nematome's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes I read so many mediocre young adult books in a row that I just start to despair of the whole section. I start to question why I spend so much time over in YA…I mean…these books are obviously not written for me. I find so many of them to be far too casual, superficial, and unrealistic…not to mention poorly written. Every once in a while though, I come across a book like this, that’s so well written and honest and devastating, that I know why I keep crossing the aisle.
Lily, Noah, and Simon are friends of convenience. They walk to school, get high, and waste time together. Lily and Noah are each in love with someone that they can’t really have, and Simon is completely disconnected and insular. They greatly impact each other’s lives, but they barely know each other at all. Each is given a chance to narrate roughly the same series of events, and the reader is slowly allowed past the outward personalities that these characters wear like masks.
As I read the beginning pages of each of these sections, I felt conflicted about each of these characters in turn. Lily is a spoiled bitch; Noah is a horny stoner; Simon is a heartless jerk. Gradually, through each affecting and revealing narration, the cracks start to show, until each character is laid bare. Each of these characters is a distinct, fully realized person, and each has his or her own slanted view of the events that occur within this book. At the end of each section I would think “this character is my favorite.” They’re all my favorite. Lily is the good girl and gifted math student who changed herself one piece at a time until she couldn't find a way back. Noah acts like an obnoxiously happy buffoon to smother the massive amount of rage and humiliation that he carries around. Simon is dealing with his father’s illness, and making an earnest attempt to be normal, but deep inside he’s confused and festering.
The writing is simple, but evocative and painfully real. I also think that it’s a complete stroke of genius to begin and end the novel with small sections narrated by Suzanne, Simon’s sister. Her words add a nauseating, uncomfortable pall to the whole novel, and then gift it with a little bit of beauty and hope at the very end.
I can understand why this novel will not appeal to everyone: it contains difficult topics, and not a single one of these characters is a likeable person. This is an author that doesn't sanitize anything or pull punches. For me, this is a perfect example of teen angst done the right way: the way that is so familiar and real that it draws me right back into that cramped, uncomfortable head space of the teenage years.
Perfect Musical Pairing
Chevelle – Still Running
This kind of music will always remind me of my younger days, back before my tender elderly ears went the way of wussiness. Also, I think that if I don’t pick a harder song, Maja is going to have me declared persona non grata in Croatia…and apparently they have really great coffee there, which I am always willing to pander for. I know that they re-recorded this song in another album, but this version is way better!
Lily, Noah, and Simon are friends of convenience. They walk to school, get high, and waste time together. Lily and Noah are each in love with someone that they can’t really have, and Simon is completely disconnected and insular. They greatly impact each other’s lives, but they barely know each other at all. Each is given a chance to narrate roughly the same series of events, and the reader is slowly allowed past the outward personalities that these characters wear like masks.
As I read the beginning pages of each of these sections, I felt conflicted about each of these characters in turn. Lily is a spoiled bitch; Noah is a horny stoner; Simon is a heartless jerk. Gradually, through each affecting and revealing narration, the cracks start to show, until each character is laid bare. Each of these characters is a distinct, fully realized person, and each has his or her own slanted view of the events that occur within this book. At the end of each section I would think “this character is my favorite.” They’re all my favorite. Lily is the good girl and gifted math student who changed herself one piece at a time until she couldn't find a way back. Noah acts like an obnoxiously happy buffoon to smother the massive amount of rage and humiliation that he carries around. Simon is dealing with his father’s illness, and making an earnest attempt to be normal, but deep inside he’s confused and festering.
The writing is simple, but evocative and painfully real. I also think that it’s a complete stroke of genius to begin and end the novel with small sections narrated by Suzanne, Simon’s sister. Her words add a nauseating, uncomfortable pall to the whole novel, and then gift it with a little bit of beauty and hope at the very end.
I can understand why this novel will not appeal to everyone: it contains difficult topics, and not a single one of these characters is a likeable person. This is an author that doesn't sanitize anything or pull punches. For me, this is a perfect example of teen angst done the right way: the way that is so familiar and real that it draws me right back into that cramped, uncomfortable head space of the teenage years.
