included her. It wasn’t a “argh, I haaaate it when my little sister is hanging around”. They all loved her and took care of her. FJDAJKLS TO THIS ADORABLE FAMILY.
- The Mitchell Parents: Well. They sucked. Which is odd considering how wonderful their children are. The father is an alcoholic, mentally checked out of the family. The mum is so deep into politics nothing else matters for her.
- Jared: I liked Jared. He was a really epic best friend for Mikey. He’s big and kind and totally there for Mikey. He has BIG SECRETS too, which are weird and awesome.
- Henna: Okay, out of the foursome (Mel, Mikey, and Jared) I really didn’t like her. I felt like she lead Mikey on at the same time as friend-zoning him. Their relationship was interesting…not quite romantic but wishful? Loads of unrequited affection on Mikey’s part (which actually made him annoying sometimes). They’re complicated. Literally! But for once I found it interesting and intriguing instead of irritating. Henna was black and vibrant and had parents who were missionaries and she was half Scandinavian.
I loved it, okay?! I JUST LOVED IT A LOT. I loved the focus on family and growing up and change and anxiety and love — but the complicated kind of love. It’s not a massively fast story, but it’s addicting.
OH IT’S SO ADDICTING.
I just felt the book was suffocatingly perfect. Plus the writing is just gorgeous. It’s heavy on the dialogue and doesn’t waste time and k
nows how to hook you in with just a few words. It’s a little big magical and yet perfectly real.
WHAT ARE WORDS?! JUST GO READ IT. This is one you need in your life. Just have chocolate on hand. Lots of chocolate. Thankfully Walker Books sent me chocolate with my ARC and goodness: thank you. I needed it.
Thank you to Walker Books for this deliciously wonderful ARC! The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness is published in August, 2015!
What if you’re not the one who’s so often the hero in YA fiction; who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death? What if you were like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again. Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week’s end of the world and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life. Even if your best friend might just be the God of mountain lions…
Goodreads Boomerang Books AU Book Depository Walker Books AU
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Reading it now and I was confused a little. Good thing you said that it has superhero background/history. I’ve read A Monster Calls and it was AMAZING. From what I’ve been hearing about this one, Patrick Ness will not fail me!
ME TOO. I actually had to google what “indie kid” meant, because I was concerned it was about kids with skin of indigo or something because I’m weird like that. But A Monster Calls made me cRY. I just wasn’t expecting it. SO BEAUTIFUL. <3
I want this book so much!!
YOU NEED IT. IT CALLS TO YOU.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
Finally we agree on a book 😉 Paranormal AND contemporary, no wonder. BUT YES everything about it was just so wonderful. This was my THIRD Patrick Ness books and I’m eager to read more 😀
YAAAAAY! WE DON’T HAVE COMPLETELY POLAR OPPOSITE TASTES AFTER ALL. :DDD Although, I mean, we do agree on some other books, right??? I need stalk your goodreads and compare some ratings clearly.
I knew it. I just knew Patrick Ness was a wizard. Suspicions = confirmed.
Seriously EVERY early review I’ve read of this, people have LOVED. And I’m pretty sure I will too. Every Patrick Ness I’ve read I’ve liked, SO. I definitely have high hopes for this one. 😉
HE TOTALLY IS. I’m sure he even has one of those purple pointy hats.
I mean, we were all bribed to love it tho, WITH CHOCOLATE. haha. JUST KIDDING. XD it is beautiful and wonderful in its own right…but chocolate.
I have this book preordered and I’m so looking forward to it! I love that quote above about not everyone having to be the chosen one. I’m not sure I have read any other books about this. I’m glad you loved it!
Preorder? EXCELLENT LIFE DECISION.
I AM FILLED WITH NEEDSSSSSSS FOR THIS BOOK.
So ecstatic that you loved this one so much because you are a lady of fine taste 😉 All the characters sound amazing! Patrick Ness is my hero afdhfsjdh! Can’t wait til my hardcover preorder arrives eeeek!
YOU DO NEED THIS BOOK. IT CALLS TO YOU, AENTEE. IT DOES. Awk! But why thank you. 😉 I like to think I have fine taste too, hehe, although I totally am more attracted to the obscure and beautifully written books. *happy sigh*
I NEED THIS BOOK. I’m guilty of writing far more ‘chosen one’ stories than should be humanly possible, but I don’t think it ever occurred to me to do one about someone who WASN’T the chosen one.
