Hello to all of the lovely readers out there!
I know I have been failing miserably with keeping up with regular posts. However, I am back to share with you my thoughts on a new book set to be released in April 2016! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy through a giveaway sponsored by St. Martin's Griffin Press. I mean, who doesn't love a free book?! Will You Won't You Want Me? by Nora Zelevansky deals with one of the most common themes in literature: the struggle of growing up and discovering who you are. Now, some of you might say that this topic has been done and redone to the point of mind-numbing repetitiveness, and while I might agree with you generally, this novel takes the trials of adulthood, turns them on their heads, and showcases it through the embarrassingly lovable and sometimes clueless Marjorie Plum.
Marjorie is a thoroughly relatable character, especially to those of us readers, myself included, who might be going through that post-college slump. What do we want to do with our lives? Can I ever be a successful adult? Why can't we go back to hiding in forts made out of pillows and doodling in coloring books? (Actually, I may still do that from time to time . . . Don't judge me!).
I know I have been failing miserably with keeping up with regular posts. However, I am back to share with you my thoughts on a new book set to be released in April 2016! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy through a giveaway sponsored by St. Martin's Griffin Press. I mean, who doesn't love a free book?! Will You Won't You Want Me? by Nora Zelevansky deals with one of the most common themes in literature: the struggle of growing up and discovering who you are. Now, some of you might say that this topic has been done and redone to the point of mind-numbing repetitiveness, and while I might agree with you generally, this novel takes the trials of adulthood, turns them on their heads, and showcases it through the embarrassingly lovable and sometimes clueless Marjorie Plum.
Marjorie is a thoroughly relatable character, especially to those of us readers, myself included, who might be going through that post-college slump. What do we want to do with our lives? Can I ever be a successful adult? Why can't we go back to hiding in forts made out of pillows and doodling in coloring books? (Actually, I may still do that from time to time . . . Don't judge me!).
How I feel trying to be an adult . . .
While some of the struggles Marjorie goes through seem to be a bit fantastical at times, the way she reacts to them are thoroughly realistic and entertaining. The dialogue is often reminiscent of sharp and witty comebacks thrown between two best friends, a solid reminder that the mindset of high school doesn't always go away after graduation. And that is exactly the problem Marjorie struggles with throughout the story: How to shed the persona she has carefully cultivated since her teen years, and how to discover the adult self she wants to be. How many of us have struggled with that same dilemma? What parts of our personality do we want to nurture, and which do we want to recycle in order to create something new? In my opinion, that element is what makes this book so unique and engrossing. This is what so many coming-of-age stories are lacking. Generally, the main character totally reinvents themselves without any glimpse into the internal struggle of retaining part of the person you were before. We as human beings are a constant work in progress, always building off of the foundation of our pasts while re-inventing ourselves. Novels often erase that past. Will You Won't You Want Me? is that funny and heartbreaking reminder that even though the past has made you who you are, it doesn't have to define you or stop you from self-improvement.
Navigating life feels like wandering a maze . . .
One of the most surprising twists that I found was the juxtaposition between Marjorie and Belinda. Rarely are adults able to see their past selves within a child, and this is exactly the revelation Marjorie needs in order to move forward in her life. Zelevansky seamlessly jumps between mindset of a world-wise preteen and a sometimes oblivious adult, imparting life lessons that all of us as readers can appreciate through seemingly simple conversations. Not only do we witness Marjorie's "a-ha" moment, it is possible for us to have one ourselves.
Overall, between witty dialogue, surprising and philosophical character twists, and some humorous and cringe-worthy moments, this little book packs quite the realistic punch. Zelevansky is a fresh voice in the world of coming-of-age novels that I hope we'll get to hear more from. I related to her work on a surprisingly personal level, and that, ladies and gentleman, is what makes a successful writer.
Well my fellow bibliomaniacs, I hope you'll take a gander once the book is released. I had fun reading it and reviewing it. Until next time, I'll see you between the pages.
Overall, between witty dialogue, surprising and philosophical character twists, and some humorous and cringe-worthy moments, this little book packs quite the realistic punch. Zelevansky is a fresh voice in the world of coming-of-age novels that I hope we'll get to hear more from. I related to her work on a surprisingly personal level, and that, ladies and gentleman, is what makes a successful writer.
Well my fellow bibliomaniacs, I hope you'll take a gander once the book is released. I had fun reading it and reviewing it. Until next time, I'll see you between the pages.
Will You Won't You Want Me? - Nora Zelevansky