Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Review #108: The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

The Pull of Gravity is the debut book by Gae Polisner. Goodreads description:

While Nick Gardner’s family is falling apart, his best friend, Scooter, is dying from a freak disease. The Scoot’s final wish is that Nick and their quirky classmate, Jaycee Amato, deliver a prized first-edition copy of Of Mice and Men to the Scoot’s father. There’s just one problem: the Scoot’s father walked out years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. So, guided by Steinbeck’s life lessons, and with only the vaguest of plans, Nick and Jaycee set off to find him.
Characters you’ll want to become friends with and a narrative voice that sparkles with wit make this a truly original coming-of-age story.

Wow, this book really pulls at your heartstrings and emotions. This is for sure one of the most beautiful books I have ever read in my life.I can't even fully describe how this book makes me feel. It's such an emotional roller coaster. The story itself was wonderful. I loved reading this journey that the characters go on. You root for them and want so badly for them to succeed. That ending definitely threw me for a loop.

Nick is a great leading character. He has his moments, but he is so real and flawed and just a fully realized and developed character. You feel his pain, feel his anger, everything. Then there's Jaycee. I loved her character. She's sarcastic, witty, funny, but also vulnerable and sweet. I connected with her immediately. Plus we share an odd sense of style :).She comes off as the cool, collected and sort of mysterious girl with all the answers. But like I said, she's also vulnerable and sweet, genuinely caring about Scooter and Nick. Scooter was also great. I loved him and was so so sad about him. Plus his role at the ending was a pretty cool twist. The other characters, such as Nick's brother, didn't have much development, save for Nick's Dad.

Wow, just wow. For a debut novel, it feels like Ms. Polisner has been around forever. She weaves the characters together beautifully, tackles the tougher subjects with tenderness and grace, and is just a really good writer. She describes things with such beauty. I can't wait so see what she comes up with next.

I'll next be reviewing The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz.

Until next time, viva la literature!

4 comments:

  1. thank you for reading. What a lovely review!

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  2. Wow, thank you so much! I'm honored you liked it :) And thank you for writing such a wonderfully amazing and beautiful book :)

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  3. hey, you,

    Did I offer to send you signed swag? And if I did, did you say you wanted it and then I never sent it? If any of this is the case (clearly I am old and senile) please email me at g.polisner@gmail.com. If I already sent this stuff, just roll your eyes and ignore me. If I didnt offer and this makes no sense, I am now. If you don't want swag (some signed bookmarks and buttons, etc.), just know that I'm still appreciative. This review makes me smile every time I read it.

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    1. Hey! I don't think you did, but I'm grateful for the offer :). I would love some swag, thank you! You You have been very kind to me and I am truly thankful that you enjoyed the review, I'm so glad you like it :). Will contact you soon :)

      Amy

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