Book Review: The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

***2011 Debut Author***

Reading Level: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Pages: 208
Series: no
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

While Nick Gardner’s family is falling apart, his best friend, Scooter, is dying from a freak disease. The Scoot’s final wish is that Nick and their quirky classmate, Jaycee Amato, deliver a prized first-edition copy of Of Mice and Men to the Scoot’s father. There’s just one problem: the Scoot’s father walked out years ago and hasn’t been heard from since. So, guided by Steinbeck’s life lessons, and with only the vaguest of plans, Nick and Jaycee set off to find him.

Characters you’ll want to become friends with and a narrative voice that sparkles with wit make this a truly original coming-of-age story. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I went through so many emotions while reading The Pull of Gravity.  I was sad and angry and happy (sometimes all at once). It was wonderful!

I absolutely loved the interconnectedness of this story. So many great little pieces all fitting together in just the right way. Family love and loss, unfaltering friendship, first loves, dying wishes, Star Wars and Steinbeck. Everything fit perfectly!

It was very easy for me to fall in love with Nick. He was very much a real character to me. He could have been my next door neighbor growing up or the boy I had a crush in math class. He was so very present. So very there in the moment that I couldn't help but be drawn to him and his story.

Nick's friendship with Scooter was another aspect that I really loved. Scooter is a character that you don't often come across in young adult novels or really any type of book. He was so very genuine. So very much himself and even though I knew what was coming, I was still in tears when it happened.

Final verdict:
Again I say, truly heartwarming.  I haven't read a contemporary novel that got to me the way The Pull of Gravity did. It's a book that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

The characters were very much breathing, living people for me and the romance was sweet and special and just about perfect. And if I haven't already convinced you that you need to read this book - Star Wars. Lots of Star Wars references. Love!!

Gae is an author to keep your eye on. I can't wait for what she has planned next!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Author's Website
Goodreads