A review by traumbooks
Airy Nothing by Clarissa Pattern

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I would've loved to have a book like this around as a younger person! (Though while it's YA, I believe any age can enjoy it...!) The setting is Shakespearean England; John is a boy ridiculed for his ability to see between the worlds, and for his feminine appearance. He runs away from home and soon meets Jack, a resourceful pickpocket who is so many things John can only hope to be-- As John discovers the world of Shakespearean theatre, and starts to grow into his own self, Jack must reconcile his own feelings and fears of losing his best friend (and more). One thing I really enjoy about this story is that while something is always happening and there is plenty of plot tension, the boys are very supportive of each other. So I personally find this a comforting, warm read. The theme of chosen family (the world of the actors and the cutpurses),  and all the wonderful Shakespeare tidbits woven in (and the explanations in the endnotes!) were the icing on top. 

This is for someone looking for something smart, sweet, different-- a different world and mood.