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The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson


In The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker is a bookworm and band geek who has been pleased and used to living in the shadow of her older sister Bailey. But Bailey's sudden and unexpected death forces Lennie to come out of that shadow and become her indivudual self. In the midst of the grief and sadness, Lennie must also balance and deal with struggling between two boys.

I found this book to be a remarkable piece about struggles involving both grief and individuality. Overall, the story was very strong, emotional, and touching. I give this book a 10/10 rating and recommend it to all who would like to read about a deep, intense journey after the loss of a loved one.

Reviewed by Emily K., Grade 12
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Teen Speak said…
This story celebrates love while simultaneously painting a sorrowful portrait of a deep loss of the person closest to you. The reader creates a bond with the characters so much so that it is hard to let go of them at the end and it leaves you searching for more answers. The abstract ending really leaves the readers hanging. This, nevertheless, is a book for a very mature audience. The relationships features inappropriate conduct of underage drinking as well as substance abuse. I found it quite awkward to read the parts with Toby in them. The two character's romantic involvement seemed very inappropriate. Although for the mature reader, the artistic approach captures the audience with its symbols and reoccurring themes throughout the novel. What is most extraordinary about this tale is the accompanying notes and other writings that force us to tag along a sort of mystery that is not solved until the very end. For the literature lover, it is very easy to identify with Lennie in that she brings up various poems and books she is inspired by. If you like Withering Heights, Lennie also has numerous references to that book. However, I would have to say that if you are writing a YA book in the realistic fiction it has to be... well... realistic. It is almost as if the author has forgotten what it was like to be a teenager when she includes certain elements throughout the story. It is, in fact, far from a light and quick read. You dislike the main character sometimes and then feel sorry for her. I do not think her forms of escapism are healthy. Then I dismiss judging them due to the fact that it is quite obvious her emotional state is not healthy as well. However, it does not excuse any of the characters drinking wine or smoking weed to cope with their loss. It is imperative to take note, however, that the author makes it a point to prove to the reader that in the end it is the opening up and talking to each other aspect that solves real life problems. The best way to explain this read is "raw in emotion." I would rate it four stars.

Reviewed by Alexis, Grade 11
Montrose Library
December 14, 2016 at 11:02 AM
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