A review by abstract_amber77
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
5.0
What an adventurous and poignant read. This is a story of youth, getting older, and understanding how our experiences in our younger years deeply impact who we become as adults. It is a bittersweet story about 6th graders and their relationships with one another. It is a tale of redemption and grace. I do believe the author gave these kids a maturity that would be more fitting for 8th graders, but her intent came shining through, nonetheless. It is interesting to watch the main character, Miranda, mature over the course of the school year and gain the ability that many adults struggle with, to take on the perspective of others. It is Miranda's perspective taking that unifies the characters and allows her to solve the mystery that begins at the beginning of the book. If adults could take on the perspective of other the ways Miranda does, the world would be a more peaceful place.
The writing in this tale is superb. I read the first 50 pages over the course of 4 days (mainly due to time constraints), and the last 150 in one day. This book was definitely tough to put down once it picked up speed. Stead did a magnificent job of pulling the reader into the story. I'm so happy this was selected for my book club, or otherwise I would have likely passed over this wonderful story. Now that I have read it, I'm hoping to soon share it with my son, who will be entering 6th grade in the fall.
The writing in this tale is superb. I read the first 50 pages over the course of 4 days (mainly due to time constraints), and the last 150 in one day. This book was definitely tough to put down once it picked up speed. Stead did a magnificent job of pulling the reader into the story. I'm so happy this was selected for my book club, or otherwise I would have likely passed over this wonderful story. Now that I have read it, I'm hoping to soon share it with my son, who will be entering 6th grade in the fall.