Book Review

The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

The most refreshing book I've read in along time. Especially after a long duration of pre-AP English Literature assignments. This is definitely one of my favorite books. Period. It's so easy and pure. The message is extreme but the simplicity shines through.

Basic premise: What happens to the ordinary people in the world? Not the ones who are supposed to battle the vampires or the zombies (otherwise referred to as the 'Indie Kids'); but the ordinary teenagers who are just trying to go to school or battle their valid but "normal" everyday problems. The book centers on characters who are typically on the sidelines, creating an interesting paradox.

These are not the characters that you wish you could relate to because what they face is pretty much just totally awesome. No, these are the characters that you do relate to. Especially Mike, our protagonist in this story. Mike and his friends will show you that the great feeling that comes from reading about a ghost hunter or a vampire slayer is just as easily found in the ordinary.

An easy read, the laugh out loud narration with thoughtful commentary underneath will leave you longing to read this book over and over again. And furthermore realize the aspects of your own life that make your story worth telling-whether you're an Indie Kid or not.