Natasha is about to be deported because of her father's irresponsible actions. Daniel is killing time before his Yale interview. The two happen to cross paths, and we the readers see the happenstance and domino effects that follow.

Yoon's writing is spectacular. I had just finished Everything, Everything a few weeks ago, and while I love that book, this one is even better. Her characters are different and believable, and perfect for YA. The story keeps moving at a good pace (I read both of her books in basically one sitting). Her diction is impeccable, and her omniscient narration is a perfect "voiceover" (the histories, the instances where we see other character's futures, etc.). Down to the images used above each "chapter", this book was near perfection. This is a book I wish I had written.

I think one could argue that this story is actually more about the peripheral characters and their connections rather than Natasha and Daniel, and emphasizes that the sequences of events and time that do change us. The painting that shakes you had to be created by someone who had to be born whose parents had to meet. I love that Irene ends up being such a pivotal character even though we know very little about her. We've all experienced her hurts and want to protect like she does. At the end, I think it's perfect and true to the story that Daniel and Natasha's reunion is left open-ended.

Even the cover art is perfect. I recommend this book to anyone.

Pairings: not sure yet.