Contemporary Duos - Amy Zhang and Emery Lord

This book contains a trigger warning for rape

This Is Where The World Ends
Written by Amy Zhang
Contemporary, Mystery
Published March 21st 2016
304 Pages
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia
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★★★☆
A heart wrenching novel about best friends on a collision course with the real world from Amy Zhang, the critically acclaimed Indies Introduce and Indie Next author of Falling into Place.

Janie and Micah, Micah and Janie. That's how it's been ever since elementary school, when Janie Vivien moved next door. Janie says Micah is everything she is not. Where Micah is shy, Janie is outgoing. Where Micah loves music, Janie loves art. It's the perfect friendship, as long as no one finds out about it. But then Janie goes missing and everything Micah thought he knew about his best friend is colored with doubt.

Using a nonlinear writing style and dual narrators, Amy Zhang masterfully reveals the circumstances surrounding Janie's disappearance in an astonishing second novel that will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver and Jay Asher.
It's always been Janie and Micah. Micah and Janie. Always.

Living next door to one another since children, the two teens have always relied on one another for strength, support and in Janie's case, allowing introverted and sensible Micah to be her voice of reason. Micah is quiet, intelligent and reserved and the opposite of Janie who is loud, colourful and eccentric. Having been best friends for most of their young lives has always been beyond the school fence, a line drawn where the two teens move in different circles and neither acknowledging the other.

Now Janie lives across town, lonely and seeking her next adventure, with her skin adored with Virginia Woolf quotes and pebble filled pockets. But when Micah wakes up in the hospital with no recollection of the previous night, he knows that Janie will have the answers.

But where is she?

Kelly's Thoughts

This is Where The World Ends was lyrically beautiful, engaging and swept me off my feet with it's charm and sense of adventure. But ultimately it was a story told in halves, the before and after referencing Micah waking up in hospital with no recollection of how or why.

Told in dual narratives, Micah and Janie couldn't be more different from one another. While he's quiet, meek and reflective, Janie is the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, fun, quirky, often irresponsible and able to charm her way out of any situation. Janie decided that in middle school, their friendship wouldn't extend to behind the school gates, leaving Micah with one friend and Janie as the popular, beautiful girl her peers are enchanted with. Here lies my first issue. I didn't feel their friendship was ever genuine on Janie's behalf, existing only on her terms and seemingly where no one else would know. Although she relied heavily upon Micah, he was an afterthought and her character left me struggling to invest emotionally in their storyline as it progressed. I adored her character on the surface, but not what lied beneath her idiosyncrasies.

Micah was ordinarily lovely. He genuinely cared so deeply for Janie and even against his better judgement, it was clear that she took advantage of him and the attention she so desperately craved. It wasn't until Janie moved away where she felt as though she was losing her hold on Micah. It's obvious that Micah was infatuated with her, his only friend in Dewey seeing the toxic hold Janie had on him and the underlying jealousy of his friendship with Dewey as well. 

Beyond the storyline, the writing was so lyrical and lovely, almost dreamlike.

Stars and stars, night after night, secrets spilled in a world too big for sleep.

We fall asleep to fairy tales, and the world rotates and revolves and time passes and we grow up and understand that they are false.

My heart aches for the beauty of Amy Zhang's style of writing, reminding me of Jandy Nelson. It's effortless and so easy to immerse yourself, even if I couldn't connect emotionally to Janie's character.

The Final Verdict

Despite it's issues, This Is Where The World Ends is an immersive and enjoyable read. Amy Zhang's style of writing is beyond lovely.



When We Collided
Written by Emery Lord
Contemporary, Mental Illness
Published April 7th 2016
352 Pages
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
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★★★★
Meet Vivi and Jonah. A girl and a boy whose love has the power save or destroy them.

Vivi and Jonah couldn't be more different. Vivi craves anything joyful or beautiful that life can offer. Jonah has been burdened by responsibility for his family ever since his father died. As summer begins, Jonah resigns himself to another season of getting by. Then Vivi arrives, and suddenly life seems brighter and better. Jonah is the perfect project for Vivi, and things finally feel right for Jonah. Their love is the answer to everything. But soon Vivi's zest for life falters, as her adventurousness becomes true danger seeking. Jonah tries to keep her safe, but there's something important Vivi hasn't told him.
Vivi and her mother have just moved into the tiny coastal town of Verona Cove where while her mother paints, Vivi is spending the summer sketching Japanese inspired couture and working part time at the local pottery boutique. It's there that she meets charismatic five year old Leah and her older brother Jonah and are both swept up by Vivi's infectious personality and sense of fun.

