Book review: The Sky is Everywhere

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Lennie and Bailey are sisters so close they are also best friends. Raised by their Grandmother after their mother abandoned them as small children, exuberant Bailey is everything to Lennie. So when  Bailey dies suddenly of a heart attack Lennie finds herself abruptly thrown out from behind her sisters shadow into the centre of attention. Somewhere she definitely does not want to be. Then two boys come along and love complicates things even further, afterall one of them is her dead sister's boyfriend.

This story deals with loss and grief and the confusion that comes with being left behind. The writing style is excellent and I felt completely invested in Lennie's relationships and her future. The concept of feeling guilt for falling in love when you are mourning was handled particularly well. Having two girls myself the concept of two sisters being split up in such a brutal way resonated strongly. My only criticism is the slightly predictable ending. I'm not sure in reality things would have worked themselves out that well but I was pleased Lennie found happiness and closure.

4/5

The Sky is Everywhere cover from my Kindle app