Perfect Musical Pairing
Chevelle – Still Running
This kind of music will always remind me of my younger days, back before my tender elderly ears went the way of wussiness. Also, I think that if I don’t pick a harder song, Maja is going to have me declared persona non grata in Croatia…and apparently they have really great coffee there, which I am always willing to pander for. I know that they re-recorded this song in another album, but this version is way better!
heykellyjensen's review against another edition
4.0
I can see this being a nominee for either the Morris or the NBA. A lot of swearing, but the themes and realistic portrayal of a subgroup of teens is spot on.
Full review here: http://stackedbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/absolute-value-of-1-by-steve-brezenoff.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FsTpar+(Stacked)
Full review here: http://stackedbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/absolute-value-of-1-by-steve-brezenoff.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FsTpar+(Stacked)
foreveryoungadult's review
Graded By: Poshdeluxe
BFF Charm: No, But Maybe A Hug Instead?
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: 2 Legit 2 Quit, Motherf*cker
Bonus Factors: Stoners, It's A Wonderful Life
Relationship Status: It's Complicated
Read the full book report here.
BFF Charm: No, But Maybe A Hug Instead?
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: 2 Legit 2 Quit, Motherf*cker
Bonus Factors: Stoners, It's A Wonderful Life
Relationship Status: It's Complicated
Read the full book report here.
hellphie's review against another edition
4.0
Human nature insists we assign intention to the events in our lives. We assume we know why someone else does the things they do. And we make judgements about them because of the images we shape. But no matter how hard we try, or how much we believe, we can never really know someone else’s story. In The Absolute Value of -1, Brezenoff demonstrates how our minimalist perceptions can not only narrow our views, but can detrimentally impact others’ lives and relationships. How we influence and change the people around us. How every relationship changes the fabric of our being, even if we never recognize that it is happening. The remove between us, our people, and the truth.
I’m not a huge fan of the first person, multiple pov structure. It often feels confused, frenetic, and kind of shallow. Honestly, I relate this style with terrible YA romances. I much prefer my novels in the third person omniscient. That being said, when the first person switch is done well, it serves to highlight the depth of the novel. I think Brezenoff does it really well. We get each character’s story in a complete chunk. Lily’s version. Noah’s version. Simon’s version (I’m not sure how I feel about Suzanne’s part. I will ponder while I write this). Each story builds a little more on the one before until we finally have the mostly complete picture. From the outside, these three kids are easy to write off as stoner slackers. They seem like the type of kids that don’t care about anything – not their families, not their friends, definitely not school. But we don’t know their story. And the reviews I’ve read that still make those claims after they’ve finished the novel… I don’t know what those people were reading, or if their lives have just been exceptionally blessed, but I think they’ve missed something crucial. Each of these teens has something different, but so very similar, that drives their actions.
Based on the book blurb, I was a little uncertain going into this book. Although the blurb is direct quotes from the novel, it highlights the potential love triangle more than the evolution of self on the way from adolescence to the cusp of adulthood. The space between who we are and who we want to be. The deep inner turmoil that either forces us to grow or shuts us off entirely. How hard it can be to ever be certain of anything. Even when we think we have everything down.
Complete review at https://hellphiesfiendishfiction.wordpress.com/2015/07/17/the-absolute-value-of-1-by-steve-brezenoff-sbrezenoff/
I’m not a huge fan of the first person, multiple pov structure. It often feels confused, frenetic, and kind of shallow. Honestly, I relate this style with terrible YA romances. I much prefer my novels in the third person omniscient. That being said, when the first person switch is done well, it serves to highlight the depth of the novel. I think Brezenoff does it really well. We get each character’s story in a complete chunk. Lily’s version. Noah’s version. Simon’s version (I’m not sure how I feel about Suzanne’s part. I will ponder while I write this). Each story builds a little more on the one before until we finally have the mostly complete picture. From the outside, these three kids are easy to write off as stoner slackers. They seem like the type of kids that don’t care about anything – not their families, not their friends, definitely not school. But we don’t know their story. And the reviews I’ve read that still make those claims after they’ve finished the novel… I don’t know what those people were reading, or if their lives have just been exceptionally blessed, but I think they’ve missed something crucial. Each of these teens has something different, but so very similar, that drives their actions.
Based on the book blurb, I was a little uncertain going into this book. Although the blurb is direct quotes from the novel, it highlights the potential love triangle more than the evolution of self on the way from adolescence to the cusp of adulthood. The space between who we are and who we want to be. The deep inner turmoil that either forces us to grow or shuts us off entirely. How hard it can be to ever be certain of anything. Even when we think we have everything down.
