Road Trip Wednesday is a “Blog Carnival,” where YA Highway’s contributors post a weekly writing or reading-related question and answer it on their own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody’s unique take on the topic.

Today’s Topic: What’s the best book you read in September?

September was a bit of a slow reading month for me because I started a new WIP. I read Lucy Christopher’s Stolen (which was amazing–I mentioned it in this POST), Kody Keplinger’s The DUFF, and Sophie Jordan’s Firelight. I’m currently in the middle of Julia Hoban’s Willow.

But the best book I read this month, one of the best books I read all year, and now among my top five favorite books EVER was Jandy Nelson’s The Sky is Everywhere. I know, I know. I’m a little late to the game. I remember seeing The Sky is Everywhere mentioned on more than one RTW August book list, but oh my God, I loved it too much not to mention it.

Here’s the Goodreads blurb: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

First, I should admit I’ve become a bit of an impatient reader. When I hit a big block of exposition or background stuff, I usually skim over it so I can get onto the good stuff. Even books I really enjoy usually have parts I hurry through. Not the case with The Sky is Everywhere. I can honestly say that every sentence–every WORD–was crucial and beautifully written. Jandy Nelson’s metaphors were creative and spot on, her descriptions painted total and complete pictures, and her portrayal of grief and the crazy things that sometimes happen to someone immersed in sadness were entirely authentic. 

I always find it fascinating when an author puts a character in confusing or dismal or horrible situations, but still manages to make you wish you WERE that character. Lennie is flawed and selfish and rash, but still, there’s something about her you can cling to. And the rest of the characters… Joe, Toby, Sarah, Lennie’s eccentric family members… they are all individualistic and fully realized. You’ll want them to be a part of your life.

So yes, The Sky is Everywhere is by far the best book of my September. Check it out (and other responses from RTWers!) if you haven’t already!   

Oh, and here’s the trailer. It’s fabulous. 🙂