Jonah's life could use a distraction. Since his father died, Jonah has been left to care for his family while his mother's depression leaves her unable to care for her children. The Daniels family mourn for the man who made their mother whole, having left behind a devastated home and the local family owned restaurant where Jonah plans to continue his fathers legacy.

Vivi is eccentric and free spirited, bringing sunshine into what is a darkened home shadowed by grief. It isn't long before Vivi and Jonah form a tentative and whirlwind romance, providing solace for one another to escape the confines of their lives. But while Jonah is weighed down by grief, Vivi struggles each day to win the battle against her mental illness diagnosis without the help of her medication.

Love cannot cure all, as both Vivi and Jonah are about to discover. But meeting the right person when you need them most, may just help the heartache and teach you to live again.

Kelly's Thoughts

When We Collided was charming and a brilliant read for those who enjoy their contemporaries with heart and depth. Following the dual storylines of both Vivi and Jonah, two teens who are both at a crossroads in their lives and on the verge of crisis. What initially immersed me into the storyline was Vivi. Her zest for life is infectious and a delight to read. But under the happy go lucky facade hides a girl who believes she has no need for her medication, but rather keeping a positive outlook in a new town where no one knows that she was once ill. It isn't long before Vivi is accepted into the Daniels family where she and Jonah begin to rely on one another for comfort and support. While Vivi hides the truth behind her illness, Jonah's family is struggling with their own grief.

Since his father passed away suddenly, Jonah has taken on the role as caregiver to his three younger siblings while his older brother and sister both work and attend college. Working in his father's restaurant, Jonah wants to follow in his footsteps and become a chef. But the plans for his own future are put on hold while his mother is unable to care for the children, driven to the safety of her bedroom while her depression is left untreated.

Although both Vivi and Jonah's mother were suffering from two different aspects of mental illness, it was written with care and emphasises how differently we cope with grief and depression. Although both share a connection, the romance wasn't love but rather a support and escape from their lives, an all consuming need for companionship.

I was utterly smitten with the Daniels family and especially five year old Leah. The family dynamics were wonderfully written, but I had hoped that there had been more discussion between the adult children in regards to their mothers mental state. Being young, I assumed that it was because they couldn't recognise the symptoms in their mother or emotionally, not wanting to see there may have been a bigger issue than just grief they were dealing with.

The Final Verdict

When We Collided was so wonderfully written, endearing with likable and darling characters. Emery Lord is an incredible contemporary author, creating flawed yet realistic characters that are lovingly brought to life throughout the pages. Immersive and engaging that also touches on serious social issues, it was absolutely beautiful and one recommended for all contemporary young adult lovers.

24 comments

  1. Glad you enjoyed them both, Kelly! This is Where The World Ends sounds super interesting to me actually - it sounds like such a sweet but sad book! Just wondering though - was the non-linear writing style detracting for you?
    And I've heard so much praise for When We Collided ^_^

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    1. When We Collided was incredible, I adored it. This Is Where The World Ends was a great read, but it had a few glaring issues for me unfortunately. I liked the non linear style of writing, I tend to like it when it's used in contemporaries. The writing was beautiful, but I just found too many issues with Janie's character and how she used Micah. I just couldn't connect to her character sadly.

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  2. Ahhh I LOVED Jonah and his family. <333 Like, please adopt me right now Jonah's-family omg. Viv on the other hand I couldn't stand. >_< I do have trouble with the manic pixie dream girl trope? Like sometimes it's AWESOME and I love whimsical girls who just embrace life. (Like Leslie from Bridge to Terabithia or Luna from Harry Potter. SO MUCH LOVE.) But I don't like the ones that use other people. Like Viv used Jonah as a distraction and Janie just used Micah for...idek what? She just enjoyed controlling him? #worried I really had SUCH a lot of problems with This is Where The World Ends...which is a shame because Amy Zhang's writing is GORGEOUS.

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    1. It is gorgeous, but I had the same issues too. I just found her character a little too toxic and seeing how she was aware of his feelings and I feel as though she used it to her advantage. It just left me feeling angry towards her and not able to really immerse myself unfortunately.