Complete review at https://hellphiesfiendishfiction.wordpress.com/2015/07/17/the-absolute-value-of-1-by-steve-brezenoff-sbrezenoff/
libraryelf's review against another edition
2.0
There is an audience for this book, but it is not me. Upon finishing the book, I yelled "What the hell." I only kept reading in hopes of making sense of the story and the connections.
In this story, there are three stoner friends. One (Noah) loves the girl (Lily). The girl (Lily) loves the other boy (Simon). Simon is dealing with stuff at home involving his dad. The same events are told in their three points of view and this is where I got confused. Generally, each story line ties into a few main events (easily recognized when you find them) but each character has to explain what led to the situation for them (a bit confusing as often, the author just drops you in, what seems, randomly). The characters also bounce around a bit so figuring out side character ages gets confusing (I thought one was a senior when she was the same age as everyone else). The most confusing part of all involved Suzanne's point of view (she's Simon's sister) as her little bit of story just made no sense to me and it's connection to the rest of the story.(I did get her relationship to Simon).
Overall, by seeing so many positive reviews, I know there is an audience for this book, but again, it is not me.
In this story, there are three stoner friends. One (Noah) loves the girl (Lily). The girl (Lily) loves the other boy (Simon). Simon is dealing with stuff at home involving his dad. The same events are told in their three points of view and this is where I got confused. Generally, each story line ties into a few main events (easily recognized when you find them) but each character has to explain what led to the situation for them (a bit confusing as often, the author just drops you in, what seems, randomly). The characters also bounce around a bit so figuring out side character ages gets confusing (I thought one was a senior when she was the same age as everyone else). The most confusing part of all involved Suzanne's point of view (she's Simon's sister) as her little bit of story just made no sense to me and it's connection to the rest of the story.(I did get her relationship to Simon).
Overall, by seeing so many positive reviews, I know there is an audience for this book, but again, it is not me.
dtaylorbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Don't let those blurbs fool you. The only one that's the most relevant is Lily's. The others all look like they're wrapped up in some weird love triangle of angst but it's so much more than that. Except for Lily. That's really all it is about since she had such tunnel vision for Simon.
Again, Carolrhoda Lab has not let me down with one of their books. Brezenoff's writing digs so deep, gets down underneath the emo and the angst and the teenagery to something so much more powerful. Lily and Noah are chasing pipe dreams, from a pipe. Just not each others. And Simon, he's the absolute value. He's not a positive or a negative. He's the normal, the end result of walking through the absolute and coming out the other side alive.
The story is told in three very distinct points of view: Lily's, Noah's and Simon's and they all cover relatively the same timeline but you get to see the world from different eyes and it makes all the difference in the story.
Lily's story is rose-colored but running, like red ink splattered with water. She has her eyes set on Simon and she's so blinded by that want she doesn't see the forest for the trees. There is no forest, no trees. Just Simon. Noah's world is a baked out Scooby van with douchier friends. Like Lily, he's so blinded by the path he's made out for himself that he can't see the change. Or doesn't want to. So he envelopes himself in a protective seal in order to save himself. He likes what he has. It saves him from what he walks away from every day and it's worked. Why change something that works so well? It could ruin everything.
And Simon. Simon's the be-all end-all of the storyline, in so many ways. His piece of the puzzle is the most powerful, the most poignant. When he cries, you can feel his tears hitting your hand. You can feel the pain he feels when he starts learning hard truths. And through his eyes we see just how absolutely far away from Lily and Noah he really is. From their eyes, he's the quiet dude that keeps to himself but smokes a lot of bud. No one digs any deeper and if they tried, he really wouldn't let them in. But he's not. He's coping. He's normal. Sort of.
There really wasn't anything about this book not to love. I could have been reading the stories of three real kids for how authentic all three voices sounded. The only issue I had with any part of the story was Suzanne. I'm not sure of her relevance nor if she was even necessary for the story. As Simon's sister she was definitely a crutch for him and at times I found their relationship uncomfortable for how close they were. I saw the path it was headed on really early on but I don't know why the story went there, especially since it happened so late in the plot (like the last few pages) and the aftermath wasn't delved into at all except they kept their distance from each other at the grieving. I honestly don't know if it was another wrench in the spokes of life or if there's a bigger picture I'm missing. I just didn't find that particular part necessary. I think it was too underdeveloped for what it became.
