Book Review: This Is Where the World Ends by Amy Zhang

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This Is Where the World Ends
Author: Amy Zhang
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: March 22nd 2016
Review Source: Greenwillow Books

Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie. That’s how it’s been ever since elementary school, when Janie Vivien moved next door. Janie says Micah is everything she is not. Where Micah is shy, Janie is outgoing. Where Micah loves music, Janie loves art. It’s the perfect friendship—as long as no one finds out about it. But then Janie goes missing and everything Micah thought he knew about his best friend is colored with doubt.

Using a nonlinear writing style and dual narrators, Amy Zhang reveals the circumstances surrounding Janie’s disappearance in a second novel.

I cannot stress enough how amazing Falling into Place is! If you haven't read it yet, please do yourself a favor, stop everything and start this now. As much as I loved Falling into Places, I was looking forward to This Is Where the World Ends. Although it's a good read, it was not as amazing as Falling into Places. Yet, it is worth reading. Trust me, Amy has a way with words and will enchant you with her beautiful writing.

Again, Amy writes a story about tragedy, real life and now, a tough topic... rape.l It's not easy to execute this topic, but when it comes to Amy's metaphors and lyrical words, anything she writes is executed flawlessly.

The story follows Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie... yeah, you will need to read it to understand this statement. A story about a friendship, learning about life and coping with tough situations. A boy with memory loss after a friend's tragedy. What made this story special is the fact that Micah and Janie were more than friends. They were more like sisters and brother. They had a special bond. They trusted each other with many secrets. Having to part was difficult. Micah is in the process of regaining his memory while he's hospitalized. As he regain these, we get our before and after in this friendship. As well as the reason why we are getting this break. Once you reach the truth, you wish nothing but to forget it. It's heartbreaking.

I love Amy Zhang. Her poetic words are music to my heart. She gives voices to her characters and they will leave a mark in your life. Their stories are full of surprises, heartbreaking yet inspiring. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It's sad but with a good ending. Fans of contemporary would really enjoy this.