Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick

Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick is a multi-layered, coming of age novel with several complex characters struggling with self-absorption and self-definition. In fact, when I started reading I did not really care for Every Exquisite Thing.  Like Quick’s Silver Linings Playbook, there were parts that made me uncomfortable, especially the relationships between Nanette, a high school student, and older men like her teacher, Mr. Graves, or the fictional author, Nigel Wrigley Booker.

However, another librarian had recommended Every Exquisite Thing and the story improved for me when the focus shifted to Nanette and Alex, a troubled boy from another high school.  Both were loners, uncomfortable with “fitting in” socially and rebels in their own way.  The catalyst for their relationship was a book titled The Bubblegum Reaper that had a kind of cult following. These lonely teens related to characters in that book and eventually to each other.  Non-conformity, rebellion and troubles follow.  So, too, does much introspection, therapy sessions, and experimentation as Nanette tries to figure out who she is and who she want to be. Students will definitely relate to the pressures – from parents and from peers – she feels. Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal (grades 10 and up) and VOYA.

Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent

Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent was a delightful, delicious surprise. Vincent, an award winning reporter for The New York Post, fills this memoir with charming stories to pay homage to the father of her friend, Valerie.  Edward is in his nineties and recently widowed when the two meet as near neighbors on Roosevelt Island in New York City. 

Edward has taught himself how to be a gourmet chef and Vincent describes the menus and machinations (making perfect eggs in two steps, frying potatoes just so, and carefully preparing cocktails or homemade desserts) with gusto.  I know that my “foodie” friends will be eager to try some of Edward's tricks. Throughout, Vincent also reflects upon her marriage and Edward’s almost 70 year relationship with Paula.  She shares Edward’s musings, his wisdom and philosophy about life, especially about how important people are to each of us:  “The secret is treating family like guests and guests like family.”  or “Love is being, not belonging. Giving and receiving, not possessing.” 

Dinner with Edward could be read in one sitting, but you will want to savor it.  Enjoy!

Starred review from Booklist.

Places No One Knows by Brenna Yovanoff

There is so much emotional pain and growth in Places No One Knows by Brenna Yovanoff. This novel, set in a contemporary high school, is simultaneously full of astute introspection and denial or avoidance. Places No One Knows is a powerful read by a talented author.

The story is told in alternating voices by Waverly Camdenmar and Marshall Holt. She is the seemingly perfect girl who excels at academics and cross-country running, but she cannot sleep and at times seems barely in touch with reality.  He is dealing with a dysfunctional family by self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, hoping to feel less sensitive while also gaining a reputation as a loser. 

Somehow, they find each other – sort of. Waverly's dreams lead them to meet at night; ignoring each other during the school day. Each shares secrets – places no one knows – as they deal with the angst of being an older teenager – concerns about self-identity ("the gap between myself and the facade of myself must be growing exponentially"), family, truth, manipulative friends, peer pressure – and more peer pressure ("if you can prove someone else is a disaster, you never have to let them see what's wrong with you."). Places No One Knows has been called “achingly real” and is a very moving story with well-developed characters beyond Waverly and Marshall.  On her website, Yovanoff says, "It's about boys and girls and ideas and feelings and the towering shower of sparks that happens when all those things collide."

We will certainly be booktalking this title next Fall, particularly for fans of All the Bright Places or We Were Liars. Places No One Knows received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus and Publishers Weekly.