Love Is the Higher Law

Great for finding yourself, by just being silent.

This book was definitely a new area for me to read, but i enjoyed it just the same. It doesn't really focus on 9/11 itself, but more of the emotional aspect it had on others. David Levithan did an excellent job with writing qoutes that i will remember. Sometimes I would just stop and deeply reflect how this book was changing me, mind and body. It is definitely a new take on the world. Kudos to you, David. Kudos to you.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Huge thanks to the girl who sat next to me on the bus to Chicago from ALA. She had this ARC in her hands when she boarded the bus for our 3 1/2 hour trip home, and she finished it by the time the trip was over. When I asked how she liked it, she nodded, I believe, then swallowed a lump in her throat, and offered me the book. Once again, thank you!

Do you remember where you were on 9/11? The characters in LOVE IS THE HIGHER LAW were all in New York City. So was David Levithan, and that experience was inspiration for this book. As Levithan points out in the Author's Note, many young people today may be too young to have first-hand memories of that world-changing day. By reading the experiences of Jasper, Peter, and Claire, perhaps the emotions of that day and its aftermath can be experienced by readers in the years to come.

As the book begins, each character shares where they were and what it was like at the moment. Peter and Claire were affected immediately, while Jasper finds it difficult to admit that he slept through the actual attack and learned about it as he listened to Peter Jennings on the news.

The personal experiences of the three become intertwined as the story continues. All three are surprised at how directly they feel the emotions of the event. The life they once took for granted, the city they've always known as home, and the atmosphere surrounding them have them asking questions that have no real answers.

David Levithan captures the unique yet universal feelings inspired by the event that touched us all. Amidst the unanswered questions are feelings of greater appreciation for family and friends, the sympathy that goes out to those who lost and suffered most, and the human condition that connects the entire world.

Unlike the teen who read the book in one sitting on the bus, I found the need to set it aside at times to sort through my own memories of that day and what has unfolded since. The world is truly a different place, and I've concluded I'm not sure if it is for the better or worse. Time will tell.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great read

I enjoyed reading this novel a lot. The begginning was a little confusing, but towards the end everything came together which was really unique. Also this shows that when a tragedy occurs, it doesnt hurt one person, it rather brings everyone together. The stoty of these three friends is inspiring and great. Very exeptional read.

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