Written by Susin Nielsen
Setting: The story takes place in a typical teenage setting; a high school. If you have ever seen the movie, Mean Girls, you’ll learn that Ashley, like Regina George, seems to be at the top of the social hierarchy; popular, everyone likes her, yet she makes fun of everyone. Then, we have poor Stewart; the classic, smart and witty nerd that puts up with Ashley’s wrath.
Characters: I really enjoyed the two main characters in this novel. The author made both the characters, Ashley and Stewart, easy to connect to, who ever you may be, whatever your situation in our modern day. Stewart was like every other teenage kid; he was awkward and had an inability to communicate. Ashley was the Queen B of the school, trying to keep her social standing despite the fact that her father had just come out of the closet. The author created two very opposite people and made them come together. Both characters have unique ways to deal with the situations they are going through and Nielsen captures their spirit, voice and perspectives in doing so.
Good Points: The writing style of the novel inevitably made me feel smarter by the end of the book. She uses references from Einstein, Schrodinger’s cat, and the complex nature of molecules challenging the audience. What I like about the book is that she ties it well scientifically and realistically enough for each reader to relate to; although we all have our differences, we are all made of molecules. That no matter who the reader is, they are bound to be engaged by the characters, laughing out loud and witness the creation of a family that may be unconventional but at the same time meant to be together.
Plot Summary: We are all made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen is a novel written in two points of view; Stewart and Ashley. In the novel you learn that Stewart is gifted academically, but is socially awkward. Ashley, however, seems to rule the school, she is the Regina George of her high school, but she has a lot of secrets to keep her hidden. Things start to take a turn around when Ashley discovers her dad is gay and leaving the family and Stewart’s dad will be taking her father’s place. Ashley tries really hard to keep her dad a secret and to stop Stewart from ruining her reputation at the top of the social ladder, but all Stewart wants from Ashley her help to improve his social skills. Their worlds begin to collide as their friendship grows.
Ending: It’s a story bursting with heart and humor and I could not get enough of it. It brought back to me a sense of my childhood, it reminded me of the story, Everyone poops, by Taro Gomi. It meant to me that at the end of that day we are all the same, literally, because we are all made of molecules.
Do you recommend this book?: Yes
Language PG
Sexual Content G
Violence G
Drug and Alcohol Use G
Review by Pon, Student, Cyprus High School
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: High School
Author Website: http://susinnielsen.com/
We Are All Made of Molecules
Written by Susin Nielsen
Wendy Lamb Books
248 pages
Release Date: May 12, 2015
