I'll Give You the Sun in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Jan 13, 2015 Donna rated it really liked it

Shelves: teen, contemporary, lgbtqia

The story of twins Jude and Noah is told through their alternating POVs. Noah's tale, "The Invisible Museum," begins when they are 13 and planning to apply to a selective fine arts high school. Both are talented, but Noah's drawings stand out in their mother's eyes. He also needs it more: he's sensitive, socially awkward, just figuring out that he likes boys and is terrified of public high school. Jude is pretty, popular, fearless and just wants to be normal. Her story, "The History of Luck," pi ...more

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Mar 02, 2015 Jenny rated it really liked it

I wish I hadn’t waited so long to get to this review because my response has moved from the emotional to the more intellectual (or at least, less emotional). Jandy Nelson’s novel reminds me of being a teenager—a fast-paced welter of feelings and thoughts, often confusing, but just experienced so strongly and passionately.

So here’s the basic set up. Jude and Noah are thirteen year old twins who are both very distinct personalities but also have a strong bond with each other. Noah loves art, is in ...more

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Dec 30, 2014 Amy (folkpants) rated it it was amazing

Loved this book! The bond between the twins. The hyperbole. The passion of an artist. Everything was so fantastic. I really liked the way the story was told from the two different points of view and years apart. It was a very interesting perspective for both characters and reader. Even with the heartbreak of the plot, there was plenty of magic, too. Delightful.

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Jul 04, 2016 Astrid Lim rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, romance, lgbt, dysfunctional-family, america, art, borrowed, contemporary

3,5 stars for me because I have mixed feelings about this book. I totally love the chapters and parts about Noah and Brian, their developing relationships and struggles to find their identities. But I am not interested in Jude's parts, especially the ones where she describes her crush and love for Oscar. It's too typical and quite disappointing for this book, that in my opinion can do more than that. Too bad. ...more

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Mar 18, 2015 Martha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-goodness

Yes, the coincidences are perfect, the love quick, and the resolutions neat. But it's magnificently written and, from the start, is presented as a fantasy: in the world Nelson created, anything is possible, and everything works. I've clearly gotten soft in my old age, but I'll Give you the Sun is bloody glorious. ...more

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Sep 27, 2014 Laurie rated it liked it

Shelves: 2014

I was torn on this book. I liked the relationships and the arc of the story, but thought sometimes it suffered from too much flowery language. And I think I might be reaching my limit for lovable eccentrics in YA lit. Does everyone need to wear feathered hats and do some amazing, unique art while also being surfing prodigies? Where are the regular people? This book is still worth a read, the family relationships are very well done.

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