Book: The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith
Genre: YA
Rating: A
For: ongoing local author stalking! :)
Many of you know by now that a few weeks ago, I went to a blogger get-together here in Utah. Very fun. As part of our shindig, we had several authors join us. A few I knew, a few I didn't. Emily Wing Smith was one of the new-to-me authors there that day.
Of course I asked them all, "So... what's your book about?" One said, aliens. One said, a cross between Twilight and the prodigal son (did I get that right? I can't quite remember!) So I looked at Emily and said, "And is your book a variation on the popular paranormal theme too?" She said, "Uh... no." I said, "It's a serious-type book then?" She said, "Quite serious."
Let me just say that this is one of the most serious, deep-subject books I've read in a long time. Wow, there's a lot to think about in this one. You couldn't get farther from the for-fun fantasy fluffiness than this!
The story is told from six teenagers' viewpoints. They are all dealing with the death of their friend/brother/debate partner/almost boyfriend.... each in their own way. It's sad in parts, funny in parts, heart-warming in parts, and heart-wrenching in parts. It's very interesting to see how one person can mean so many different things to the people around him.
Anyway, it's a great book. I totally enjoyed it. But for sure one to read when you are in a deep-thinking mood.
For more about Emily Wing Smith, check out her website and blog.
Here's a fun trailer that gives a little more hint for the feel of this book:
Many of you know by now that a few weeks ago, I went to a blogger get-together here in Utah. Very fun. As part of our shindig, we had several authors join us. A few I knew, a few I didn't. Emily Wing Smith was one of the new-to-me authors there that day.
Of course I asked them all, "So... what's your book about?" One said, aliens. One said, a cross between Twilight and the prodigal son (did I get that right? I can't quite remember!) So I looked at Emily and said, "And is your book a variation on the popular paranormal theme too?" She said, "Uh... no." I said, "It's a serious-type book then?" She said, "Quite serious."
Let me just say that this is one of the most serious, deep-subject books I've read in a long time. Wow, there's a lot to think about in this one. You couldn't get farther from the for-fun fantasy fluffiness than this!
The story is told from six teenagers' viewpoints. They are all dealing with the death of their friend/brother/debate partner/almost boyfriend.... each in their own way. It's sad in parts, funny in parts, heart-warming in parts, and heart-wrenching in parts. It's very interesting to see how one person can mean so many different things to the people around him.
Anyway, it's a great book. I totally enjoyed it. But for sure one to read when you are in a deep-thinking mood.
For more about Emily Wing Smith, check out her website and blog.
Here's a fun trailer that gives a little more hint for the feel of this book:
Your description of the plot made me think of Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland. Have you read this one? I really enjoyed it. It's told from several different view points about a young girl who is shot (including hers.) You should check it out.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review. This is one of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteYour review makes me think I must read this book.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an intriguing post about this book. I want to check out this book...thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to get this one too, after hearing about it at the social. Now, I've got to move it up the TBR list!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds excellent! Thanks for the terrific review.
ReplyDeletehttp://starkravingbibliophile.blogspot.com/