Hmm, authors I’ve read 4+ books from . . . there are a lot of those . . . I’ve read 13 Rick Riordan books, and loved all but The Blood of Olympus. So maybe not continuous amazement, but close. Alexandra Bracken never disappoints–I’ve read four of her books and all of them were 5-star reads. Neal Shusterman’s books have all been 4-5 stars so far except for one (which was, by the way, a ‘chosen one’ story) that barely deserved two stars. The list goes on. And on. And on.
OH ME TOO. I think most of my books are about Chosen Ones tbh. -_- It’s a problem. BUT I’M WORKING ON IT.
Ahh, I love Rick Riordan! 😀 I’ve read 9 of his books and am about to start the 10th once I finish the Ally Carter book I’m reading. AFJDAKLS I WANT TO TRY ALEXANDRA BRACKEN. I see so many good reviews of her books and there’s really zero reason why I haven’t tried one yet. x)
This sounds really good! I like how it’s set in a superhero background. That’s really neat and different. It’s interesting that it’s not about the Chosen One. I read a lot of fantasy and of course, that’s’ normally about the Chosen One. This sounds kind of refreshing.
Also the characters sounds amazing! I love the gifs you added. 😀
Wait, wait. These Walker Books people sent you a book AND chocolate? That’s just. Wow! They know how to make a person’s day.
Everything seems to be about the Chosen one these days. *collapses in exhaustion* which makes this book just doubly refreshing because it’s focused on reality WITH supernatural-ness in the background. Like can it get any better?!!
I actually haven’t read a Patrick Ness book before *hides in shame* BUT this one is probably first on my list. It sounds GOOD and I’m excited for it!
OH DON’T HIDE IN SHAME. Like 70% of everyone here hasn’t read a Patrick Ness book either. XD D: WHAT IS WRON GWITH YOU GUYS. hehe. Ahhh, I’ll forgive you. *stuffs this book in your face* I’ll forgive you AFTER YOU’VE READ THIS GENIUS BOOK.
Oooh, you’re review makes me SUPER excited to read this one! I’ve only ever read More Than This and The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness, but I loved them both to pieces. I also really love the general idea behind this new novel- after all, not all of us want to be in the limelight and doing crazy things! Awesome review 🙂
I LOVE MORE THAN THIS SO MUCH!! I’ve seen so many people not “getting it” but that’s okay. xD I just love it to bits. AND THIS NEW ONE TOO. And yes, I appreciate books where the limelight is NOT on the main character. It makes them more relatable somehow?
This grabbed my attention because characters with problems like OCD and anorexia are /awesome/. Plus, superheroes, even if they’re only in backstory, are epic.
I /feel/ like I’ve read more books without “the chosen” MC, but looking through my goodreads books, I can’t find many at all! It’s a little shocking. I like characters that are like me; who didn’t get a Hogwarts letter or get shoved out of Bag End by a wizard.
Superheroes are epic, they totally are. And usually I’m super squinty at superhero books (if I like something too much Im’ uber critical, hehe) but this just pulled it off PERFECTLY.
I would’ve stayed in Bagend, tbh. I would’ve sat there eating my fish and scones and reading my books or whatever, and Gandalf would’ve been so displeased.
I’ve read all the Knife of Never letting go books , but no other patrick ness ones (I think…) but this seems ah-maaaaazing-ing so if I see it I shall gobble it up. The Protector of the small books by Tamora Pierce are about a girl who wants to be a knight, but doesn’t have magic or the gods help but she does have good friends and she just has to deal with the sexism that comes her way, and I really like that series. Tamora Pierces’ books are consistently good, as are Marissa Meyer’s and Terry Pratchett, though of course I still have favourites. And story of the day (because you understand fandoms and will think this is funny unlike my parents)
Friend: I have a lot of homework….I have to read John Locke for history.
Me( after a sever second pause. Gives a quizzical stare): But why would your history teacher make you read fanfiction?
Friend: John Locke the philosopher????
I haven’t finished the Chaos Walking books but I LOVED More Than This and A Monster Calls. *sobs* MANCHEEEEEE THO. Still not okay.
AH I LOVE MARISSA MEYER.
