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A review by migimon2002
We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
5.0
I love when books push boundaries. Although there are some tough scenes in this book, that some may view as inappropriate for younger readers, I feel there is much to be learned from this book. Youth today can handle way more than the majority of society gives them credit for, and I think reading about complex social issues like the ones presented in this novel are current AND relevant AND important. Anyone who reads this book is likely to gain perspective, grow as an individual, and might even learn a thing or two.
The first-person narratives were engaging as they switched back and forth between Stewart & Ashley. I found myself cheering on Stewart (and his Sheldon-esque tendencies), and abhorring Ashley (who is meant represent the more shallow dregs of teenage hierarchy). And you know what? It's okay to not like a main character. It's okay for characters to have flaws. That's real life!
The fact that this book takes place in Vancouver, Canada was also refreshing. As a Canadian, it felt "closer to home"...yet wasn't overwrought with the dramatic tragedies and extreme social injustices so often encapsulated in Canadian novels. It felt authentic, like it could happen in any present-day Canadian town/city!
We Are All Made of Molecules is truly a special book and, I'll admit, left me a bit teary-eyed as I read the last sentence!
The first-person narratives were engaging as they switched back and forth between Stewart & Ashley. I found myself cheering on Stewart (and his Sheldon-esque tendencies), and abhorring Ashley (who is meant represent the more shallow dregs of teenage hierarchy). And you know what? It's okay to not like a main character. It's okay for characters to have flaws. That's real life!
The fact that this book takes place in Vancouver, Canada was also refreshing. As a Canadian, it felt "closer to home"...yet wasn't overwrought with the dramatic tragedies and extreme social injustices so often encapsulated in Canadian novels. It felt authentic, like it could happen in any present-day Canadian town/city!
We Are All Made of Molecules is truly a special book and, I'll admit, left me a bit teary-eyed as I read the last sentence!