There is no denying that life can be really tough at times. But for some people it can be worse than others (especially teenagers).
The novel 'Nineteen Minutes', written by Jodi Picoult, who indeed is my favourite author, explores the life of a teenage boy who has been bullied throughout his school life. Once he has had enough of feeling alienated, worrying about what the bullies will do next and being humiliated over and over again, he ends up doing the unexpected...
This emotional novel takes place in a town where there has been a school shooting and bombing. The relationship between two childhood best friends, Josie Cormier and Peter Houghton, becomes strained when they enter Secondary School. Josie tries extremely hard to 'fit' into the popular group and succeeds. Whereas, on the other hand, Peter is considered a "nerd" and an outcast. But not only did Peter feel like an outcast at school, but at home as well. Peter was the youngest child in his family, he had an older brother. They went to the same school, but his brother was an athlete and was a member of the popular group (the group that makes fun of Peter just because he is different), and on top of this Peter always felt that his parents favoured his brother.
Peter develops a crush on Josie, but Josie stops interacting with Peter, as she doesn't want her position in the so called 'popular' group to be jeopardised. Throughout the years Peter goes through dealing with changes in his life from being a child to becoming a young adult. But he also deals with bullying at school and attempting, in every way he can, to tell the girl of his dreams that he loves her.
We are taken through each characters perspective on the shooting "unfolding" every layer, revealing the unexpected...
I really enjoyed this novel as it explores the meaning of being different. I wouldn't say that it is an easy read, because instead of the book having different chapters (for example chapter 1, 2, 3...), the story changes from one character to another. Not only that, the period of time changes as well (e.g. from present to tense). But I love reading books that get my brain working (I like a mystery). Other than that, the book is GREAT!! I really recommend you guys to read this book. It is very emotional and frustrating at times, but extremely interesting.
I must also include that this novel does include adult themes!
(Sorry to you younger readers out there. But your time will come, I promise :) )
Please let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this book review. If any of you are crazy about reading books (just like I am), please leave me any suggestions of books that you have enjoyed reading in the comments as well :)
Chao xo
