The Alex CrowAuthor: Andrew Smith
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released: March 3rd 2015
Review Source: Dutton Children's
Once again blending multiple story strands that transcend time and place, Grasshopper Jungle author Andrew Smith tells the story of 15-year-old Ariel, a refugee from the Middle East who is the sole survivor of an attack on his small village. Now living with an adoptive family in Sunday, West Virginia, Ariel's story of his summer at a boys' camp for tech detox is juxtaposed against those of a schizophrenic bomber and the diaries of a failed arctic expedition from the late nineteenth century. Oh, and there’s also a depressed bionic reincarnated crow.
Andrew Smith is one heck of an astonishing author. He writes one book and another, yet you think there are written by completely different people. His writing is so unique that you always wonder how he does it.
What fascinates me the most about The Alex Crow is how confused one can be while reading. It messes with the reader’s mind. It challenges one to keep up. I for once had to re-read certain parts to comprehend what was going on. I wondered how he would tied up the three stories into one, leaving no space for theories.
The story is about Ariel, a fifteen year-old refugee boy who can't seem to find his place in the world. He goes through many tough situations only to find his way be reborn into a new life. He is taken to the U.S. where he meets his new family and his new brother Max. To be honest, that is where everything burst only to collide into one.
I must admit The Alex Crow is a Weird YA novel, as weird as Grasshopper Jungle. Yet as a reader, one should embrace these type of novels. One should read them, challenge our minds and be rewards with such creativity.
I do recommend this story to everyone. Andrew may give you hell to figure out the ending but it will be worth the struggles. Go read it! Challenge yourself.
Courtesy of Penguin Teen, we are giving away a final copy of The Alex Crow!
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Always love to see a new Andrew Smith book hit the shelves.
ReplyDeleteI loved Grasshopper Jungle, and tried to read this as an e-galley, but the jumping between characters didn't work very well with that format. If I got the book I'd be able to read it less confusingly I think. Of course then I'd donate it right to the high school library where I work for the students to read next!
ReplyDeleteSooo excited for this book! Grasshopper Jungle was amazing, so I know this one will be too!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of the books by this author yet, but this one sounds really good! Thank you for sharing, I might have to give it a try :)!
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
This book sounds so awesome, and one I can't wait to read. I love the setting for it. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Grasshopper Jungle and I absolutely adored Winger, so I can't wait to check out this one. Maybe it will help tide me over until the sequel to Winger is released this fall!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read this one; love Andrew Smith!
ReplyDeleteI love Andrew Smith -- really enjoyed 100 Sideways Miles.
ReplyDelete