Not Nothing

Gayle Forman makes me cry. She keeps me up very late at night, reading her unforgettable and un-put-down-able stories. She also makes me grin and laugh, knowing that her sad stories are not about sadness only. Her books are about the joy and power of love, the power of community, the strength of doing what's right. Gayle Forman believes in heroes. So do I. And she, Gayle Forman, is my hero. Read "It's Not Nothing" because it is really something. Thank you, Gayle. Your fan, Brian Quinn (AKA Professor Kew)

I love every book by Gayle Forman and this is no different. I’m 50 and will suggest this book to my friends of all ages.Forman’s stories always lead me to question, what would I do in this position, each answer making me wiser.

Alex's life hasn't been easy. His dad is gone, his mom is struggling with mental health issues. Now he's living with his aunt and uncle who aren't exactly excited to have him. After a violent incident stemming from a bullying incident, Alex's social worker pulls some strings to have him volunteer at a senior living facility for the summer. At the senior facility, Alex meets Josey, a 107-year-old man who hadn't talked to anyone in years. However, something makes him want to talk to Alex. So, he starts to tell him his story. As the two form a bond, Alex believes that maybe, just maybe he can make a difference in the world.Thanks to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for an a copy of Not Nothing by Gayle Forman to review! Forman made the transition from YA to middle grade with ease, writing stories that will definitely tug at your heart strings. Notably, the heart of this story is that you can't always judge people by their actions and that you can find connection in the most unlikely places. I loved how Alex and Josey's relationship evolves throughout the book in that they both kind of needed each other.Forman also nails the emotions in this story. working through grief about past actions and trying to figure out how to move into the future. In addition, we also get Josey's story from WWII nestled in what's happening with Alex, some of the emotions reflecting Alex's own struggles. Forman wove their stories together masterfully to create an emotionally satisfying story.The side characters all play important roles as well; in a way, they all help Alex along his emotional journey. Honestly, if you're not reading middle grade right now, you should. There are so many great stories being published for that age group, this one included!Finally, if you like books that don't shy away from the hard stuff, with a strong cast of characters and strong emotions, definitely check this one out later this month!

Gayle Forman has created a fantastic novel that sews together two important stories stories embroidered with a variety of themes. Young Alex has been neglected and unloved and he feels like he is unwanted, People treat him as if he is NOTHING. He has been given the opportunity to avoid juvenile detention and assigned to "volunteer" in a senior assisted living center for the summer. Josie is a 107 year old holocaust survivor. The legally blind, selective mute has not spoken since moving into the center years ago. But he befriends Alex, and for the first time in years, begins to speak. He ends up spending their visits by telling him about his wartime years. Forman skillfully alternates the present day story with the holocaust tale of Josie's past. Along the way they talk about learning to judge someone for the best thing they have done, instead of the worst. Alex learns to be of use at the center, he is looked upon with fondness and starts to feel good about himself. He learns that he is Not Nothing after all.Forman does a fantastic job of world building. Her detailed descriptions allow the reader to visualize the assisted living home, the ghetto and the concentration camp. Her many characters are brought to life with her words. Although this book can be considered a Jewish story, the large amount of secondary characters provide a whole world of diverse representation: seniors, disabled, Korean, and LGBT characters.Although the character of Josie is fictional, his story is rooted in fact. Jewish children may choose to read stories about the holocaust, but it this history is an important lesson for all children learn.Alex's story is one that all children can relate to. If they have not experienced issues with their self worth, than they know others who have. No one is nothing, we are all important in someway. We should all value people for their good points. The story drives home the message that everyone "wishes to be known for the what he has done right, instead of what he has done wrong."I received an advanced digital edition of this book from the publisher, but the opinions cited in this review are entirely my own. I recommend this novel for youngsters of all backgrounds, but especially kids who like historical fiction. This book is a middle grade novel intended for readers ten and up, but adults can appreciate this novel as well.

One of the best Y.A. books I’ve ever read.A young boy of twelve has endured a lot in his short life. Moving around with his mom to 14 different places, watching her mentally decline during COVID lockdown, and then having her walk out of rehab has torn him up. Anger, extreme anger, has become his default mode, and one day, a kid at school unthinkingly triggers it and everything blows to pieces…Encouraging, uplifting themes about the power of forgiveness and true friendship. The Holocaust story that is told in segments in the voice of a 107-year-old survivor, in the setting of a nursing home in present time, is truly heart-breaking. It takes this coming-of-age story about a troubled pre-teen to a different level of inspiration…This book should be in every classroom, everywhere.