Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Lennie plays second clarinet in the school orchestra and has always happily been second fiddle to her charismatic older sister, Bailey. Then Bailey dies suddenly, and Lennie is left at sea without her anchor. Overcome by emotion, Lennie soon finds herself torn between two boys: Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, and Joe, the charming and musically gifted new boy in town. While Toby can't see her without seeing Bailey and Joe sees her only for herself, each offers Lennie something she desperately needs. But ultimately, it's up to Lennie to find her own way toward what she really needs-without Bailey.

Bat. Bat. Bat. This book is so amazing. Bat. Bat. Bat. 

If you couldn't tell, I am basically going to spend the next couple of paragraphs gushing, so buckle up.

• Orginality:  9 - I don't know what it was about this book - I'm sure there are many other books with similar premises - but this book just felt so ... rare. Sometimes Ms. Nelson would describe the most mundane things or feelings in a way that would make you stop, re-read, think about it and smile because it was such a unique, but obvious way to put that certain idea/thought into words. Her words literally stunned me.
• Absurdity: 2 - There's some ridiculousness that happens in the book (Lennie, all dressed up, waiting outside of Joe Fontaine's home under a tree), but it's all so innocent and lovely, it only adds to the charm. The only part that I found truly absurd (and this has been co-signed by Grad Student) is the part where they find a bedroom in the woods. A bed with sheets in the woods.  Although it's explained as a neighbors outdoor room extension to his local B&B, which he covers up whenever it rains, I still couldn't help but think about what would happen in a flash rain shower?
• Level of Paranormal Romance: 94783 - It's official. I die for Joe Fontaine. Grad Student and I would legit wrestle for him. He just sounds so wonderful and dreamy! Not to mention Lennie is a doll-face who sounds just as lovely and complicated as a young woman could be. These two break my heart and make it swell up all at the same time!
• Level of Harry Potter-ness:  10 - As I was finishing up this book, I actually thought to myself that this could easily be the next great American novel. It was the first book in a long time that made me sob like a little baby in one part and smile like a crazy person (yeah, other subway patrons were nervous around me) in others.

If Grad Student's review didn't convince you, I implore you: READ THIS BOOK!


Sidebar: So, apparently they're making this book into a movie and there are rumors that Selena Gomez is going to play Lennie. I am devastated. I really hope this isn't true - and that's not a dig at Ms. Gomez, it's just that this book is such a masterpiece, that I think that setting it up as a Disney-like movie would do it such a disservice! (man, all of these Beliebers are going to start following this blog now!).


Gah, should we start a letter writing campaign??! I would happily play Lennie if I could pick my Joe Fontaine ... Ryan Gosling, are you available?