When You Reach Me is one of those books that, upon reaching the end, you know that you will very soon open it from the beginning and read again. There are a few different types of books that you might do this with.
- Books that were just unexplainably awesome beyond words
- Books that had deeper meaning that you just couldn’t catch the first time
- Books involving time travel or something as such that you couldn’t pick up on the first time
- Or, in this case, books that fall into all of the above categories.
I will try my best not to reveal “spoilers” but you just have to know that this book is about time travel. The ending is one of those that hits you with a “What the. . .” and then a “Oooooohhhh” and then an “Awwwwwww.” The main character, Miranda, is in middle school and sorting through things in her life such as her mom’s steady boyfriend, her new affection for a boy in her class, and the very essence of friendship itself. Along the way, she meets a few different people, both affecting her in good and bad ways, and one in particular that will change her life. Um, honestly, you should probably just go read it. Oh, and leave me a note in the comments about the books that you picked up and read soon after finishing them for the first time. I would love to hear from you!
When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead
Originally published in 2009
Kathy Maxwell
February 3, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Thanks for the post! I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile.
thatcovergirl
February 4, 2011 at 4:46 pm
I read this one for book club. One of my favorite parts was when she said “dumb as a bag of hair.” Loved it. I haven’t yet read a book that made me want to re-read it right away, tho…