A review by james1star
Take Me with You When You Go by David Levithan, Jennifer Niven

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was quite a difficult book to review in that whilst I didn’t particularly enjoy the reading experience, it was still decent on the whole and had good enough messages and things the authors where trying to say to warrant a higher rating. 

It’s follow email correspondences between mostly two characters: older sister Bea and brother Ezra starting on the day Bea disappears leaving only an email address. Ezra is left behind with his emotionally (and sometimes physically) abusive step dad and neglectful mum and we learn the reasons why they’re in this situation as things are unveiled during the novel. Bea is searching for someone who might not want to be found in a strange city alone whilst her brother tries to navigate life at home, his relationship with his boyfriend and Bea’s ex as they’re trying to find out where she’s gone. 

It was hard at times to read the things the siblings had gone through and whilst it’s not really anything graphic or that drastic, the repetitive and building up of the abuse really makes you feel for them. Despite this, their bond prevails, proving to be a beautiful thing making me recollect on my own love for my sister and how this familial bond is such a strong one when reciprocated but can be devastating when not (the parents in question). Another strong motif is the theme of being and feeling like you’re alone which is apparent in both their cases but with some side characters the power of someone being their shines through and this is another strong message to put forward. 

A few issues I had was that it did feel quite drab and boring at times where I just wanted the story to move forward a bit quicker. The email correspondence were alright but again became quite monotonous as it’s relaying things whereas you didn’t really get any real action - a ‘normal’ plot with the emails I personally would’ve preferred to break it up a bit. Some plot points too were a little annoying as well. But overall I did enjoy and would recommend this book. 
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