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A review by rachelbookdragon
Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel by Val Emmich
4.0
4.25 stars. What a delightful book! I didn’t know how to feel about a musical being turned into a novel, but I think it really added to the story in a new way, meeting Miguel and seeing more of what Connor was thinking, as well as Evan’s internal monologue. It’s a great contemporary story about mental health, friendship, and family.
The audiobook was particularly fantastic. Not only were there two different narrators, voicing Evan and Connor, but there was also singing by Zoe’s character, infusing some of the musical’s qualities.
I really enjoyed seeing this show live and loved the music. Obviously the book isn’t the same as hearing the live music, singing You Will Be Found, and seeing the high tech set design, but it was impactful in a more cerebral way, really delving into mental health, LGBTQ relationships, complicated family structures and dynamics, and discussing suicide in a non-graphic way. Guilt, anxiety, and family drama are all heavily present, but the book is also a reflection on loneliness, love, and regrowth. I think it’s a really touching story and really enjoyable as both a book and musical. I think they compliment each other well, while each adds something new. Even if you haven’t seen the show, I think the writing of this novel stands up among other YA contemporary books.
The audiobook was particularly fantastic. Not only were there two different narrators, voicing Evan and Connor, but there was also singing by Zoe’s character, infusing some of the musical’s qualities.
I really enjoyed seeing this show live and loved the music. Obviously the book isn’t the same as hearing the live music, singing You Will Be Found, and seeing the high tech set design, but it was impactful in a more cerebral way, really delving into mental health, LGBTQ relationships, complicated family structures and dynamics, and discussing suicide in a non-graphic way. Guilt, anxiety, and family drama are all heavily present, but the book is also a reflection on loneliness, love, and regrowth. I think it’s a really touching story and really enjoyable as both a book and musical. I think they compliment each other well, while each adds something new. Even if you haven’t seen the show, I think the writing of this novel stands up among other YA contemporary books.