Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Review: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan


Title: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
Publisher: Picador
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Genres: Contemporary, Drama, Romance
Medium: Ebook, Bought

I read my first novel of David Levithan a couple months back, when I received an ARC paperback of Two Boys Kissing from Random House Publishers. Then, just a few weeks ago, I bought a paperback copy of Every Day, and it became one of my favorite novels ever. Now, I found the ebook of The Lover's Dictionary, a novel I wish I could have purchased a paperback of instead (since I am trying to buy all of his works) but haven't been able to buy it yet. This novel has also become one of my favorites, as I read it in one sitting, partly because it was such a quick red and mostly because it was that good. Of course, Levithan has yet to disappoint. This novel is unique, original, and unforgettable. And definitely one for the years to come.

The plot was exceptional. Told through the unique and memorable prose of dictionary entries, each beginning with a word and a relative story entry. Levithan tells the story, each page and each vocab word assigned to an intimate and emotional part of a relationship. Before your eyes, these dictionary entries reveal a love story. Unlike the fairy tale romances and unjust stories of incomprehensible 'love,' this novel instead puts a real relationship under a microscope, telling everything from troubles with trust and making it work, to those little instances of real love, when you see something normal in that person that you can't help but love unconditionally. This novel has it all.

As usual, David Levithan's brings emotional and real writing to the table. He's not only skilled but phenomenal in the way he seems to know just what to write. It's amazing how he knows just exactly what will hit you in heart, just what will make you happy or sad, what will make you smile or frown, laugh or cry. His writing is deep and intimate, and surely whole and personal, since nothing this emotional could be faked. His writing delves deeper than just words on a page; it hits you write where it hurts, or, right where it matters. Either way, it hits you in your heart. I cannot wait to read more from this exceptional author. Five stars.

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