Young Adult
Pages: 288
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Release Date: May 25, 2010

Sixteen-year-old music and sound-design obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on “a touch of Asperger’s.” Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a trip-hop band after an impromptu jam session. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea. It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

This is one of the reasons I don't like to read summaries very much. I try my best to avoid them. I wish this one in particular didn't say so much.

With that said, what a pleasant surprise was this book. I'm entrapped and mesmerized at how basic and yet surprising was the psychological part of the book. As you know the female lead character, Drea has been diagnosed with certain mental disadvantages that make her, in some ways, socially awkward. Except I ended up feeling more awkward than her. This book will make you evaluate and analyze your daily social interactions. The questions and difficulties that Drea faces that are simply everyday things to most of us. Wouldn't we all love such an honest world? I now wish everyone was real and sincere like Drea is.

The book has an amazing premise. A plot that with slight changes might be even boring and predictable, Kelly's writing and concepts about society make it utterly unforgettable. Plus, the characters might step out of the book while you're reading, so be careful. That's how real they are. Of course, I fell in love with Naomi like we all will, but Drea and Justin and all secondary characters were just as amazing. I can surely say that this book changed me, and my mental scheme of implied society rules. I don't think I will ever prejudge anyone by their appearance again, ever. I hope I don't at least. I apologize if I wrote "amazing" too many times, but that happens when you really like a book! Oh, and it's probably my favorite book title ever!