I like to find books on my own. I don't like having books shoved down my throat. I first read about this one and thought it sounded great. Then, within about a week, every single publishing blog or article or whatever was declaring, in so many words, that this was the best book ever. I finally got it at the library two days ago and had a chance to read it. The narrator Julia is young, sixth grade, and I know there has been speculation that this could go as YA. In my opinion? No. The decay of Julia's world, while horrifying, is very slow. And so, naturally, the story has to be told the same way. I don't think the typical YA reader would stick around that long. I was very intrigued with what was happening with her world, and I liked the read, but in the end it hasn't been one of my faves of late. I'm sure tons of people will enjoy it as much or more than I have though, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
