When We Collided
by Emery Lord
Interest age: 14+
Reading age: 14+
Published by Bloomsbury, 2016
About this book
Seventeen-year-old Jonah Daniels has lived in Verona Cove, California, his whole life, and only one thing has ever changed: his father used to be alive, and now he is not.
With a mother lost in deep depression, Jonah and his five siblings struggle to keep up their home and the restaurant their dad left behind. But then a second change rolls in: gorgeous Vivi Alexander.
When We Collided is a beautiful and unflinching exploration of what it means to love, grieve and come to terms with the truth about who you are and want to be.
The book doesn't shy away from tough topics like mental health and bereavement, but it also celebrates life, love and family.
Told in alternating chapters between Vivi and Jonah, you are swept along in their love story. These characters are vivid and memorable with distinct voices and compelling backstories.
The ending is refreshingly authentic and unsentimental, but still hopeful and heartfelt.
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