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ashction's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I just... there's no words for how I feel right now.
I really, really didn't expect this book to be like this? I know the cliche to "never judge a book by its cover" is a thing, but I can't think of any book's cover that has misled me so much since I read Anna and the French Kiss when I was 15. I thought, initially, this was a book about a boy and a girl falling in love, never to meet each other until some miracle. In ways, I'm write; there are some smaller miracles, and there is some love, but it's all quite muddy. And most importantly, it's not a boy and a girl, but a boy and a boy, both of whom grow and learn and change for what seems like an optimistic future. I'm so emotional over the entire journey; even more so, I'm emotional because there's a sequel, and it's even better rated on this site, and I'm going to face it soon. But, for now, I want to face this book and deal with the emotions I have and the gratefulness that there's a book like this masquerading as only one genre when it encompasses so many things within YA Lit that I love.
I'd decided pretty early on that Ollie and Moritz were now my adopted sons; Ollie, who appears bright, cheerful, and energetic, and Moritz, my sulky, depressed, closed-off son. Each boy seemed so special almost immediately, and I was enjoying the lightness of the story until, suddenly, it faded a bit. And in turn, we see lots of different aspects of (a potentially fantastical) adolescence; Ollie "faking the happy" and Moritz's distrust, and those aspects of anxiety and fear and depression which are all more difficult and common than I think we ever imagine they are in reality.
I wish I could go on pages of ranting for this book; I'm not as deft with words as either Moritz or Ollie, and I think that the book should speak for itself. Words hold their own power, as Moritz explains to Ollie; I think this novel will show you magic and reality in a way that I'm not sure I've seen the two blended before.
Looking forward to the next novel - but for now, I'm going to savor this one. Definitely a YA book that's special and has affected me, and perhaps that, too, is for the better.
I really, really didn't expect this book to be like this? I know the cliche to "never judge a book by its cover" is a thing, but I can't think of any book's cover that has misled me so much since I read Anna and the French Kiss when I was 15. I thought, initially, this was a book about a boy and a girl falling in love, never to meet each other until some miracle. In ways, I'm write; there are some smaller miracles, and there is some love, but it's all quite muddy. And most importantly, it's not a boy and a girl, but a boy and a boy, both of whom grow and learn and change for what seems like an optimistic future. I'm so emotional over the entire journey; even more so, I'm emotional because there's a sequel, and it's even better rated on this site, and I'm going to face it soon. But, for now, I want to face this book and deal with the emotions I have and the gratefulness that there's a book like this masquerading as only one genre when it encompasses so many things within YA Lit that I love.
I'd decided pretty early on that Ollie and Moritz were now my adopted sons; Ollie, who appears bright, cheerful, and energetic, and Moritz, my sulky, depressed, closed-off son. Each boy seemed so special almost immediately, and I was enjoying the lightness of the story until, suddenly, it faded a bit. And in turn, we see lots of different aspects of (a potentially fantastical) adolescence; Ollie "faking the happy" and Moritz's distrust, and those aspects of anxiety and fear and depression which are all more difficult and common than I think we ever imagine they are in reality.
I wish I could go on pages of ranting for this book; I'm not as deft with words as either Moritz or Ollie, and I think that the book should speak for itself. Words hold their own power, as Moritz explains to Ollie; I think this novel will show you magic and reality in a way that I'm not sure I've seen the two blended before.
Looking forward to the next novel - but for now, I'm going to savor this one. Definitely a YA book that's special and has affected me, and perhaps that, too, is for the better.
zepeng's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 star
Not the best but not the worst, it's more of a light read than a heavy one. Even though there are a few interesting information and general knowledge hear and there, the author manage to make the mood light-hearted. Praise to the author.
But I do not enjoy the romance between Liz and Ollie. In fact, I skip a couple of pages when Ollie explain his story with Liz. Ugh Ollie's lovesick makes me wanna tear my hair.
The thing that makes me manage to finish the whole book is Moritz. His background is an enigma and I'm drawn to it.
A nice read and praise to the author. Nice job.
Not the best but not the worst, it's more of a light read than a heavy one. Even though there are a few interesting information and general knowledge hear and there, the author manage to make the mood light-hearted. Praise to the author.
But I do not enjoy the romance between Liz and Ollie. In fact, I skip a couple of pages when Ollie explain his story with Liz. Ugh Ollie's lovesick makes me wanna tear my hair.
