I think this might be a metaphor for death? Or it might be saying something unclear about growing up, or faith? Honestly, I don’t care what it’s saying, I just loved all the unanswered questions, and unlikable characters, and how you can’t nail any messages down. I think this is a book that really trusts children as readers. It doesn’t condescend to them or relate to them or try to teach them a darn thing. It just sits with them in the confusion that is being an adolescent. It’s really an impressive feat.

A masterpiece.

So much love for one of the most refreshing YA books I’ve ever read. Darius is vulnerable, authentic, and utterly lovable in his raw teenage angst. This could have easily been an “issues book” about any number of things, but it comes across purely as one beautiful, multi-faceted depiction of being human. Wide appeal for readers of all types, but especially perfect for fans of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter or Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

Now if I could have a graphic novel edition, please.

Listen, I’m all for a family saga, sibling relationships, and a character driven story, but this one just didn’t do it for me. I remember really enjoying Commonwealth and thought I would similarly enjoy The Dutch House, and while the writing was good, I just never felt like I knew or cared about the characters. Like any of them. Which left me not really caring about the story or what happened to them. I’m obviously in the minority here but this book left me very underwhelmed. I don’t see what other people are loving. Maybe I would have liked it more on audio with the Tom Hanks narration.