And omg, I APPRECIATE THAT. JOHNLOCK HAHAAHAH. Omg. *fandom hi five*
I am super excited to gush over this book! I am a huge Patrick Ness fan, and I have a feeling that I will like this book because it is quite different from the norm. The protagonists are not the chosen one! How fresh, right?
I looove books that aren’t average. THEY MAKE MY DAY. And so so refreshing, omg, why are there not more books like this out there???
I started reading this the day I got it on Edelweiss and I knew it was going to be epic, so I put it aside for a day when I needed a really, really good book. And that day is going to come sooner if I keep seeing reviews like yours!
But seriously, IS he a wizard?
I THINK HE IS A WIZARD. I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED IF HE HAD A POINTY PURPLE HAT.
*sputters* A publisher sent you chocolate? *is jealous* 😀 I hope you enjoyed it!
I think you’ve fully convinced me to read The Rest of Us Just Live Here. I love reading about familial (I think that’s a word?) relationships in books, and it’s prety interesting to see that the siblings are so close because that doesn’t usually happen when the parents are all messed up. Also, I totally get what you mean when you say that it was still addicting even though the plot didn’t go really fast. I felt the same way with Go Set a Watchman. Even though not much happened plotwise and most of the book was dialogue, it was still a really intense and addicting story.
YES. BEST PUBLISHER EVER CLEARLY. They knew there would be pain. :’) I’ve been sent tissues before, too, but I much prefer the chocolate.
I love families in books and I ADORE good sibling relations…they just totally get me in the feels every time (boo to mean parents, which is nearly cliche in YA but this was just done perfectly I didn’t even care). I NEED READ GO SET A WATCHMAN. Tbh, seeing your goodreads updates made me know I needed it. xD I’m behind, um…50 people in the reservation line at the library. o_o I think I’ll read it when I’m 101 years old?
um, WHY HAVEN’T I READ THIS ;-; It sounds SO GOOD. Because Patrick Ness obvs 😉 BUT IT SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL AND FLAILWORTHY. Allow me to flail in anticipation of this book. And the diversity omg.
YES PLEASE FLAIL. FLAIL WITH ME. WE SHALL HAVE A FLAILING PARTY TOGETHER. *flails like a deranged cucumber*
HA HA! THANK YOU, CAIT!
I’ve been meaning to read this book, but when I went to place a hold on it like a week or so ago I couldn’t remember the title or the author and so I was stuck googling what key words I remembered and turning up with nothing. It sounds amazing and fantastic and amazingly fantastic and I want to read it so bad.
OH YOU ARE WELCOME. I LIVE TO HELP. Also I live to eat cake, but yes. There’s that. NOW GO READ THIS BOOK.
I’ll probably be avoiding this one, as I hated More Than This. I also couldn’t read a book about a character with actual OCD; that sort of thing makes me really anxious because it hits too close to home. But I am glad to hear that an author gave the disorder a realistic treatment; when I see characters say, “I’m so OCD!” because they have to arrange their socks by colour, and that’s their only quirk, I just want to punch them in the face (and then I usually DNF the book).
As for authors who continually amaze me… it’s hard to say, because I tend to read just one book each from lots of different authors! I guess I would have to say Diana Wynne Jones (for her earlier books), Charles de Lint (for his adult books), and Lauren Oliver (even though I’ve only read two of hers so far… but I loved them both).
Ugh, yes, I hate it when OCD (or any disorder, actually) is used shallowly. Grr…but yes, this does everything so nicely and passionately and I just felt like it really did everything justice. :’) Could definitely be an anxiety trigger though, so I don’t blame you if you skip it.
This is definitely a different kind of book. From the sounds of it, the book has an awesome selection of great characters. And it makes me want to know if I’ll like them too. But to be honest, I haven’t read any of Patrick’s books yet because I feel a bit intimidated by them. But I guess I should conquer that fear and just go with it huh? 😀
YES. Conquer and prevail! And this is an excellent starting point too! 😀
I have never read a Patrick Ness book before… (*hides shamefully in corner*) but this one sounds SO GOOD. I want to read it now. Meh. (*glares at empty purse where there should be money to buy books but isn’t*) Your review was awesome; I love the way you focused briefly on each individual character! 😉
AW. *coaxes you out of the corner with chocolate cake* THAT IS OKAY. I actually don’t read that many reviews on his books, tbh. He’s definitely a loved author, but I think more obscure?? STILL. I totally recommend reading his books. LIBRARY THEM, MY FRIEND. LIBRARIES SAVE PURSES LIVES.
