The Ones We're Meant to Find is powerful, beautiful, and a sense of confusion that morphs itself into wonder. It's been a good month since I've finished this story and my brain still struggles to fully comprehend all that Joan He has packed into this novel. For a story that's set in the future where humanity has destroyed the earth and must live in floating eco-cities, its themes are incredibly timeless. Cee woke up on an abandoned island with no memory except that she needed to find her sister whereas Kasey lives in the sky and the last clue she has to her sister's disappearance is a washed-up boat.
The ocean plays such a powerful role in its imagery throughout the novel and Joan He masterfully leaves these crumbs that slowly connect as the characters themselves are coming to their own conclusions. Reading this was one of the most immersive experiences ever because the characters' exploration of the world, the societal structure, the relationship dynamics around them, become part of your own.
The relationship between Kasey and Cee is so dynamic that I don't think words could quite capture it fully. While Kasey is reserved and analytical, Cee is friendly and full of hope, but they are both driven by a strong sense of determination to do what they think is the right next step. Cee's character fits the more likable YA protagonist and that makes her storyline more interesting to read about at first, but Kasey's personality reflects that rational and ambitious drive that is part of every individual. As you learn more about the sisters' relationship with each other, there's almost a sense of self-discovery as the reader because you cannot leave this novel without finding something new about yourself through either Kasey or Cee's journey.
It's truly best to go in knowing as little as possible because no expectations can quite prepare you for what happens in this novel. Just keep in mind that your ideas of climate change, the future of society, the definition of loyalty to one's family - it will all be challenged and expanded.
originally posted on dearrivarie