Look, it doesn’t really matter what star rating I’d have given this book. Because, at the end of the day, nothing would have been able to take away from how unflappably cool Hannah Moskowitz is. She’s like the genius rockstar of the YA world.
So I guess it’s just a good thing that I completely, truly and irrevocably (I feel Twilight has ruined this word forever) loved this book.
For a book that doesn’t have a giant, action packed plot or complicated message, Gone, Gone, Gone manages to be brilliant in the most understated, replete fashion.
It’s language is simplistic, I’d even go so far as to say MUNDANE, but it’s packed to the brim and even the most inane parts are interesting.
“I’m not an enigma. I’m just talked out, probably permanently. I said all I needed to say when I was a boy made of sticks and radiation and half-digested oatmeal. I don’t feel good. I want to go home. Make it stop. It’s been seven years, and I’m still out of words.”
Well and truly it is the intense characterization of Craig and Lio that make this novel. Clearly Moskowitz doesn’t just do characterization. She DOES characterization. You know. Like, when she writes a character – that character has been written. Thoroughly.
I mean, if Craig and Lio had any more personality, oddities and complexities then her characters might just come alive and start trying to murder their creators and Moskowitz would have to hide her status from them forever like that guy in The Solitaire Mystery. Actually, just for good measure, don’t ever get stranded on an island Moskowitz. Especially not a magical island that brings your day dreams to life because then you’re probably screwed.
It’s going to be hard to sell this book. Usually you latch onto something easy like describing a book as being The Hunger Games meets Madame Bovary or some other such nonsense. But it’s a little hard to do that. I could go the easy route and tell you it’s Awesomness meets your mind, or fabulous meets the written word. But that doesn’t really translate well into what this book is about.
But this book is about a lot of things. Mostly it’s about two boys who fall in love while dealing with themselves. Mostly it’s about healing and growing and loving.
Mostly it’s about me kicking your ass if you don’t add it to your TBR list, alright?
Bonnie
This truly was a wonderful story despite it being understated. I couldn’t write a review on this book to save my life. I think I basically said it was ‘Bittersweet’ but I definitely enjoyed it and will be checking out more from this author.
Reut
The awesomeness that is Hannah Moskowitz is indescribable. But you did it pretty well 😉 I put off reading this one too late and now I won’t be able to before it expires (even though I had it for like, a year) but you make me sad I did.
Kat Kennedy
@Reut:
Thanks, Reut! She’s pretty fantabulous!
Jenni @ Alluring Reads
I’m so excited to read this one, and your review made me even MORE excited. Great review!
Kat Kennedy
@Jenni @ Alluring Reads:
Thanks Jenni! I hope you get to read it soon!
Jenni @ Alluring Reads
@Kat Kennedy: I feel the strong need to tell you that I have just discovered your Goodreads and am reading through your reviews and you are quite possibly my favourite reviewer of all time. That is all.
Kat Kennedy
@Jenni @ Alluring Reads:
Aw! Thanks for that, Jenni. But you’ll soon discover it’s all dick jokes and lame pictures, alas.
Lexie B.
I would really, really love to get my hands on a copy of this. And not just because Hannah Moskowitz is really fucking fantastic, but because this sounds kind of amazing. I think I especially would be a big fan, because I’ve always prized characterization more than anything. If I hate the characters, I can’t get behind the story. If I adore them, it’s going to be in my favorites.
Plus, there isn’t enough wonderful LGBT literature out there today. Maybe awesome books like this can help awaken the genre.
(Also, this was already on my TBR pile, so my ass is safe, right? It’s a rather nice ass and I’d prefer it stay in good shape.)
Kat Kennedy
@Lexie B.:
I would never kick your ass, Lexie! I adore you too much!
Paige
I seriously loved this book. Hannah Moskowitz is also a lovely person, too. I adored the characters and they really helped hold up the story. Also, the ending is amazing and so, so perfect.
I’m really glad I could get an ARC of this and I totally am buying myself a copy as an early birthday present (my birthday is three days after this book is released!).
And there will be no ass-kicking, as I have already read and reviewed and loved this book. 🙂
roro @roro is reading[rogier]
awesome review
i so want this one/been saying this a lot lol[but i despriately need this1]
2 bad i will never read it . if i did hell would break lose my parents are bookbanners . anti lgbt and close minded
tnx 4 the amazong review
alexiareads
Oh my gosh this book looks AMAZING! I must put it on my TBR. Pronto.This review has made me even more desperate to read it. I’ve been on a LGBT books kick lately.
Review: Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz | Cuddlebuggery Book Blog
[…] short of spectacular and the characterization, Oh! The characterization! Here is a quote from my review of her book Gone, Gone, Gone about her […]