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readergirlz is a literacy and social media project for teens, awarded the National Book Foundation's Innovations in Reading Prize. The rgz blog serves as a depot for news and YA reviews from industry professionals and teens. As volunteers return full force to their own YA writing, the organization continues to hold one initiative a year to impact teen literacy. All are welcome to "like" us on Facebook!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Rgz Street Team: Sarah reviews The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith

The rgz Street Team is a group of teens who bring YA reviews to our blog, led by Postergirl Miss Erin. Find out more.

Today, Sarah reviews The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith:


"Joel died living the way that he lived. He gave away his water on a hike, in order to save the lives of his friends. Six teens are left to find out who Joel was and how much he mattered to each person. His two sisters, Tabbatha and Clair are able to show how they see their family without Joel. Their mom locks herself away from the world and their dad throws himself into his work. Joel's debate partner Alden and his best friend Miles are not sure what to think of Joel's death and are slowly trying to get over the tragedy that happened. Norah is trying to get over her confusing crush on Joel. Lissa is trying to move on, not from Joel, but from her boyfriend Miles, so she can deal with Joel's death. The impact that Joel had on each person is unique and displays how many different dimensions a person has.

"The characters seemed as real as people that I know. Their personalities shine through like a light. This book is unlike anything that I have read. Smith creates a one of a kind tale. Smith is an amazing writer and created such a great story of six teens that are trying to find themselves in such a great tragedy. Smith is an amazing writer. She created a fantastic setting and set of characters that I didn't want to leave. I recommend The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith to anyone that is searching for an emotional story that just might make you cry." --Sarah

8 comments:

Micol Ostow said...

I absolutely loved that book. My only "criticism" is that I loved the characters so much that I would have preferred if they EACH had an entire novel to themselves. Go, Emily!

Bree Biesinger Despain said...

I love this book. It is so unique. i am amazed by Emily's talent to make the reader feel so strongly for each and every one of the characters.

Little Willow said...

Great book. I completely agree that people have different perceptions of themselves and of each other, and that we all know pieces of others, but rarely the full.

Melissa Walker said...

Can't wait to read it--thanks for the great review, Sarah!

Emily Wing Smith said...

Sarah, thanks so much for the review! Glad you liked the book.

Emily Wing Smith said...
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