Review: The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan
What: The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan
Who: Text Publishing
When: August 27th 2014
How: A copy of this novel was provided by Text Publishing for review.
Enter The Realm of Possibility and meet a boy whose girlfriend is in love with Holden Caulfield; a girl who loves the boy who wears all black; two boys pondering their first anniversary; and a girl who writes love songs for a girl she can’t have.
These are just a few of the captivating characters readers will get to know in this intensely heartfelt new novel about those ever changing moments of love and heartbreak that go hand-in-hand with high school.
David Levithan plumbs the depths of teenage emotion to create an amazing array of voices. So, enter their intricately interconnected lives and prepare to welcome the realm of possibility open to us all.
The Realm of Possibility is gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
I haven’t read many books in prose (or song lyrics, or stream of consciousness – which all appear in The Realm of Possibility, but for ease, I’ll just say it’s prose), because the few I have read haven’t been able to get me to really invest my emotions. There’s a kind of detachment because not everything flows in the right way.
But that was not the case with The Realm of Possibility. This was written so beautifully, and I connected with every single one of the character pieces that I read. Each one was so very unique and distinct, and I could feel everything they were feeling. It was just superb.
One of the things I absolutely loved most about The Realm of Possibility was the fact that all the characters were connected. I think you would have to pay close attention to realise the connections between some of the characters, but even so – it was lovely. I was able to read about why characters were the way they were, and why they felt the way they felt.
Even though it’s very hard to pick a favourite couple, or a favourite character, I have to say that my favourites are Daniel and Jed. Daniel’s piece is the first piece in the book, and that was when I really fell in love with The Realm of Possibility. With this quote right here:
“in my english notebook, i had catalogued his graces
while in his mind he had detailed my kindnesses,
dreamed about saying things i dreamed of hearing.”
AH, I JUST REALLY REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. And I just want you to read it. I want you to read it in one sitting, like I did. Because it just lets you invest yourself in the book, and I think it’s a lot easier to see the connections when you’re reading it in one go.
So, please. If your morning is like mine right now – rainy and cold and in no way outside weather (or even the opposite – sunny and warm and you can read on the grass) – pick up The Realm of Possibility. Read about love, and friendship, and pain, and happiness, and everything that makes us human. Because you won’t regret it. Because The Realm of Possibility is one of the most beautiful books I have had the pleasure of reading this year. Because after I finished, I held it to my chest and wrapped my arms around it. Because you need it in your life.
© 2014, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
YESSSS I’M SO GLAD THIS IS A POSITIVE REVIEW. Considering it’s the first review I’ve read of this book, I have high hopes :) I received it for review and I love David Levithan so I can’t wait to read it. I hope I can do it one sitting like you did :)
Yay! I hope that you can read it all together – I think it’s the best way to do it ^.^
YAY I am so glad you liked this Chiara, now I’m DEFINITELY going to read it. David Levithan creates stories that are so unique and beautifully written. I love how you say the characters are connected and it explores what it means to be human. Fantastic review, yes I think I do need this book in my life now!
I absolutely LOVED it, Eugenia! Its such a beautiful little book.
This is only my second Levithan novel, and now I kind of want to go on a binge read and read all of his books! I own Every Day, and Love & Other Stories, so they will probably be the next ones I read :D
You definitely do need this book in your life ^.^
Oh the weather has been perfect for reading and sleeping hasn’t it? It’s always a good sign when a book really intrigues you and you read it in one sitting, I’m curious about this one.
It really has been, and I loved reading this book in such perfect weather :D
I hope you read it, Jeann, its definitely worth it!
I have never ever read anything by David Leviathan AND I FEEL BAD. Although every time I think of his name, I think he writes something steampunk or fantasy-ish but. Heh. No. STILL! I’ve heard his writing is absolutely beautiful and I love books like this! So what am I waiting for?!!
You definitely should! This is the second Levithan book that I have read, and loved, so I have a feeling I’ll love all of his books, which is good!
His writing is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend this book, Cait!
Wow this sounds absolutely beautiful! I got it in the mail and haven’t had the chance to read it but I am so moving this one up the TBR!
Lovely review, Chiara <33
It IS absolutely beautiful, Melanie! I’m glad you’re moving it up the TBR – it is such a lovely book. I hope you like it as much as I did!
Thank you ^.^ <3
So glad that you loved this one. I got it for review too and can’t wait to read it.
Me, too! I haven’t read many books like this, but it blew me away. I hope you like it as much as I do, Rochelle!