But the thing about the end of the world was this: either everything mattered, or nothing did.
Are we all so excited for the release of I Hope You Get This Message? Because frankly, we need to be. This is the possible-end-of-days book I have been dying for. I love the concept, but in the books I have read, the execution hasn't quite met my expectations. Not so here! The author really nails all the chaos and contemplation that the threat of end times would really bring with it.
Your problems don't disappear just because death might be imminent. In fact, they become more urgent in many cases. In this book, we're treated to the perspectives of three young people: Cate, Jesse, and Adeem. They're all incredibly different, which makes their stories each so compelling. I loved them each in their own way, even when they didn't make the best choices. Because even when humanity's sheer existence could be ending, here they all are, still trying to live fully. And what that means to each one is so, so compelling and thought provoking. What would matter to you most at the end of days? How far would you go to make the last few moments, if that's what they end up being, count?
As you can imagine, relationships are a huge focus. Family, friends, romantic partners, even enemies find themselves in each others' company as the clock counts down. Obviously, you can imagine that some of these relationships are just heartwarming and lovely, but some are really complicated too. Of course, as you have mere hours to make sure you've said everything you need to say, it's imperative to make every word, every action count. Because of this, every single interaction in the book seems really important and worthwhile.
The story itself is powerful and moving, even hopeful in spite of the circumstances. There is a ton of diversity, from mental health issues, to LGBT+ characters, to a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. And it's extra powerful because when the end of the world comes, it comes for us all.
Bottom Line: A compelling and thought provoking story mixed with a ton of emotional pull, this is one you absolutely cannot miss.