I’m SICK of books about the “chosen one”. It’s not realistic, happens over and over in YA and is just down right frustrating. I’ve had my eye on this for a while and am SO excited to finally get my hands on the book!
There aren’t many authors where I have read 4+ books by them. I love Gayle Forman. Well, not LOVE love but I’ve always been massively impressed by her books. And Cat Clarke writes some incredible YA fiction, generally speaking they always have twists but even knowing that there is going to be a twist, I’ve never seen the right one coming.
Saaaame. Although I mean, in a way, I do like escaping into books of fantastical “chosen ones” where special things happen and their lives are extraordinary. BUT. At the same time, those kinds of characters aren’t always relatable, are they? *sigh* So books like these are SO MUCH MORE REFRESHING. <3
I've read 3 Gayle Forman books! LOVED two and didn't like the last (oops) so I'm still working up the courage to try more. xD
This sounds mega good. I’ve not read anything by Patrick Ness yet, but I think this might be the first one.
DUDE. NO NESS?? OMG. You need fix this immediately *nods* and this is, coincidentally, a great book to start Nessing with (Nessing is so totally a word).
Eee! Ok, so I was kind of interested in this because everyone raves about Patrick Ness and I’ve had this one raved about to me, so I was like, yay, a good one, possibly. But I’ve not read any Ness, so I’ve not yet reached the “OH MY GOD, IT’S A NESS NOVEL!” levels. But you tell me anout anxiety and OCD and I am now an eager beaver! I do like abook about mental health! I love them! So I’m now excited for this! Thank you, Cait!
I read a fair amount of contemporary, so there are no chosen ones in a lot of them, so I’m fine. Not read anything like this, though. I’ve read so many amazing authors’ books, it’s hard to think of any. I loved three by Rowell. Lauren Oliver. Umm… my brain has died, sadly. But I do love it when you just know you’re going to love a book. That’s always awesome!
THIS BOOK IS LIKE ALMOST DEFINITELY FOR YOU, JO. Read it. Just, yes, do read it. *nods emphatically* And I think it’s also a good starting place for Ness books, you know?! Like I loved the first Chaos Walking book, but I liked this one a LOT more. *nods*
I find that intriguing. Thanks for your review, I heard about it, but I’m definitely more excited to read about it. And, um, Cait…the book is coming out September 2015 not August 2014…that was last year. NO, I think Ness has these cool concept novels similar to Michael Grant. You know, like when a band has concept albums? Just extra artsy, original, and cool. Lemony Snicket, and Michael Grant! WONDERFUL REVIEW.
HAA. YES I FIXED THAT YEAR MISTAKE. *facepalm* (And it’s August in Australia 😉 And yes! I never though about comparing him to Michael Grant before, but true. They both seem to set their books in weirdness and just excel in it.
Patrick Ness is a genius. Thats all, a pure genius.I have always wanted a book like this, it is as if Ness read my mind. I need the book like right now.Sigh.
I AGREE. YOU SPEAK 100% TRUTH. Every time I read one of his books I’m just in awe of the words and the feels and the characters. :O
I barely know who this author is, which is evidently a grave sin on my part. I’ll remedy this right away!!!
And soo many pretty photos!!!
OMG. YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF PATRICK NESS BEFORE?? *hyperventilates quietly* Okay, okay, I don’t think he’s that well known. Like he’s been writing for years, but I don’t honestly see many reviews of his books lying around. STILL. He’s amazing. All the books are just afdjksla so beautifully written. Definitely a favourite author of mine 😀
I’m so sick of reading about books where the heroine is always such a special snowflake. It’s always so unrealistic, you know? Which is probably why I’m looking forward to this book so much – it features a protagonist we can all really relate to and understand – someone who isn’t necessarily anyone important or special, but affects you all the same.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful review Cait! ♥ Love the pictures too!
