Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Sky Is Everywhere By Jandy Nelson

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to centre stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, with a nearly magical grin. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...


Sorry for the following long and rambly review :D


This book has, hands-down, THE best layout EVER. The cover, for one, is just amazing, it's one of my favourite covers ever. It's so simple, but so effective. I love the colour, the font and the little hearts. And on the UK hardcover (pictured) has this cute little blue elastic thing that stretches around the book, which is meant to be a bookmark. It was so handy!


But the best thing of all were the little poems that Lenny scattered around, written on all these random things! Takeaway cups, windows, lollipop wrappers! Everything! At the beginning or end of each chapter one of theses poems were shown. I thought they were really cute, and I looked forward to the end of every chapter just to read them!


And now, after two paragraphs about the layout ( :P) I'm gonna talk about the actual book.


The writing was brilliant, this is probably the most beautifully written book I've ever read. Usually I'm not too bothered with writing, it's more the plot I'm interested in. But this book deserves the praise! Everything was described in such exquisite detail, I could imagine exactly what everyone and everywhere looked like, as though it was right there in front of me. I can't believe this is Jandy's first book!


The characters were all so real and so great. I liked all of them (except Rachel. Meanie) and I just cannot pick a favourite. They were all so brilliant and unique in their own ways. Lennie herself was so sweet and sensitive. The love she had for her Bailey, Joe and the everyone else was really believable. I felt like I missed Bailey too! Actually, a prequel to this book would be great, I'd love to get to know Bailey better. Jandy Nelson made you feel like you knew Bailey and even though she was dead, she seemed so real and alive. (Well, I suppose she was real, but you know what I mean!)


Gram (Lennie's gran) was so kind and lovely and funny, as was Uncle Big. He was awesome! Lennie's best friend Sarah was quirky and cool, I wish she was in it more! Though sometimes she annoyed me... The two boys, Joe and Toby, were so sweet! I have to say, even though I'm probably the only one,  I think I'm Team Toby! I know, I know! But Joe just seemed so perfect, he was the only character I wasn't so convinced by. He was practically flawless. I just wish he had even one flaw, just to make it more realistic. Despite all that though, I did like him.


Toby was SO GREAT! (Sorry, I am using terrible adjectives in this review, aren't I? Well, sorry, but I can't help it!) He was so sweet! He was so emotional too.The times he was sad and crying were the times I felt like crying too!  I wish we saw more of him though, he wasn't in it that much. :/


I don't normally read romances, I prefer fantasy or adventure and sometimes chick-lit (I wouldn't call this book chick-lit... would you?), but I loved this so much! I really hope Jandy Nelson writes more books. Preferably a sequel to 'The Sky Is Everywhere'. Also, another thing un-book related. Doesn't Jandy Nelson have THE best name ever?!! It's my favourite author name after Lauren Oliver. They both sound so cool and Jandy is just an AMAZING name! Is Jandy a popular name over in the USA, my American readers?


My only complaint is that, at times, this book seemed a little too perfect. I know that's a good thing, how perfect it was, but to me it was just slightly annoying. It's hard to explain. Ooh, and just one more complaint! (OMG, I'm such a complainer!). Sometimes I thought the book was a bit slow. But the on the other hand, it wasn't meant to be an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but still..


Overall, this book was stunning, spectacular, and I totally loved it. I would definitely give it 5/5, 10/10, 1000/100! It is a definite recommended read, one of my favourites so far this year. So, peoples, READ THIS BOOK!


Source: Library
Pages: 368
Age Group: 12+
Official Publication Date: 07 June 2010
Publisher: Walker Books UK
Author Website:www.jandynelson.com

9 comments:

  1. This book sounds great!! I normally don't like books where somebody dies (which limits my choices I know) but this book sounds like an exception!! Great review!!
    And Jandy isn't a popular name here in the USA... I've never actually heard of it before!! Great name though!!

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  2. Jandy is not apopular name here, i think. But i'm homescholled and practicaly live in my base ment with my dog. But, i absolutly agree it's an awesome name! Well if we're speaking of not so popular names, are their many Corrina's over there? i've never met another one, but that would be cool :) and i'll try to get this book, great reveiw!

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  3. I was about to buy this book to take on holiday a while ago, but at the last minute I changed it for a Jenny Han book (which wasn't very good...). I wish I'd bought this one!!! I'm gonna buy it soon, I just have to read it! :D

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  4. Wow, your review is amazing! I picked this up in a bookshop but then decided against it, now I really regret it! I hope it is still there... :D

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  5. Ah, so want to read this! Brilliant review, and I didn't mind the length, seeing that many of mine are just as long (I talk to much.) ;)
    After Eden is really good, and I recommend it.
    Have a great weekend Cliona!

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  6. Thanks everyone for your lovely comments!

    Jen- I know what you mean, I'm not a big fan of emotional death books either! But this is DEFINITELY worth reading! Thanks for letting me know about the name Jandy too!

    Corrina- You deffo should get this book! And no I've never met another Corrina...But it's an awesome name!

    Cat- Pity you didn't like the Jenny Han books, hop you like this better!

    Zoe- Thanks! You should get it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)

    Megan- Good, so my review is TOO long?! After Eden does sound amazing! I hope it's published properly someday,because I don't have a Kindle!

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  7. omg this is my favourite book, on a par with noughts & crosses and the curious incident. i nearlyc ried reading this last year, i will keep my copy until i die!! nice one!!! xxx

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  8. Hmm, no not too long. Perfect length. You can tell you loved the book by it.
    If you like, I could ask Katherine Pine (the author). :)
    Thanks for all your comments! Eek, hate people who bend book covers! Never trust one who does not take care of a book. I think that's the quote, anyway... Thanks for voting on my button! I think 'A' has won.
    Have a great week! :)

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