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A review by librarybonanza
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
5.0
Age: High School
State: Arkansas
I enjoy reading YA literature for its originality in plot and setting, or its humor, or its suspense. Rarely do I read YA lit where the themes or overall purpose are not entirely evident or explained (The Book Thief comes to mind). In other words, very significant features are left up to the interpretation of the reader. The reader is forced to examine the book's literary devices and philosophical predicaments in order to derive the true meaning. This practice is like crack for English literature buffs.
Where Things Come Back accomplishes all these feats, including the typical YA features. The novel looks at fate and destiny, and questions if there is room for second chances--and humankind's obsession with second chances. This obsession is insurmountable because we are so focused on the search that we miss the answers. Where Things Come Back settles perfectly as an award winner because it has depth that goes beyond a teen's troubled life, and really approaches these complex questions.
Amidst all this analysis, Whaley deploys suspense by providing two very different story lines that eventually merge. So good!
Song lyrics on page 102 = Sufjan Stevens "Chicago"
State: Arkansas
I enjoy reading YA literature for its originality in plot and setting, or its humor, or its suspense. Rarely do I read YA lit where the themes or overall purpose are not entirely evident or explained (The Book Thief comes to mind). In other words, very significant features are left up to the interpretation of the reader. The reader is forced to examine the book's literary devices and philosophical predicaments in order to derive the true meaning. This practice is like crack for English literature buffs.
Where Things Come Back accomplishes all these feats, including the typical YA features. The novel looks at fate and destiny, and questions if there is room for second chances--and humankind's obsession with second chances. This obsession is insurmountable because we are so focused on the search that we miss the answers. Where Things Come Back settles perfectly as an award winner because it has depth that goes beyond a teen's troubled life, and really approaches these complex questions.
Amidst all this analysis, Whaley deploys suspense by providing two very different story lines that eventually merge. So good!
Song lyrics on page 102 = Sufjan Stevens "Chicago"