The Bottom Line
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead is a young adult novel that is part mystery, part science fiction, part coming of age story. When Miranda, who is obsessed with A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle, starts to receive strange notes, she tries to understand what they could mean (especially since they seem to defy the laws of space and time). Meanwhile, Miranda helps her mother prepare to be a contestant on the $20,000 Pyramid. As Miranda unravels the mystery, she learns about herself, her family and friendship. This is a gripping and enjoyable read that would be good for youth or adults.
Pros
- 'When You Reach Me' is satidfying for adults even though it is "young adult fiction."
- 'When You Reach Me' is well written, with an absorbing mystery.
- The main character is likeable and well developed.
Cons
- This book was delightful - no cons.
Description
- 'When You Reach Me' by Rebecca Stead was published in July 2009.
- Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
- 208 Pages
Guide Review - 'When You Reach Me' by Rebecca Stead - Book Review
There is a part of me that prefers young adult fiction to adult novels. A young protagonist can be deep and real without being cynical or jaded. A middle school aged protagonist, like Miranda, is just learning to ask big questions and discover who she is. When written well, this sort of book can help young people work through these issues themselves and help adults remember the core of who they are.
Of course, that sort of analysis may make you think this is an "issues" novel or one that tries to be deep. Rather, Rebecca Stead does what the best authors do -- she writes a very good story with full characters. Any depth flows from these things. This story is a good story -- the kind that makes you smile, makes you a little sad and makes you want to keep reading.
I recommend picking up When You Reach Me regardless of what age you are. It is a good, quick read that can be mined for more depth if desired.