YESSSS. I totally get that! So many “special kids” grr. I want to read about the kids who face average problems like the rest of us do. I mean, I LIKE escaping into books, of course, buuuut…relatablity wins. :’)
Authors that continually amaze me? Hands down, it’s Rick Riordan. And I know you know what I mean because PERCY JACKSON! PERCABETH! <3 😀
And oh wow. I've been eyeing this book since I saw the gorgeous cover somewhere. Knowing that you absolutely loved it makes me want to devour this book now. Eeeek! 😀
P.S. Books and CHOCOLATE? O_O *emails Walker Books and begs for chocolatesssss*
YES. OH MY GOSH. YES. Rick Riordan is basically a genius and the more I read, the more I like. 😉 And tbh, I think Walker Books just got onto Best Publisher in the Universe list because of this chocolate. I’m easily bought.
I am not reading your review yet, because I need to read this soon. Please force me to read it soon, okay? It is here, on my shelf. So you know, insist. But I came for the pictures, and to agree that Patrick Ness IS a wizard. It’s the only explanation, and now I want candy. I will be back to agree with you after I read it, I hope!
I WILL FORCE YOU. I will march over and take away your cake so you cannot exist until you’ve read it, then I’ll return your cake and you’ll thank me. *nods*
YOU CAME FOR THE PICTURES. OMG. :’) #daymade
I have never read a Patrick Ness book, despite owning four (including this one). I am almost a little scared of the hype, because practically everyone I know is in love with him (or his words, more accurately, I suppose), and I swear I am always let down by books that everyone loves. And I don’t even know why (maybe I am that person that lives ~outside the box~).
Anyway, this sounds awesome. I liked the premise when I first read the synopsis because NOT being the chosen one is what 99.99% of us ARE. We’re never the special snowflakes in our world, so why aren’t we getting books about US? And it sounds like this is pretty awesome (even if there is romantic pining, which I LOATHE).
I’m looking forward to reading this one even more now, because this is actually the first review I have read for it!
Oh you cantankerous thing, Chiara. 😉 AHHH, but I do think he’s worth the risk because honestly I hear mor epeople going “HUH?” to his books than falling in love. 0_0 He has a very specific style and I ADORE IT but it can be a bit weird. I think The Rest of Us is one of his more normal-ish novels, but just so so beautifully written and everything and fajdklasd I TOTALLY RECOMMEND IT, JUST GIVE IT A GO, C’MON. I’LL GIVE YOU CHOCOLATE.
I have never, ever read Patrick Ness before. Blasphemy, I know! This one sounds amazing and I have heard nothing but good things. I can’t wait to read it!
OMG CYNTHIA. YOU MUST FIX THIS ASAP. This is also a good book to start Patrick Nessing on too, btw.
Hang on… you get chocolate with your ARCs? Dammit, I’m missing out. 😀
This is one of those OH YES SOUNDS AWESOME LET ME BUY IT …oh, it’s not out for a couple of months books. I’ve been waiting for it for a while, so I’m glad you liked it! I love that the focus is on the “sidekick” and the sort of supernatural, sort of not supernatural background sounds interesting.
OH NOT REGULARLY, JUST THIS ONCE. But, to be honest, I think it should be a regular thing. Chocolate in exchange for reviews and to console us for all the trauma the books put us through. *nods*
Okay can we just start with the fact that the book cover for the Aus/UK edition is SO MUCH MORE PRETTIER than the one for the US edition. I LOVE your guys’ cover and I wants it *grabby hands*
I was so excited when I read the book’s blurb and I LOVE the idea of this whole ‘not being the chosen one.’ I am kind of sad that this wasn’t so much about not being the chosen one as it was about relationships but I am still pretty pumped to read it after reading your review! 🙂
Lovely review, Cait! 😀
YAY FINALLY WE HAVE THE BETTER COVER. *does the polka quietly*
There is just so much beautiful writing and awesome characters and sadness and happiness and FAMILY AND STUFF. Omg. ‘Scuse me, I need go flail.
I really want to read this! It sounds so good! I’ve never read anything by Patrick Ness (though I’ve had The Knife of Never Letting Go on my shelf for a while now…), but I’ve only heard good things!
THIS IS SO GOOD AND A GREAT BOOK TO START WITH. I loved TKoNLG (omg, the acronym is insane for that one. xD) but I didn’t get into it until at least 100-pages in…which is weird for me. *shrugs* BUT STILL. I hope you do try one of his books one day! 😀
YOU GOT CHOCOLATE WITH THE ARC??? *dies of jealousy* asdlkjdfkk Patrick Ness though. I’ve only read The Knife of Never Letting Go, but I need to read all the books he’s ever written. Also, I bought the sequels to TKoNLG, so I’m looking forward to those. But I also NEED The Rest of Us Just Live here. I’m sick and tired of Chosen One stories, and this sounds like a really great break from that. And did I mention I love Patrick Ness? The only sad bit is, I don’t think any of his other characters will ever hold a candle to Manchee. MANCHEEEEEEE.
