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janagaton's review
5.0
I borrowed this from the library then immediately purchased it when I finished the last page. It was instantly at the top of my list of favorite books. It represents several mental illnesses very well, but it's clear that the characters do not let their illnesses define them. We learn a lot about each character's background and personality so quickly, and this story is way more than just a contemporary romance set in a small town in California. I loved every second, and I WILL re-read this many times.
fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is no way impacted my views & opinions below.
“Maybe we were dying planets, Jonah, being drawn into the darkness. When we collided, we bounced each other back into orbit. And now we have to do that – we have to return to our own paths because that’s what we gave each other.”
This book was bursting with bittersweet truth, vivid descriptions, and otherworldly characters. It was such a beautiful read; basically, it was everything you’d expect from Emery Lord. The way Vivi’s depression and bipolar disorder were depicted was extremely heartfelt. Seriously, it took my breath away. The writing was absolutely stunning and artistic – I devoured this book, guys.
I’ve read quite a few books about mental illness and I was afraid this wouldn't come off as authentic, but I needn't have worried. I understand that this story is very close to Ms. Lord’s heart and she did manage to tell it in a very compelling manner. Both the main characters, Vivi and Jonah, are struggling… a lot. Vivi with her bipolar disorder and Jonah with his grief over his father’s death & having to take care of his siblings. Their dual narrative was amazing and really well-balanced. Vivi was so peculiar and extreme whereas Jonah was inherently normal and grounded. I do admit their relationship wasn't very healthy and there was a bit of instalove, but I did go into this book expecting that. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t disappointed about how toxic they were to each other sometimes – I still shipped them. I didn’t see their relationship as far-fetched at all, like so many others before me did. The ending was perfect, in my opinion. It’s open-ended. There is hope – it’s a promise. I’m glad the author didn’t choose to just magically resolve everything with rainbows and unicorns.
Of course, Vivi and Jonah aren’t the only vibrant characters we’re introduced to. There’s also Jonah’s family of six. Naomi, Silas, Bekah, Isaac, Leah, and their absent grieving mother. The family dynamic was faintly reminiscent of [b:My Life Next Door|12294652|My Life Next Door|Huntley Fitzpatrick|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394240144s/12294652.jpg|17271423], which I absolutely loved. Trust me, there really aren’t enough big family books floating around. Each character introduced was memorable and vivid and they never felt like just secondary characters to me. From Carrie (Vivi’s mom) to Officer Hayashi to Felix and Ellie, they were all connected to each other with a strong sense of community.
Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the writing. It was so floaty and artistic and imaginative, which made it very captivating to read. I literally couldn’t stop turning pages. It was hilarious and funny while still managing to tackle the darker scenes very wonderfully. The writing is what gave Vivi such a manic voice in the story and Jonah such a weighed-down voice. It was unquestionably magnificent.
I don’t think words alone can express how amazing this book truly was. It was heartfelt and moving with a touch of hilarity. It was meaningful, but that was also mixed with fun and humor. The characters were vivid & vibrant and their dynamic with each other is definitely unparalleled. I loved how this book talked about mental illness and its sincere depiction. This was one of my anticipated reads of 2016 and it did not disappoint. Yet again, Emery Lord has managed to wonderfully pull off an unconventional story with excellent storytelling. This may not be the book for everyone, but it is sure to make you fall in love with it – even a small teeny bit.
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“Maybe we were dying planets, Jonah, being drawn into the darkness. When we collided, we bounced each other back into orbit. And now we have to do that – we have to return to our own paths because that’s what we gave each other.”
This book was bursting with bittersweet truth, vivid descriptions, and otherworldly characters. It was such a beautiful read; basically, it was everything you’d expect from Emery Lord. The way Vivi’s depression and bipolar disorder were depicted was extremely heartfelt. Seriously, it took my breath away. The writing was absolutely stunning and artistic – I devoured this book, guys.
I’ve read quite a few books about mental illness and I was afraid this wouldn't come off as authentic, but I needn't have worried. I understand that this story is very close to Ms. Lord’s heart and she did manage to tell it in a very compelling manner. Both the main characters, Vivi and Jonah, are struggling… a lot. Vivi with her bipolar disorder and Jonah with his grief over his father’s death & having to take care of his siblings. Their dual narrative was amazing and really well-balanced. Vivi was so peculiar and extreme whereas Jonah was inherently normal and grounded. I do admit their relationship wasn't very healthy and there was a bit of instalove, but I did go into this book expecting that. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t disappointed about how toxic they were to each other sometimes – I still shipped them. I didn’t see their relationship as far-fetched at all, like so many others before me did. The ending was perfect, in my opinion. It’s open-ended. There is hope – it’s a promise. I’m glad the author didn’t choose to just magically resolve everything with rainbows and unicorns.
Of course, Vivi and Jonah aren’t the only vibrant characters we’re introduced to. There’s also Jonah’s family of six. Naomi, Silas, Bekah, Isaac, Leah, and their absent grieving mother. The family dynamic was faintly reminiscent of [b:My Life Next Door|12294652|My Life Next Door|Huntley Fitzpatrick|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1394240144s/12294652.jpg|17271423], which I absolutely loved. Trust me, there really aren’t enough big family books floating around. Each character introduced was memorable and vivid and they never felt like just secondary characters to me. From Carrie (Vivi’s mom) to Officer Hayashi to Felix and Ellie, they were all connected to each other with a strong sense of community.
Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the writing. It was so floaty and artistic and imaginative, which made it very captivating to read. I literally couldn’t stop turning pages. It was hilarious and funny while still managing to tackle the darker scenes very wonderfully. The writing is what gave Vivi such a manic voice in the story and Jonah such a weighed-down voice. It was unquestionably magnificent.
I don’t think words alone can express how amazing this book truly was. It was heartfelt and moving with a touch of hilarity. It was meaningful, but that was also mixed with fun and humor. The characters were vivid & vibrant and their dynamic with each other is definitely unparalleled. I loved how this book talked about mental illness and its sincere depiction. This was one of my anticipated reads of 2016 and it did not disappoint. Yet again, Emery Lord has managed to wonderfully pull off an unconventional story with excellent storytelling. This may not be the book for everyone, but it is sure to make you fall in love with it – even a small teeny bit.
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
nicolekristiner's review
5.0
When a book can make you laugh and cry all in a day because you are able to put it down- it is a book reading. I recommend buying it because you are going to want to keep something that moves you so much. I borrowed this one from the library but I will be buying it the first chance I get. It will always have a special place in my heart.
julie_reads15's review against another edition
2.0
'When We Collided' by Emery Lord is a contemporary young adult novel about the summer romance between Vivi and Jonah.
16-year-old Vivi and her mother are visiting the beachside town of Verona Cove for the summer. Vivi is wild and exuberant. She also has bipolar disorder.
17-year-old Jonah has lived in Verona Cove his whole life. He's still grieving over his father's death. His mother is suffering from depression, so he and his two older siblings are trying to look after their three younger siblings.
When Vivi bursts into Jonah's life, she teaches him how to live again. They quickly fall in love with each other and have a whirlwind summer. Although, Vivi's secrets threaten to tear them apart.
The novel is told in alternating viewpoints between Vivi and Jonah.
I hated the insta-love between Vivi and Jonah. They fell in love with each other after just one day together.
I understand Vivi had bipolar disorder but I found her to have some extremely negative traits. She was selfish. While Jonah was always there for her, she wasn't there for him the one time he needed her to be. She was attention seeking and insisted Jonah's attention always be on her. She was also very controlling of Jonah.
I liked how Jonah was caring of his siblings and mother. Although, at times he seemed a little bland. I also didn't like how he always caved in to Vivi.
I liked reading about Jonah's big family. They were a huge part of the first half of the story but not so much in the second. I wish I could've read more about them.
I thought Lord explore the theme of mental health well.
I think this would have been a much better story if Vivi and Jonah had remained friends.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 15 years and older and wants to read a book exploring the theme of mental health.
16-year-old Vivi and her mother are visiting the beachside town of Verona Cove for the summer. Vivi is wild and exuberant. She also has bipolar disorder.
17-year-old Jonah has lived in Verona Cove his whole life. He's still grieving over his father's death. His mother is suffering from depression, so he and his two older siblings are trying to look after their three younger siblings.
When Vivi bursts into Jonah's life, she teaches him how to live again. They quickly fall in love with each other and have a whirlwind summer. Although, Vivi's secrets threaten to tear them apart.
The novel is told in alternating viewpoints between Vivi and Jonah.
I hated the insta-love between Vivi and Jonah. They fell in love with each other after just one day together.
I understand Vivi had bipolar disorder but I found her to have some extremely negative traits. She was selfish. While Jonah was always there for her, she wasn't there for him the one time he needed her to be. She was attention seeking and insisted Jonah's attention always be on her. She was also very controlling of Jonah.
I liked how Jonah was caring of his siblings and mother. Although, at times he seemed a little bland. I also didn't like how he always caved in to Vivi.
I liked reading about Jonah's big family. They were a huge part of the first half of the story but not so much in the second. I wish I could've read more about them.
I thought Lord explore the theme of mental health well.
I think this would have been a much better story if Vivi and Jonah had remained friends.
I recommend this book for anyone who's 15 years and older and wants to read a book exploring the theme of mental health.
sp1derpr1ncess's review
2.0
this book wasn't good at all. it was cliche and predictable through everything.
jeoreads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aclairerium's review
5.0
First off, the cover is just amazing. Has to be said.
I knew I had to get this book, it was definitely a 'my kind of book' to read. It did not fail to disappoint, it's wonderful. If you are a big fan of books like 'All the Bright Places' I highly recommend this novel. It deals with loss, grief, mental health and has funny elements to it.
I knew I had to get this book, it was definitely a 'my kind of book' to read. It did not fail to disappoint, it's wonderful. If you are a big fan of books like 'All the Bright Places' I highly recommend this novel. It deals with loss, grief, mental health and has funny elements to it.
h0nestly_luv's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Self harm, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
kalliste's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this book dealt well with themes of mental illness and grief. There have been a few people that mentioned they didn't like one of the main characters, Vivi, but I think her extreme moods and feelings of being out of control were well portrayed.
Was she likable? Sometimes no. But then who is always likable?
I enjoyed reading this book and being able to empathise with all the characters who I thought were well written.
Was she likable? Sometimes no. But then who is always likable?
I enjoyed reading this book and being able to empathise with all the characters who I thought were well written.