Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you! I’m excited today because I’ve figured out the ending to my story, and it’s a much better ending than the original one I had planned. Whoo! Hoo! So, I’m almost finished with the editing.
That being said, I’m back with another Slice of Life Post. Today I’m writing a review of an awesome book I just finished over the weekend. I loved it!
The Title is: The Thing about Jellyfish
After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting-things don’t just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory–even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy’s achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe…and the potential for love and hope right next door.
My Thoughts:
This was an amazing read. I absolutely loved it. It tells the tale of a young girl trying to make sense of the loss of her friend who drowned. Franny, her friend, was a strong swimmer and Suzanne, the main character, believes Franny must have been stung by a jellyfish. That’s the only thing that makes sense to her. So, she decides to prove her theory. The author tells a tale of a young girl coping with the loss of her friend by trying to find a rational reason.
One thing I loved about this story is the science the author weaved into the tale. Her knowledge of the jellyfish species is vast, and she shares it with the reader in a way that keeps your interest. She also does this without losing sight of Suzanne’s story. I’d highly recommend this to teachers and librarians. There’s a lot of knowledge in this story the reader will pick up, and it may even spark an interest in science. Isn’t that what all good books do, spark interest in a subject?
Another reason I love this story is because it introduces the reader to the loss of a friend, and explains that sometimes there is no rational reason for a tragedy. Things do “just happen.” This story is a great way to show your child sometimes we can’t find all the answers and we have to accept it.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my post. If you’d like to read other Slice of Life Posts click the link below:
And if you have a book you’d recommend, please do in the comments. I’m always looking for an awesome read!
I think this just moved from my to-read list to my must-read list. I am a HUGE fan of middle grade books (I am trying to get my first one published now). Can’t wait to read this one. Curious what you think about it being geared towards younger children? Have you known any kids who’ve read it–and what was their reaction?
I think it’s great that it’s geared toward younger children. There’s a lot in the story about friendship and dealing with rejection and negative emotions as well. It had all the emotions that middle graders experience so younger readers will be able to identify with the main character I’m sure. I don’t know any young readers, who’ve read it yet, though. I have recommended to my kids’ librarian.
Thanks Lisa. Sounds great. On my list now,
Bonnie
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I’ve been wondering about this book and putting it off because it sounded so sad. You make it sound very enticing and worthwhile to read. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by Vanessa. It is sad, but it’s not overwhelming, at least I didnt’ think so. There’s a lot of science weaved through the story which I found extremely interesting. 🙂
I book talked this book two months ago, and it’s been in circulation ever since. A great book!
Ha! Maybe it was your blog that I heard about this book from! I don’t remember, but I loved the story. I thought there was so much in it for young readers! Got any other recommendations? Thanks for stopping by Tara! 🙂
This completely relates to my last two posts! I’m glad for the reference-I think I’ll order this book for my kids! Can’t wait to hear more about your book! I’m at the very beginning stages of one myself. Maybe we should talk novels!
Definitely, Mrs. Clark! I can talk novels all day! LOL! I’m glad this post relates to your last two posts. I really loved this book. There’s a lot of good stuff in it! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing about this book!
You’re welcome! I think you’d enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by Loralee!
I stopped by your blog and enjoyed some of your quotes. 🙂 I’m following now. 🙂
This sounds like an important book. I bet I’d find it interesting. 😀
I think you would, Erik. Especially if you like science. There’s a lot of information in there about Jellyfish that’s very interesting. I loved it. I’ve also recommended it to my kids’ librarian. I can’t say enough about this book. 🙂