I was at Fully Booked the other night, looking for this record I’d give to a friend. After 25 minutes, a gazillion CDs, 2 escalators down and a 45 degree glance to the right, I found this book on display. I read the bits written at the back, and I didn’t find it very interesting. But it was David Levithan, so I was intrigued. I decided against buying it—I picked it up—I brought it back on the shelf. In short, it ended up being in my bag on my way out the store.
The story revolves around these three NYC teenagers, pre and post 9/11. It’s a love story. Not the romantic, teeny-boppy type. Well some parts are, but David would write those with flair. I don’t know why I was moved, and compelled to write about this book. I was a few days away from the actual September 11, so maybe the ~emotions~ I felt while reading it were only elicited by the timing. But then when the Claire character talks about the lost of the towers, the city and the people, you sort of identify with her. I remember reading the last few words of the book, closing it, and letting it all swim through me. For a book, I haven’t felt that way in quite a while. And it’s amazing that years after the actual tragedy, it still feels relevant. It will always be a part of our lifetime. I mean I was younger when the planes struck the towers and Pentagon, and most of all I’m not a New Yorker. But if you try to make sense of it—no, scratch that. Until now I still can’t make any sense out of it all. But after a tragedy as heartbreaking as the 9/11, for a while people dropped everything and started to care about strangers. At one point, it’s sad that a tragedy had to happen before people took notice of the things that really matter. But then at least we still took notice than not at all.
I know this book won’t do it for all. It’s just a bunch of kids falling in love, building friendship, going to concerts with the context of the 9/11 happening. Just get a copy if you want to read something that’s 9/11-ish. It’s not Levithan’s best work, but it’s real. And sensitive. Hope you like it as much as I did.
-
humanhands liked this
-
ratatat liked this
-
polythenekaye posted this