A review by braytonaubree
Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel by Val Emmich

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

“No one should ever feel they have to suffer in silence. We need to keep talking about mental health and continue to reach out to those who might be suffering.” 
🌳🌳🌳

• I’m pretty familiar with the story through the musical, but loved the expansion on the characters & relationships in this format (I was so shocked by just how many lines from the musical & songs are pulled directly from the text) 
• Connor surprised me by being my favorite character- his pov helps the reader delve into his mind & sympathize with his experience, even though his death is the catalyst for the story
• full of impactful & beautifully written quotes 
• the main themes of this book (mental health, anxiety, depression, suicide, suicidal ideation, etc.) are heavy & serious & usually tackled in a more adult setting, this story is a way of addressing these topics with an angle towards a younger audience, specifically young men - I think it’s so important that children/teenagers feel represented & heard in spaces like this & that’s a comfort this book can provide
• the way the writing flows makes it such an effortless read
• although I recognize the importance of this story & would still recommend it, as an adult woman, I feel like this book wasn’t really “for me”

⚠️ Content Warnings: 
• suicide
• depression/anxiety
• drug use
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