Other than that, this could be a life study of teenagers in the wild. This is what it's like to be a fly on the inside of their craniums. You see how they act and you're privy to what they think and it's so much deeper than the cigarettes and beer and weed and cutting class and slang and whatever. There's pain and torment and sorrow and loss and longing and love going on underneath it all and Brezenoff captured it all fantastically. Reading from one cover to the other was as effortless as walking from one side of the room to the other. At the end I wanted more, especially of Simon. There was so much left hanging there that I didn't want it to end. But it did. And it was oh so good while it lasted.
Again, Carolrhoda Lab has not let me down with one of their books. Brezenoff's writing digs so deep, gets down underneath the emo and the angst and the teenagery to something so much more powerful. Lily and Noah are chasing pipe dreams, from a pipe. Just not each others. And Simon, he's the absolute value. He's not a positive or a negative. He's the normal, the end result of walking through the absolute and coming out the other side alive.
The story is told in three very distinct points of view: Lily's, Noah's and Simon's and they all cover relatively the same timeline but you get to see the world from different eyes and it makes all the difference in the story.
Lily's story is rose-colored but running, like red ink splattered with water. She has her eyes set on Simon and she's so blinded by that want she doesn't see the forest for the trees. There is no forest, no trees. Just Simon. Noah's world is a baked out Scooby van with douchier friends. Like Lily, he's so blinded by the path he's made out for himself that he can't see the change. Or doesn't want to. So he envelopes himself in a protective seal in order to save himself. He likes what he has. It saves him from what he walks away from every day and it's worked. Why change something that works so well? It could ruin everything.
And Simon. Simon's the be-all end-all of the storyline, in so many ways. His piece of the puzzle is the most powerful, the most poignant. When he cries, you can feel his tears hitting your hand. You can feel the pain he feels when he starts learning hard truths. And through his eyes we see just how absolutely far away from Lily and Noah he really is. From their eyes, he's the quiet dude that keeps to himself but smokes a lot of bud. No one digs any deeper and if they tried, he really wouldn't let them in. But he's not. He's coping. He's normal. Sort of.
There really wasn't anything about this book not to love. I could have been reading the stories of three real kids for how authentic all three voices sounded. The only issue I had with any part of the story was Suzanne. I'm not sure of her relevance nor if she was even necessary for the story. As Simon's sister she was definitely a crutch for him and at times I found their relationship uncomfortable for how close they were. I saw the path it was headed on really early on but I don't know why the story went there, especially since it happened so late in the plot (like the last few pages) and the aftermath wasn't delved into at all except they kept their distance from each other at the grieving. I honestly don't know if it was another wrench in the spokes of life or if there's a bigger picture I'm missing. I just didn't find that particular part necessary. I think it was too underdeveloped for what it became.
Other than that, this could be a life study of teenagers in the wild. This is what it's like to be a fly on the inside of their craniums. You see how they act and you're privy to what they think and it's so much deeper than the cigarettes and beer and weed and cutting class and slang and whatever. There's pain and torment and sorrow and loss and longing and love going on underneath it all and Brezenoff captured it all fantastically. Reading from one cover to the other was as effortless as walking from one side of the room to the other. At the end I wanted more, especially of Simon. There was so much left hanging there that I didn't want it to end. But it did. And it was oh so good while it lasted.
imbookingit's review against another edition
4.0
(3.5 stars, rounding up because it picked up at the end)
This book got off to a slow start for me. I found Lily interesting in a fairly abstract way, but I never found her or her story compelling.
It really picked up for me when the book switched viewpoints, and I started to see Noah's perspective on some of the same events. If anything, Noah is a less interesting character, but the shift really pulled me in.
Then we got to Simon's section. I hadn't been interested in him either, but once I saw his perspective, and the parts of the story that his friends didn't see, his was the best part of the book.
His was also the most touching and the most real, since he was dealing with significant personal issues. He could have (and often did) hide from them, but in the end, they found him.
I do wish that the book had completed the circle and returned to Lily's POV. I think I would have appreciated her more at that point.
All three characters were fairly shallow, self centered teens. Personally, I didn't like the casual smoking and drugs in the book. I'm not saying it was unrealistic or shouldn't be there, but that did cut down on the personal appeal of the book.
