The Rest of Us Just Live Here

by Patrick Ness

[nitzan_schwarz]

Honestly, this was SUCH a good book. I haven't really done a proper review in quite a while, but I'm going to try for this one because it tugged on all of my strings and I just... It deserves more than my mini "reviews".

So, first things first... I love Patrick Ness. I really, really do. He's one of the only authors who has managed to make me fall in love with a dystopian-ish series (Chaos Walking), so I knew I was in good hands when it comes to him. Don't ask me why it took me so long to FINALLY get around to reading it, because I ain't got no answers.

Anyways, I knew from page one I was going to love this one, for several reasons:

1. The concept is SO cool. Every chapter begins with a recap of a different story that is happening while our story takes place, to the Chosen Ones with their crazy names and their interesting lives. And even though that story is pretty weak (although I have full trust in Mr. Ness that, should he ever write it, it would be amazing) it was such an interesting touch and I loved the whole idea of it.

2. Our main character, Mikey. I loved his voice, and I connected to him so much it was crazy. The therapist scene? I felt triggered because it was like she was talking to ME and not Mikey. That's some powerful stuff, you know. Plus, Mikey is NOT perfect. Not by a long shot, and not because of his OCD. Because he is just a stupid teenager lol. He lets his emotions get the best of him, he says things he regrets and sometimes he just really wants to pick a fight so--screw it!--he's going to. Like I said--dumb teenager. I love it.

2. FAMILY- Can I get some clapping in the audience for the incredible sibling love portrayed in this novel?? Mel, Meredith and Mikey are so precious and I adored them!! Also, not going to lie, I loved their mother. Yes, she was flawed. Yes, she was dumb for being so judgmental about our precious angel Jared. But. BUT. That's not all she was. Instead of leaving her the typical fame crazy mother, Ness made sure we saw there were far more to her. That she loves her children fiercely. That she is coming from a place her kids never consider. That she is human, but she is definitely not entirely bad, and I LOVED that.

3. FRIENDSHIP! Seriously, Ness just nailed this. Jared, Mikey's best friend, is a gift from the gods. He is so kind and awesome and he's a jock?? I feel it's so rare for us to get a jock character who is not portrayed as:

a. a jerk
b. an enemy
c. totally out of the main character's sphere, unless the main character is also a jock (which, yeah... not Mikey).

But Jared is none of the above. He loved Math. He's gay (and a great representation because he is just an all around great guy!). He cared for his friends more than he cares for himself, and he is great with cats. GREAT. I loved him with all of my heart!

I also appreciated Henna, Mike and Mel's second best friend and Mike's love interest. She was cool, interesting and I did enjoy her taking charge and grabbing life by the balls.

Nathan, the newcomer to the group, is a little more of a missed character IMO. There wasn't much to him, at the end of the day, except a catalyst for Mikey going a bit off the rails in a way (lol). I would have liked to get to know him better because he actually seemed really cool!

In fact, I would love to see a spin-off about Jared and him, especially considering the way this book ended!.

Final verdict: Great book! Well worth the read, has great representation on all sides, meaningful yet fun and fuzzy at times, just generall a great balance!