Author: Amy Zhang
Publisher: Greenwillow
Format: ARC
Format: ARC
Source: From the publisher
On Sale Date: March 22, 2016
Synopsis from the publisher's website:
A heart-wrenching novel about best friends on a collision course with the real world from Amy Zhang, the critically acclaimed Indies Introduce and Indie Next author of Falling into Place.
Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie. That’s how it’s been ever since elementary school, when Janie Vivien moved next door. Janie says Micah is everything she is not. Where Micah is shy, Janie is outgoing. Where Micah loves music, Janie loves art. It’s the perfect friendship—as long as no one finds out about it. But then Janie goes missing and everything Micah thought he knew about his best friend is colored with doubt.
Using a nonlinear writing style and dual narrators, Amy Zhang’s astonishing second novel masterfully reveals the circumstances surrounding Janie’s disappearance.
Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie. That’s how it’s been ever since elementary school, when Janie Vivien moved next door. Janie says Micah is everything she is not. Where Micah is shy, Janie is outgoing. Where Micah loves music, Janie loves art. It’s the perfect friendship—as long as no one finds out about it. But then Janie goes missing and everything Micah thought he knew about his best friend is colored with doubt.
Using a nonlinear writing style and dual narrators, Amy Zhang’s astonishing second novel masterfully reveals the circumstances surrounding Janie’s disappearance.
Review:
I have been waiting to read this book since I finished reading Falling into Place by Amy Zhang. I found her characters easy to relate to and the storyline quite believable. I was expecting this to resonate in her upcoming release, but, for me it fell short.
The story is about a friendship that, on the outside seems real and exciting. Aren't all secret relationships? But, when you peel back the layers and think for a moment, you realize it was toxic. They were terrible friends to those around them and to each other. Maybe it was just the theme that didn't hit a note for me, but it didn't seem as real. What I think bothered me the most was there was a lot of build up and piecing together of the story. I just wish that the ending, the big reveal, was given a bit more attention.
On the brighter side, it wasn't all negative. Amy Zhang did not disappoint with her writing style. She manages to keep the story afloat and engaging despite the use of a nonlinear style. This book was just not my cup of tea, but may still interest other readers especially those who are drawn to YA contemporary.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Extraordinary Means from Harper Collins Canada (HCCFrenzy). All opinions are my own.
I have been waiting to read this book since I finished reading Falling into Place by Amy Zhang. I found her characters easy to relate to and the storyline quite believable. I was expecting this to resonate in her upcoming release, but, for me it fell short.
The story is about a friendship that, on the outside seems real and exciting. Aren't all secret relationships? But, when you peel back the layers and think for a moment, you realize it was toxic. They were terrible friends to those around them and to each other. Maybe it was just the theme that didn't hit a note for me, but it didn't seem as real. What I think bothered me the most was there was a lot of build up and piecing together of the story. I just wish that the ending, the big reveal, was given a bit more attention.
On the brighter side, it wasn't all negative. Amy Zhang did not disappoint with her writing style. She manages to keep the story afloat and engaging despite the use of a nonlinear style. This book was just not my cup of tea, but may still interest other readers especially those who are drawn to YA contemporary.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Extraordinary Means from Harper Collins Canada (HCCFrenzy). All opinions are my own.
Rating: ★★★★★
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