In the end, I found the book interesting and well executed. I think the slower first part was necessary to get there.
This book got off to a slow start for me. I found Lily interesting in a fairly abstract way, but I never found her or her story compelling.
It really picked up for me when the book switched viewpoints, and I started to see Noah's perspective on some of the same events. If anything, Noah is a less interesting character, but the shift really pulled me in.
Then we got to Simon's section. I hadn't been interested in him either, but once I saw his perspective, and the parts of the story that his friends didn't see, his was the best part of the book.
His was also the most touching and the most real, since he was dealing with significant personal issues. He could have (and often did) hide from them, but in the end, they found him.
I do wish that the book had completed the circle and returned to Lily's POV. I think I would have appreciated her more at that point.
All three characters were fairly shallow, self centered teens. Personally, I didn't like the casual smoking and drugs in the book. I'm not saying it was unrealistic or shouldn't be there, but that did cut down on the personal appeal of the book.
In the end, I found the book interesting and well executed. I think the slower first part was necessary to get there.
saragrochowski's review against another edition
5.0
Having never heard of THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF -1, I had no expectations as I cracked the cover. Not one. Which is why I was shocked to discover that this novel, Steve Brezenoff's YA debut, has landed squarely on my Best of 2010 list.
The novel is divided into three main sections - one for each character - but the first and last pages are told by Suzanne. I'll admit to being a bit confused when I saw her name printed largely on the first page... there's no mention of a Suzanne in the description. It doesn't take long to figure out who this mysterious narrator is, but it takes the majority of the novel to make sense of her role and meaning to each of the main characters.
I ended up preferring Lily and Noah over Simon. I appreciated seeing the events unfold from each POV, but Simon set me on edge. Even at the end of the novel, I wasn't completely sure I understood his motivations, which made is actions difficult to reconcile. In the end, I resigned myself to disliking his character, which was difficult for me because I can't help but try to connect with each character, even in a small way.
I found it easy to identify with Lily. She's the typically high school girl, in love with a boy who is oblivious to her. Or worse, is completely aware and chooses to act oblivious. I feel confident saying that every girl feels like a Lily at some point, whether it occurs in high school or later.
Noah was my favorite character, though it's hard to say exactly why. Part of me wonders if it's due to the fact that he had the smallest section. It's almost like when you meet someone for the first time and you think they're pretty cool, but then, the more you get to know them, the more you're aware of their flaws. And then they just don't seem so cool anymore. Simon and Lily's flaws were painfully clear, while Noah was just a stoner boy with an unrequited crush. He was much easier to like. Maybe I would have ended up liking him less if he was more of a focus, but I still can't help wanting to hear more of his story.
THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF -1 is unflinchingly honest and beautifully written. I'm very curious to see what Steve Brezenoff offers next, but, in the meantime, I'll be pondering this novel's final pages...
The novel is divided into three main sections - one for each character - but the first and last pages are told by Suzanne. I'll admit to being a bit confused when I saw her name printed largely on the first page... there's no mention of a Suzanne in the description. It doesn't take long to figure out who this mysterious narrator is, but it takes the majority of the novel to make sense of her role and meaning to each of the main characters.
I ended up preferring Lily and Noah over Simon. I appreciated seeing the events unfold from each POV, but Simon set me on edge. Even at the end of the novel, I wasn't completely sure I understood his motivations, which made is actions difficult to reconcile. In the end, I resigned myself to disliking his character, which was difficult for me because I can't help but try to connect with each character, even in a small way.
I found it easy to identify with Lily. She's the typically high school girl, in love with a boy who is oblivious to her. Or worse, is completely aware and chooses to act oblivious. I feel confident saying that every girl feels like a Lily at some point, whether it occurs in high school or later.
Noah was my favorite character, though it's hard to say exactly why. Part of me wonders if it's due to the fact that he had the smallest section. It's almost like when you meet someone for the first time and you think they're pretty cool, but then, the more you get to know them, the more you're aware of their flaws. And then they just don't seem so cool anymore. Simon and Lily's flaws were painfully clear, while Noah was just a stoner boy with an unrequited crush. He was much easier to like. Maybe I would have ended up liking him less if he was more of a focus, but I still can't help wanting to hear more of his story.
THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF -1 is unflinchingly honest and beautifully written. I'm very curious to see what Steve Brezenoff offers next, but, in the meantime, I'll be pondering this novel's final pages...
endlessreader's review against another edition
4.0
The Absolute Value of -1 was angst galore. But that's okay, because I embrace Angst like the old frenemy he is. So, no problems on that front at all. The Absolute Value of -1 takes everything that made you ache and hurt in high school and puts it right up there for everyone to see and feel all over again. It makes you realize that the hurt and heartache you were suffering...is pretty much a staple in high school life. Yep, high school. It's almost always angsty and very rarely all pretty.
The main characters Lily, Noah, and Simon are the typical kids you wave to in high school, or glance at with annoyance, or just avoid like the plague really. These three teens are dealing with a love triangle of sorts (anybody else getting horrible Dawson's Creek flashbacks?). Guy likes Girl, Girl likes Other Guy, and Other Guy really doesn't give a shit about either Girl or Guy. It's poetic if you really think about it. However, this really isn't your typical Love Triangle Romance novel because said triangle is really just a small part of the overall story. Most of their angst isn't coming from your typical teen romance, but mainly from their home lives which range from terrible (Guy) to Okay (Girl) to "Wow, can things get more screwy?" (Other Guy). Their pain is all very real and very cringe-worthy.
The Absolute Value of -1 is not written in the typical YA fashion. It has Lily, Noah, and Simon narrating one part of the book respectively and then you have Suzanne (Simon's sister) who narrates a small part at the very beginning and a smaller part at the very end. With exception of Suzanne, they're all telling the same events through their eyes, with major bits left out of the other narratives because they weren't really known by those particular narrators. I was very surprised that the book was far from repetitive. With every new narrator, there was something else revealed, some new facet of the narrator's personality, and it was fascinating.
So, The Absolute Value of -1 was a pretty angsty, yet poignant read. A couple of parts also had me cringing and squicking, but I guess that's natural reaction to some things that happened. The only thing that bothered me was that we didn't get into Suzanne's inner thoughts as much as the other characters (but I understand that this wasn't her story, she was merely a part of it). Overall, it was an extremely quick read and I'm glad I read it.
The main characters Lily, Noah, and Simon are the typical kids you wave to in high school, or glance at with annoyance, or just avoid like the plague really. These three teens are dealing with a love triangle of sorts (anybody else getting horrible Dawson's Creek flashbacks?). Guy likes Girl, Girl likes Other Guy, and Other Guy really doesn't give a shit about either Girl or Guy. It's poetic if you really think about it. However, this really isn't your typical Love Triangle Romance novel because said triangle is really just a small part of the overall story. Most of their angst isn't coming from your typical teen romance, but mainly from their home lives which range from terrible (Guy) to Okay (Girl) to "Wow, can things get more screwy?" (Other Guy). Their pain is all very real and very cringe-worthy.
The Absolute Value of -1 is not written in the typical YA fashion. It has Lily, Noah, and Simon narrating one part of the book respectively and then you have Suzanne (Simon's sister) who narrates a small part at the very beginning and a smaller part at the very end. With exception of Suzanne, they're all telling the same events through their eyes, with major bits left out of the other narratives because they weren't really known by those particular narrators. I was very surprised that the book was far from repetitive. With every new narrator, there was something else revealed, some new facet of the narrator's personality, and it was fascinating.
So, The Absolute Value of -1 was a pretty angsty, yet poignant read. A couple of parts also had me cringing and squicking, but I guess that's natural reaction to some things that happened. The only thing that bothered me was that we didn't get into Suzanne's inner thoughts as much as the other characters (but I understand that this wasn't her story, she was merely a part of it). Overall, it was an extremely quick read and I'm glad I read it.
amdame1's review against another edition
2.0
Lily, Noah, and Simon are a dysfunctional group of friends. It's made even more awkward in that Lily likes Simon but Noah likes Lily. They have a very casual attitude towards smoking, school, and life in general.
Told from multiple view points throughout the story, it is difficult to figure out what's going on and who the characters are, especially at the beginning. While the characters do stand as individuals, none of them are very intersting.
Told from multiple view points throughout the story, it is difficult to figure out what's going on and who the characters are, especially at the beginning. While the characters do stand as individuals, none of them are very intersting.