Hannah Moskowitz

Struggling with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and sniper shootings throughout the Washington, D.C. area, Craig and Lio consider a possible romantic relationship that is complicated by Craig's ex-boyfriend, Lio's broken family and the death of Lio's brother. By the author of Invincible Summer.

Gone, Gone, Gone

Georgia Carr

Re-read #1: September 2016 


First read: November 2013 
Hannah Moskowitz did a seriously great thing when she wrote this book. Craig and Lio have a real relationship, and I mean that. It's really hard to find what they have in books. They have hang-ups about themselves, problems with communication, feelings for exes, unexplainable changes in emotions and a whole lot of fear. Their relationship is something that reflects one of day-to-day life, and I didn't even realize it until I compared it to all the other YA fiction I've read and realized just how perfect this is. Honestly, it's bitter and angry and sad, but it's happy and moving and so damn real that from the tips of your toes, you just want everything to be okay. It's a freaking awesome book and I absolutely adore it. Moskowitz is a fantastic author, and she's making me question all the other 5-stars I've given because this is just, well it's the best.

A dark and intense novel about two teen boys falling in love during the unease of the post-9/11 sniper shootings.

Dina

Let me start by saying that I hesitated, but this book deserves the 5 stars, really.

It took me almost 2 years to get my hands on this book, but I did it! Success!

Anyway, the story is told from two POVs: Craig's and Lio's. They both have their problems and they're both working them out throughout the book, hitting their lows and their highs along the way.

The whole plot around Craig and his missing animals hit me hard because I've been in a similar situation recently and it suuuuucks. I'm glad that by the end of the book he didn't let himself be too hung up on it and decided to move on. That's the best he could do, really.(view spoiler)[ I do think, though, that fourteen animals are in no way a substitute to therapy when you really need it. And, come on, if I were his mother and he was crying like 10 times a day and not sleeping most nights, I probably would have found a way to get him to see a professional, because that's not good, man. (hide spoiler)]

As for Lio, the whole story behind his hair was just... heartbreaking, man. I can only imagine what it feels like knowing your twin brother didn't make it when you both went through the same things, both good and bad. His therapist was really cool, too.

All in all, the story is beautifully written and I really liked the style, where it's like you're listening to these characters tell you their stories, instead of just reading about them. The pauses, the repetitions, the run-on sentences. It somehow all adds more depth to the story and the feelings you get out of it. I found myself both laughing and on the verge of tears while reading certain parts. I could also see a lot of myself in these characters' thoughts, which probably helped me connect with them more.

I'd say more, but I can't trust myself not to give it all away, so I'll stop here. I loved this book and it'll always have a special little space in my heart.

Gone, Gone, Gone

Reviews