The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

     Believe it or not, I finished this book in less than 24 hours!  I got caught up from beginning to end, stopping only to eat, and conduct proper hygeine.  Well, I did sleep.  And before I went to sleep, I read another book, but I always do that.  Anyway...

     The Thing About Jellyfish is the story of Suzanne "Zu" Swanson and how she dealt with the loss of a loved one.  A friend.  A friend she'd hurt and never got to apologize before said friend, Franny, drowned while on family vacation.  The story occurs during the most confusing of times in a young child's life... Middle School.

     The story was a great read, because from the very start you know "Zu" is a dumb kid.  She's almost typical, dealing with both mortality and acceptance; which is impossible to do alone.  She romanticizes everything using jellyfish facts and analogies as she grapples with the emotions she refuses to share with friends, family or counselor.  She tries her best to cope but it's rather ridiculous.

     Ali Benjamin wrote "Zu" as  scatterbrained, creative, curious and just about anything else a 6th/7th grader could be.  As if reaching back into adolescence, she managed to grasp a piece of childhood and actualize the ignorance that once dwelled within us all, which made for a fun story.  Especially when "Zu" decides to go away, seeking understanding from a professor and biologist in Cairns, Australia!  How many of us fantasized about running off to make the impossible possible... by stealing someone's credit card or pocket money? 

     This YA novel will warm the hearts of elementary school readers as well as adults.  It's about self-awareness, awkwardness, puberty and simply put, life.  When you finish, you'll look back to your past experiences, wondering what pivotal moment had you in "Zu's" shoes.  Go enjoy a happy day and a great book!