The Big Crunch

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: The Big Crunch
Author: Pete Hautman
Publisher: Scholastic
Pub Date: 01/01/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: The Big Crunch is a love story, but without the excessive drama that characterizes many romances today. It doesn't have the stereotypical 'jock + cheerleader' roles, or the nerd love, however much I love it, or even the obvious 'mix it up' feel. It's about two teens who are in between, questioning, and complex. Basically, they're both normal, in the best sense of the word. They're real people, in common situations, told in a way that is anything but.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the truth of the story. It's a testament to the fact that if the characters are fabulous, then there doesn't need to be action every other page.
Cover: I would not usually have picked up a book with a cover like this. It's just a little bit too fluffy for my taste, but after reading the book, was perfect. Even just the author's name would have lured me in, because Pete Hautman is a ninja. I love how the characters are shown, but not in great detail (and what is given is true to the book!) so you have room to imagine. The separated, comic strip-esque organization is unique, added to by the fun colors that are different from a lot of the standard red-black-white covers. One worry that I would have is that it might blend in with the other 'ice cream' books, that are very pink. Over all, though, great.
Did you finish: Yes
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book