First off-to set people strait-this book is not about robots or anything sci-fi; it’s about love but not rmance because Bea and Jonah are good friends. (If you think Bea and Jonah shared a romantic relationship then you’re probably like the rest of Canton High.) How to Say Goodbye in Robot is the bleak story of one unique friendship, a late night talk show, and too many goodbyes.
Bea and Jonah are different. Bea is the “stone child” who is slightly depressed about her parents and is tired of adjusting to new high schools every time her family moves. She’s different because she doesn’t do the whole “popularity” scene and she’s artistic. Jonah is the Canton’s High’s “ghost”. He’s the loner because he’s made to be; Bea and Jonah are the same, that’s why they become best friends. The late night talk show called Night Lights is a whimsical addition to the story that makes you smile and feel the stars; and the secret about Jonah’s brother is just as stunning.
I really liked How to Say Goodbye in Robot because of it’s unique characters and just the overall storyline. Most of the time I connected with Bea and shared her eye for the unique, but sometimes I did feel like Bea should have punched Jonah in the face for getting mad or jealous. Then again Jonah has a right to be angry because he is so mistreated by his school mates and his father. The only thing I did not like about this book is it’s many references to drinking.
Some teens might have a hard time relating or even liking the characters of How to Say Goodbye in Robot. Some might think of the story as being weird because it’s so different and it’s about two oddball teens. If you don’t like books that go beyond the “normal” YA high school scene, then you probably won’t like this book. If you like things that are different, then you known that you will like this book.

Overall, How to Say Goodbye In Robot my be a little odd at times, that the whole point. It’s a story about a friendship like no other and from a different point of view. I recommend to any teen who likes that taste of oddness.

*Natalie Strandford does not know how to speak fluent robot, but she does know Maryland like the back of her hand, having grown up there and coming from a long line of Marylanders. Natalie now lives in New York. How to Say Goodbye in Robot is her first novel. www.nataliestandiford.com*


|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|Content: Teen drinking, some language, and sensuality|

|Recommend? Yes|

Courtesy of booksandliteratureforteens.blogspot.com