I KNOW. BEST PACKAGE. EVER. I think all publishers should take that up, tbh. Because they send enough traumatic books. I need to finish the Chaos Walking trilogy yet. >_< I KEEP MEANING TO. But, tbh, the only reason I haven't is because it's never on the shelf at my library so I don't remember to pick it up. *heavy sigh* I'm a slacker. MANCHEE. STILL NOT OKAY.
I’ve preordered my copy! I am so, so glad this book is as awesome as I’m hoping it’s going to be!! It’ll be my first Patrick Ness book but I’m hoping after reading it I’ll want to read all his novels! Great post 🙂
AHHHH your first Patrick Ness? I SO DO NOT THINK YOU’LL BE DISAPPOINTED. 😀 This is my favourite of his novels so far…oh, well, A Monster Calls and this one tie equally, because I thought A Monster Calls was going to be a cute/scary kids book. NO. IT WAS FEELS SHREDDING. Love it.
SO, this one is going on my long list of “to-read”. 😉
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR. Your TBR is so so welcome. :’)
They send you chocolate, that is wonderful. I think that should become a thing, sending people chocolate and books. i should start doing that to my friends. I think I like title and premise of this book enough to check it out.
It should. You could get like “care packages” with books…so chocolate, or mops for your tears. *nods* SOMEONE MAKE THIS A THING.
Okay, so now the title to this book totally makes sense. I didn’t realize what this was about exactly. Sounds fantabulous and I definitely need to read it!
I saw a few bad reviews for this one, so I got a bit worried because I’ve had my eyes on this foreverrr. BUT, this review was AWESOME and totally re-inspired my excitement! Family, growing up, change, anxiety, complicated love? YAY. I’m hoping to read this as soon as possible.
OMG BAD REVIEWS??? IGNORE THEM THIS BOOK IS GOLDEN. XDD hehe. It just has everything I like in a book plus it’s so well written, so I hope you do get a chance to try it someday. 😀
I LOVE Patrick Ness! I already know I’ll love this!
So glad you liked this! I haven’t gotten to it yet, but I’m super excited, as Patrick Ness is a god among writers. EATING AUTHORS ISN’T NICE, CAIT. Also, I love Mikey already. I have such a soft spot for the awkward birds.
C.J.
Sarcasm & Lemons
YES MIKEY IS 9000% ADORABLE AND I HOPE YOU READ THIS AND LOVE HIM TOO. And I’m sure Patrick Ness has like a wizard cap and hat or something. I will be disappointed if he doesn’t.
It’s so weird, I’ve read so many reviews for this one and I STILL don’t really know what it’s about – but that’s okay! I’m just going to assume that it’s awesome because everyone is raving about it. Gosh Mikey’s family and life sound so complicated; everyone in his family has problems. And all the M names might be confusing. Anyhow, thanks for the breakdown Cait!
I haven’t read any of Ness’ books. I better get on it, huh? This book looks so good. I love the idea of a book about the rest of us. Thanks for the stellar review!
Aww, Walker Books is so cool.
This book literally (and I mean that in every literary sense) like the most intriguing take on “the chosen one” I have ever heard and I am desperate to read it. I love that the very idea of the other people, the regular schoolers and the kinda friends but not best friends, that their story is being told. IT SOUNDS SO COOL ALRIGHT IT JUST DOES. I’m just really, really passionat and excited about this idea and reading it and your review certainly does not diminish those feelings, Cait. You indeed help to make it sound very neat.
Glad you enjoyed it so much, and ace review. xx
ZOMG I HOPE YOU DO READ IT AT SOME POINT, ROMI, BECAUSE IT’S PURE PERFECTION IN BOOK FORM. *tackle hugs this book for eternity* Also chocolate. Yum.
Most people just have to live their lives the best they can … All the while knowing that the world makes no sense but trying to find a way to be happy anyway. What if you lived in a world a lot like a YA novel?