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  3. @ Paper Boulevard
    I have not read any from this authors but I have Zhang's first book but haven't read it yet, obviously. I always wondered how Emery Lord writes and you convinced me to read her books right now. Okay. YES. I will go to the bookstore and find her books, buy them and of course, read them. AAAAAH. Kelly, you always have good reviews + these are good books. <3

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    1. Emery Lord is such a wonderful author, I've since tracked down her other reads now as well. I love her sense of fun but underneath she tackles real issues too, such as mental illness in When We Collided. Definitely an author I wouldn't hesitate in recommending.

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  4. I'm not sure about the first book, but I definitely want to read When We Collide. I've read one of Emery's other books and really liked it, so hopefully this will be a hit for me too.

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    1. This is Where The World Ends is really beautifully written but I had issues with the characters and storyline, I just couldn't find that connection. You might have more luck with it though Christy and I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  5. I hadn't intended to read 'This is where the world ends' but as it was part of Aprils YA Chronicles box I now have a copy. I'm feeling a bit more positive towards it now! Thanks!! I think I will try to give it a go :-).

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    1. I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it Sarah. I love Kat Zhang's style of writing, it's so lyrical and lovely.

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  6. I loved When We Collided <3 <3 And Jonah!! I really need to read This is Where the World Ends because hello, Amy Zhang's writing is just INCREDIBLE. Absolutely INCREDIBLE. Even though there are a ton of negative reviews I still need it in my life :)

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    1. I haven't seen many reviewers not enjoy that one yet, so might need to check out Goodreads. Her writing is beautiful, but I just had issues with Janie mostly. I'd love to see what you think of it as from what I've seen so far, mine seems like the unpopular opinion actually.

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  7. It was fun to see these reviewed side by side. Especially since I've been mildly interested in both. It's been too long since I've read contemporary YA!

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    1. Thanks Alyssa. They are pretty similar books actually where both have versions of the young adult manic pixie dream girl, but I felt When We Collided for me was the better read. I found it a more positive read overall and I loved the sense of family.

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  8. Thanks for sharing! It does sound like the friendship was too one-sided in This Is Where The World Ends...

    I'm really curious about When We Collided so I'm glad to hear you liked it!

    Great reviews,

    Lauren

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    1. Thanks Lauren. I think When We Collided is one that you would really enjoy. The storyline is really lovely and also addresses the effect that mental illness has on the family unit. The Daniels are such an incredible family.

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  9. There's another book by Amy that I have but can't think of the title for the life of me! I've heard such good things about this one, but for some reason it was never on my radar to pick up. Now When We Collided, I'm soooo excited for! I love a good contemporary, and I have friends that absolutely loveee Emery's writing, so I'm definitely picking this one up soon. Can you believe I'm not in a contemporary mood? Very fucking weird yo lol.

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    1. It was a good read Tika, but it just missed a likability and emotional connection to feel anything towards Janie especially. But When We Collided is incredible, I can't wait for you to read it!

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  10. The writing for that first book sounds lovely, but I honestly doubt I can read a book about toxic friendships. I've had too many in my own life and I certainly don't want to read about that in books. Poor Micah though. I feel bad for the guy!

    I'm so happy you liked When We Collided. I wasn't sure it would be for me, but it wound up being a wonderful read. I loved Jonah and his family so so much. Emery Lord writes the best books.

    Lovely reviews, Kells!

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    1. I'm the same Nick. We know that teens experience more destructive friendships and relationships but it's hard when one character can't see the toxic relationship and the other takes advantage of that. I loved the style of writing, but struggled with a few issues.

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  11. Oh man, another MPDG? I'm so sick of them to be honest, but it definitely sounds like it was written really beautifully. A shame that their friendship also didn't feel genuine.

    I've wanted to read When We Collided for ages and it sounds utterly beautiful with the rendition of mental illness, grief and depression. Glad to hear you enjoyed it Kelly and fab reviews!

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    1. Yeah, they seem to be coming thick and fast lately don't they. I loved the writing though Jeann, it was so, so lovely, but the storyline and their friendship is what probably let me down most.

      When We Collided was such a wonderful read. Vivi could be classed as a manic pixie dream girl as well, but her character had so much more depth that the usual tropes and there is reasoning behind her behaviour. Definitely one to add to the to read list Jeann.

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  12. I've always had a tough time with Amy Zhang's books. So I don't know about that one. I'm feeling optimistic about Emery Lord's book, though.

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    1. This was my first one Joy and I loved her writing, but unfortunately the storyline rubbed me the wrong way. Looking forward to seeing what you think of When We Collide.

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