The thing that makes me manage to finish the whole book is Moritz. His background is an enigma and I'm drawn to it.
A nice read and praise to the author. Nice job.
annieni's review against another edition
4.0
4.4 stars. I don't even know where to begin.
I bought this book on impulse because I was bored and wanted to read something and it was on sale. It left me with 2.15$ in my account and tears in my eyes. I literally cried so much reading this book, you don't understand. I was up at 2am reading this on my phone and tearing up.
I love Oliver so so much. This kid is a walking meme. Exhibit A (and my only exhibit because I don't have anymore quotes on hand): "you complete ass. of all the stupid--sorry, stoopid--things to say" This kid is sunshine if it was a person. He is just so cute and happy and like an excited puppy! He lives isolated away from everyone but his mom, his doctor, and Liz. He has knowledge about the most random things and he's memorized the whole human anatomy. He's downright adorable.
And I love love Moritz. I gotta say, I didn't like him at first. He was so depressing and pessimistic, and it makes sense why because he's born with no eyes and has a weak heart and needs a pacemaker to keep it going. But he snuck up on me and grabbed hold of my heart. His words, man. He writes so beautifully for a 16 year old (which was a bit unbelievable at first but it grew on me).
The moment I realized that I had mentally adopted these two kids was when Mo learned to read. I was smiling like an idiot at my phone. Then chapter 16 came, and I started crying because gotdamn Mo, your prose. Your love and care for this boy.
And I loved the story about Oliver's 13th birthday. Liz gave Oliver what he couldn't have: electricity and a glimpse at a normal life with tv's and fridges and humidifiers. Liz was such a nice character, and I loved her and saw her in the way that Oliver wanted me to. But then I read Mo's opinion of her and his interpretation of the party, and I saw where he came from. It made me realize how in all of Oliver and Liz's friendship, Liz was always trying to "fix" him and was always mentioning the things that he couldn't have. Trying to make him "normal," and that sucked. I still like Liz, I'm just not as enamored as I was before.
Please give these dumb boys a chance. They are great people. If you're coming here to see some romance, you'll be disappointed, unfortunately. There's some romance but it won't leave you fulfilled if you're looking for two impossibles to love each other. It's bittersweet, but their bromance is cute.
This book might be slow to some, so if you like character-driven stories, this is for you. I can't tell you the plot because there is no clear endgame when you start this book. It's just two kids trying to get better, and they do. There is so much hope in this book. So much.
I bought this book on impulse because I was bored and wanted to read something and it was on sale. It left me with 2.15$ in my account and tears in my eyes. I literally cried so much reading this book, you don't understand. I was up at 2am reading this on my phone and tearing up.
I love Oliver so so much. This kid is a walking meme. Exhibit A (and my only exhibit because I don't have anymore quotes on hand): "you complete ass. of all the stupid--sorry, stoopid--things to say" This kid is sunshine if it was a person. He is just so cute and happy and like an excited puppy! He lives isolated away from everyone but his mom, his doctor, and Liz. He has knowledge about the most random things and he's memorized the whole human anatomy. He's downright adorable.
And I love love Moritz. I gotta say, I didn't like him at first. He was so depressing and pessimistic, and it makes sense why because he's born with no eyes and has a weak heart and needs a pacemaker to keep it going. But he snuck up on me and grabbed hold of my heart. His words, man. He writes so beautifully for a 16 year old (which was a bit unbelievable at first but it grew on me).
The moment I realized that I had mentally adopted these two kids was when Mo learned to read. I was smiling like an idiot at my phone. Then chapter 16 came, and I started crying because gotdamn Mo, your prose. Your love and care for this boy.
And I loved the story about Oliver's 13th birthday. Liz gave Oliver what he couldn't have: electricity and a glimpse at a normal life with tv's and fridges and humidifiers. Liz was such a nice character, and I loved her and saw her in the way that Oliver wanted me to. But then I read Mo's opinion of her and his interpretation of the party, and I saw where he came from. It made me realize how in all of Oliver and Liz's friendship, Liz was always trying to "fix" him and was always mentioning the things that he couldn't have. Trying to make him "normal," and that sucked. I still like Liz, I'm just not as enamored as I was before.
Please give these dumb boys a chance. They are great people. If you're coming here to see some romance, you'll be disappointed, unfortunately. There's some romance but it won't leave you fulfilled if you're looking for two impossibles to love each other. It's bittersweet, but their bromance is cute.
