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I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson has to be one of the best books that I’ve read this year. There is so much jam-packed into this story, that there is a lot of processing that the reader has to do once the book is read. This novel is not only an amazing book about art, it is also phenomenally written. As well, there are two different narrators who offer constructing sides to the story and give real depth to its plot . All of the elements combine to make I’ll Give You the Sun so unputdownable!
Title: I'll Give You the SunAuthor: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Dial Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Rating:
"We were all heading for each other on a collision course, no matter what. Maybe some people are just meant to be in the same story."
At first, Jude and her twin brother Noah, are inseparable. Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude wears red-red lipstick, cliff-dives, and does all the talking for both of them. Years later, they are barely speaking. Something has happened to change the twins in different yet equally devastating ways . . . but then Jude meets an intriguing, irresistible boy and a mysterious new mentor. The early years are Noah's to tell; the later years are Jude's. But they each have only half the story, and if they can only find their way back to one another, they'll have a chance to remake their world. This radiant, award-winning novel from the acclaimed author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.
Printz Award Winner Stonewall Honor Book.
Review: I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
❀ An Incredible Art Book
Jandy Nelson has created an incredible art book with I’ll Give You the Sun. The main characters are artists and the whole book features descriptions of their gorgeous art, which I loved! There is sculpting, paining, sketching, many types of art. After reading this, I totally wished that I were better at sculpting. I myself am not much of an artist, so I always appreciate reading about others’ talents!
❀ Beautifully Written
Also, one of the greatest aspects of I’ll Give You the Sun is how it is so beautifully written. There are so many deep and inspirational passages that really made me think. This book is also filled with amazing quotes; some that will make the reader grin, and some for just the opposite. I really regret waiting so long to read this book because it really offers so much to the reader!
❀ Dual Perspectives
Another enjoyable feature of the novel is that it is written from the perspective of each twin. It is really satisfying as a reader knowing information that the characters in the book are not privy to. The reader gets the full background as to why Noah and Jude aren’t speaking, which is extremely helpful. What is also nice about two different perspectives is that Noah and Jude have very contrasting personalities and love lives, which gives a different tone for half the book.
❀ So Vivid
I’ll Give You the Sun by Sandy Nelson is an art book that is so vivid. There are two contrasting personalities that are helpful to have while reading. I really loved this book, and if you’re like me and have waited so long to read this book, I definitely encourage you to pick it up immediately.
About Jandy Nelson
Jandy Nelson, like her characters in I’ll Give You the Sun and The Sky is Everywhere, comes from a superstitious lot. She was tutored from a young age in the art of the four-leaf clover hunt; she knocks wood, throws salt, and carries charms in her pockets. Her critically-acclaimed, New York Timesbestselling second novel, I’ll Give You the Sun, received the prestigious Printz Award and is a Stonewall Book Award honor. Both Sun and her debut, The Sky Is Everywhere, have been YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults picks and on multiple best of the year lists, have earned many starred reviews, and continue to enjoy international success. Currently a full-time writer, Jandy lives and writes in San Francisco, California—not far from the settings of her novels.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I love this book! Great review.
I’ve been unsure about if I should read this… I’m not an artist and unfortunately, have little interest in art, would it affect my opinion of the book?
TheDonkeyInvasion – A Bookish Blog!
Hmmm. There are so many mentions of art in the book, since it is one of the main themes. I feel like it would affect your opinion on the book negatively if you aren’t a fan of art. But, it’s up to you! You can always give it a try just to see 🙂
Great review. This book has been sitting on my TBR shelf for months. I really need to read it.
The Sky is Everywhere is one of my favorite books. But for some reason, when I tried this one, I just could’t get into it. I really want to try again, though. I mean, it’s JANDY NELSON!
I really want to read this book. I love the cover and the plot line. Your review makes me want to read this book even more.
Thanks for your review. Not sure it is something that would keep my attention but who knows.
This book sounds awesome!
Sounds like a good read.
Marilyn
What a great review!! I have read her other book The Sky is Everywhere and I absolutely loved it. I have been dying to read this book but I’ve been severely slacking on it!
If you haven’t picked up that one I recommend it!
This is a great review and really has me convinced to go out and purchase the book. I absolutely love reading about sibling relationships and this one sounds full of drama, love and heartbreak which is right up my ally!!
Awesome review! I’ have this book on my TBR just waiting to be read as well as The Sky is Everywhere by the same author. I think she’s one to watch in the YA genre.
Sounds like a heartwarming read!
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