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keishamuller's review against another edition
4.0
I usually like books with outright, fairytale-like happy endings but this one made me feel something. I was sad that it was over and I can relate so much to Evan, being a loner myself. This was absolutely stellar!
arieanstar's review against another edition
4.0
(3.5)
This story will always have a special place in my heart. It provides light in the darkest of places and inspires hope in the most hopeless times. The story and the songs thats have come from it has always given me so much comfort when I needed it. BUT the story translates way better in musical form. If I were to read this without knowing anything about the musical, I probably wouldn't have liked it as much. It definitely acts more like a gift with fun little things for fans of the musical.
This story will always have a special place in my heart. It provides light in the darkest of places and inspires hope in the most hopeless times. The story and the songs thats have come from it has always given me so much comfort when I needed it. BUT the story translates way better in musical form. If I were to read this without knowing anything about the musical, I probably wouldn't have liked it as much. It definitely acts more like a gift with fun little things for fans of the musical.
ianrosales08's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Dear Evan Hansen is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that delves deep into the complexities of loneliness, mental health, and the search for identity in today's digital age. Adapted from the hit Broadway musical of the same name, the novel provides readers with a deeper understanding of the characters and themes explored in the stage production.
The story follows the titular character, Evan Hansen, a high school senior struggling with social anxiety and feelings of isolation. After the tragic suicide of a classmate, Connor Murphy, Evan finds himself inadvertently caught up in a web of lies and deception when a misunderstanding leads Connor's family to believe that Evan was Connor's best friend.
One of the most compelling aspects of Dear Evan Hansen is its exploration of the impact of social media and the internet on human connection. Through Evan's interactions with his peers online, as well as the viral success of a letter he writes pretending to be Connor, the novel highlights the ways in which technology can both bring people together and drive them further apart.
The character development in Dear Evan Hansen is exceptional, with each character being fully realized and multidimensional. Evan is a deeply flawed protagonist, grappling with his own insecurities and vulnerabilities as he navigates the fallout from his actions. His relationships with his family, friends, and the Murphy family are portrayed with nuance and authenticity, adding depth to the story.
In addition to its exploration of social issues, Dear Evan Hansen is also a poignant meditation on the nature of empathy and compassion. As Evan wrestles with the consequences of his lies, he is forced to confront difficult truths about himself and the world around him. The novel asks important questions about the power of storytelling and the importance of reaching out to others in times of need.
Furthermore, Dear Evan Hansen is filled with heartfelt moments and poignant insights that will resonate with readers long after they have finished the book. From Evan's struggles with anxiety to the Murphy family's grief over the loss of their son, the novel is unflinching in its portrayal of the human experience.
Overall, Dear Evan Hansen is a moving and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on the themes of loneliness, mental health, and empathy. With its well-drawn characters, compelling narrative, and powerful message, it is sure to leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages. Whether you're a fan of the musical or new to the story, Dear Evan Hansen is a must-read.
The story follows the titular character, Evan Hansen, a high school senior struggling with social anxiety and feelings of isolation. After the tragic suicide of a classmate, Connor Murphy, Evan finds himself inadvertently caught up in a web of lies and deception when a misunderstanding leads Connor's family to believe that Evan was Connor's best friend.
One of the most compelling aspects of Dear Evan Hansen is its exploration of the impact of social media and the internet on human connection. Through Evan's interactions with his peers online, as well as the viral success of a letter he writes pretending to be Connor, the novel highlights the ways in which technology can both bring people together and drive them further apart.
The character development in Dear Evan Hansen is exceptional, with each character being fully realized and multidimensional. Evan is a deeply flawed protagonist, grappling with his own insecurities and vulnerabilities as he navigates the fallout from his actions. His relationships with his family, friends, and the Murphy family are portrayed with nuance and authenticity, adding depth to the story.
In addition to its exploration of social issues, Dear Evan Hansen is also a poignant meditation on the nature of empathy and compassion. As Evan wrestles with the consequences of his lies, he is forced to confront difficult truths about himself and the world around him. The novel asks important questions about the power of storytelling and the importance of reaching out to others in times of need.
Furthermore, Dear Evan Hansen is filled with heartfelt moments and poignant insights that will resonate with readers long after they have finished the book. From Evan's struggles with anxiety to the Murphy family's grief over the loss of their son, the novel is unflinching in its portrayal of the human experience.
Overall, Dear Evan Hansen is a moving and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh perspective on the themes of loneliness, mental health, and empathy. With its well-drawn characters, compelling narrative, and powerful message, it is sure to leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages. Whether you're a fan of the musical or new to the story, Dear Evan Hansen is a must-read.
sadies_scripts's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jscoleman's review against another edition
3.0
This was fine but after the musical I feel like I just sped read through most of it. None of the writing really drew me in to want to read each word. The story is identical to the musical which is nice.
I also wonder if maybe I just struggled because DEH in general gives me so much anxiety to watch 😂.
Overall, it was good but if you’ve seen the musical/movie, you’ve read the book
I also wonder if maybe I just struggled because DEH in general gives me so much anxiety to watch 😂.
Overall, it was good but if you’ve seen the musical/movie, you’ve read the book
simbarabbit20's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Suicide attempt
gretchen_lynn's review against another edition
2.0
I didn’t like the overall book; I thought it would be better than I ended up finding it because of the hype around it. Unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations.
rayray_reid's review against another edition
It was just incredibly sad and at the point in my life my depression was back and it was just smarter to put the book down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
rachcannoli's review against another edition
5.0
It’s possible I’m biased because I watched the musical first, but this book captures the same beautiful spirit and it makes my heart swell. I miss the songs, but it’s also super fun to read it and then listening to the musical counterpart. Especially if you can’t see the musical or aren’t a huge musical person, I highly recommend this book. It’s such a deeply human story full of genuine misunderstandings fueled by a deep desire to just be noticed, loved, and heard. I think everyone can relate to this story and I just adored it.