Book Thoughts: 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma

I am behind on everything.

Even though I’ve been swamped with work, writing, and life, I somehow made time to read 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma. Mmm-hmmm. It’s that good. Gorgeously written in a hypnotic don’t-go-anywhere kind of way.

One problem with reading a lot – and writing -and talking about writing – and thinking and talking about plot – is that it’s really hard to be surprised by a book.

This one surprised me.

From goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Lauren is having visions of girls who have gone missing. And all these girls have just one thing in common—they are 17 and gone without a trace. As Lauren struggles to shake these waking nightmares, impossible questions demand urgent answers: Why are the girls speaking to Lauren? How can she help them? And… is she next? As Lauren searches for clues, everything begins to unravel, and when a brush with death lands her in the hospital, a shocking truth emerges, changing everything.

With complexity and richness, Nova Ren Suma serves up a beautiful, visual, fresh interpretation of what it means to be lost.

It’s not what you think. It’s better.

The writing is amazing and magical. The story is captivating, compelling, and surprising. The things that it made me think of  and realize, the reminder of the real world beyond the book, that made my heart ache.

Head and heart literature, my favorite kind.

Highly recommended.

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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Blog Thoughts: Distraction No. 99 (Nova Ren Suma)

Author Nova Ren Suma has another incredible series of guest bloggers on her blog. In the spirit of Halloween, various authors respond to the question: What Scares You?

It’s a provocative question with revealing and interesting answers – as varied as the authors asked. Fear is a primal trigger for writing. It can inform so much of what we – and our characters – are willing to do or not do.

I can’t remember how I found Distraction No. 99 originally. I believe it was through someone’s link to a guest post – but it’s now one of my favorite go-to blogs. She’s hosted various series allowing authors – lots of authors – to chime in on their Turning Points, YA Debuts, and Inspiration. It’s a fantastic place to hear about new books, get to know authors, and to be inspired as well as reassured about the writing journey in unexpected ways.

In between these guest posts, Nova allows us a peek into her own writing process – the highs and lows and surges along the way. I don’t know her, but she feels incredibly generous and thoughtful.

And then there are her books! I loved Imaginary Girls – her writing is luscious and hypnotic and eerily spooky. It’s my theory that her book is a big part of why I keep reading that agents and editors want sibling stories.

She has a new one I need to read: 17 & Gone. A sneak peek is available here. Sounds like another deliciously worrisome world to disappear into.

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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