See You at Harry's - Jo Knowles

See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles

 When I read the summary of this book, it didn't necessarily appeal to me but it was projected to a be a best seller, so I figured I’d get to know the product. It also features a bowl of empty ice cream on the cover. I’m all about it.

This book was nothing like I expected. I predicted the typical things from a story about a girl starting middle school: boys, lip gloss, annoyance at your family, all that good stuff. I did not expect this book to run the gamut of social issues: bullying, death and mourning, homosexuality, distant family members; you name it, it’s got it.

Fern is twelve year’s old and is mortified by her family. Her father owns the local diner, her mother is constantly locking herself in a closet to meditate, her older sister Sarah is taking a ‘gap year’ and growing dreadlocks, her older brother Holden has a new “friend” he is spending way too much time with, and then there is Charlie, younger brother and known whoops-a-baby who is sticky and gross and always the center of attention. After a horrifying accident, Fern not only feels responsible for what happened but even more distant and alone than ever. Her best friend, Ran (who just happens to be cute), always says ‘All will be well’ but it doesn't seem like all will ever be the same. 

This book is excellent; a great book for summer reading. This book is heart wrenching and above all, very real. It feel likes a genuine portrait of a family in grief, a girl growing up, and small town America. This book is technically a middle school title but I really believe that it will touch older audiences more. Parents and older siblings will definitely feel for the characters in this book. I highly recommend it for older siblings who easily get annoyed with their brothers and sisters: a book to teach you how to appreciate your family. 

We live in a world that moves so fast and as a young adult, I am eager to move and create and keep moving. This book reminded me to slow down, to notice things, and to appreciate the gifts and blessings I have in my life. Grab this book, find a quiet spot, get some tissues, and dig in. 

Minor note: I love how the parents in this book named their children after their favorite book characters: Sarah from the Little Princess, Holden from Catcher in the Rye, Fern from Charlotte’s Web, and Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Little details like this made me really take this book to heart.