Hello Now

January 15, 2020
A lonely London teen is swept up in a logic-defying romance. When Jude's mother once again relocates the two of them--this time to a remote, "far-as-the-eye-could-see whites-only seaside town"--Jude is dejected and pessimistic. That is, until Novo appears. The boy possesses inexplicable and undeniable powers, which include everything from benignly influencing the actions of people and animals to stretching out a single moment of time. His abilities are so intrinsic that Jude immediately accepts them ("I knew straightaway that something impossible was happening"). Novo is also cosmically tied to Jude, and the two begin a blissful, whirlwind romance heavily influenced by Novo's abilities. Though much of the story is devoid of conflict, by the end Jude faces a heartbreaking choice. Valentine (Fire Color One, 2017, etc.) dives deep even while playing in to the oft-trod wish fulfillment of a protagonist finding true love with a supernatural boy. The author deftly handles themes of living in the moment, embracing change, and moving forward after loss. While the conclusions drawn don't necessarily break new ground, readers will nevertheless walk away with a lot to think about. Jude remains ungendered throughout the story, leaving the door open to various interpretations while not actively committing to a genderqueer protagonist. The cast is presumably white. Short, sweet, and satisfying. (Magical realism. 13-18)

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February 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Novo is an enchanted boy who has fallen in love with Jude. Although he has followed Jude all her life, she is unable to see Novo until she moves to a small seaside town where her mother lived as a child. Their home comes with a tenant, an old hermit named Henry Lake. As Jude spends time with Novo, she discovers a connection between Novo and Henry. Just as Jude is ready to declare her love for Novo and ask him to permanently stay in "the Now," Henry tells her about the consequences of her choice. Novo is happy to make the sacrifice and stay with Jude, but now that Jude knows what is going to happen, she is not so confident that the choice Novo wants is the right one. Does Jude ask Novo to stay knowing it will make both of them happy for her lifetime, or will she let Novo go to live an immortal life, free from the chains of her world? Love and sacrifice are hard lessons for Jude to learn, and her journey is well crafted. Jude starts off as selfish and moody, but during her time with Novo, she begins to realize how love can change one's world, whether it's human or magical. As Jude matures, she understands the responsibility that goes with love. VERDICT The story is relatively tame for a romance, and the message about doing what is right, not easy, is an important one. A solid addition to any fiction collection.-Jeni Tahaney, Summit High School, Manfield, TX

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