This book might be slow to some, so if you like character-driven stories, this is for you. I can't tell you the plot because there is no clear endgame when you start this book. It's just two kids trying to get better, and they do. There is so much hope in this book. So much.
chloeenk's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely AMAZING. This was a book that I got halfway through, then got distracted by other books and school. I finally picked it up again, and I can say that it is one of those books where you remember what's happened quite easily. I finished it just a couple of days ago, and during the period of time where I was finished it I teared up 3 times!! I must say that Because You'll Never Meet Me is a book I would recommend to EVERYONE. I could never really seem to put it down. And, let's be real, a fictional book that brings you to tears three times? A fantastic read.
carlisajc's review against another edition
2.0
*I was given an advanced copy of this novel to read and review by the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of the book!*
I don’t really know where to start with this book review because honestly I don’t really know what happened with this book. I started off really liking it. Each chapter is a letter from these two pen pals, Moritz and Ollie. They both have…disabilities, I guess you could say. Ollie is “allergic” to electricity, or has something similar but way more intense than epilepsy. Moritz was born without eyes and also has a pacemaker, something that makes it nearly impossible for Ollie and him to ever meet. So it started off interesting and captivating. I wanted to know about their very interesting lives. But the story shifted and lost focus and I don’t know. I’ll try to explain later.
First I did like it. I really enjoyed the letter format. I can only imagine how fun it must have been for Leah Thomas to write the story like this. With each letter, she was quite literally exploring the life of that character. Likewise, we–the readers–were exploring them. And the two characters were doing the same. They had never met but they’ve confided in each other and become best friends. Very unlikely best friends.
And the writing was awesome. The voices of the two characters were unique and distinct but both worked beautifully for who they were and who they become by the end of the book.
I did have a slight problem with some of the secondary characters, specifically Moritz’s friends. I could tell that the attempt to round them out was made, to make previously unlikable characters likable…but I just couldn’t think of them like that. I still didn’t like them at the end. And that’s okay if that’s what’s intended, but, like I said, I think I was supposed to like them. Anyways, maybe that’s just me.
But the biggest problem of this book is the genre. I went in thinking this is a contemporary, realistic YA fiction novel. For 3/4 of the book, I thought this was a contemporary, realistic YA fiction novel. Then, it shifts and becomes almost sci-fi. Like what the heck. I was not expecting that and I don’t think it worked well. I’ve talked about this before in reviews…I think that if too many genres are present in a book, it loses its potency. The book itself can become frazzled and disjointed. And this ruined the book for me.
Also I just have to say, the cover is not good. It’s the just the title. It should not be all over the place like that. It would look so much better if the title was just all next to each other and straight…But maybe the cover is a symbol for the genre. Just kind of all over the place. No? Okay.
So, personally I didn’t like this book. But it’s a story about deep friendship between two boys…something you don’t see that often in YA lit. And it’s gotten great reviews from others. So don’t let mine stop you if contemporary/kind-of-scifi sounds like your kind of thing.
I don’t really know where to start with this book review because honestly I don’t really know what happened with this book. I started off really liking it. Each chapter is a letter from these two pen pals, Moritz and Ollie. They both have…disabilities, I guess you could say. Ollie is “allergic” to electricity, or has something similar but way more intense than epilepsy. Moritz was born without eyes and also has a pacemaker, something that makes it nearly impossible for Ollie and him to ever meet. So it started off interesting and captivating. I wanted to know about their very interesting lives. But the story shifted and lost focus and I don’t know. I’ll try to explain later.
First I did like it. I really enjoyed the letter format. I can only imagine how fun it must have been for Leah Thomas to write the story like this. With each letter, she was quite literally exploring the life of that character. Likewise, we–the readers–were exploring them. And the two characters were doing the same. They had never met but they’ve confided in each other and become best friends. Very unlikely best friends.
And the writing was awesome. The voices of the two characters were unique and distinct but both worked beautifully for who they were and who they become by the end of the book.
I did have a slight problem with some of the secondary characters, specifically Moritz’s friends. I could tell that the attempt to round them out was made, to make previously unlikable characters likable…but I just couldn’t think of them like that. I still didn’t like them at the end. And that’s okay if that’s what’s intended, but, like I said, I think I was supposed to like them. Anyways, maybe that’s just me.
But the biggest problem of this book is the genre. I went in thinking this is a contemporary, realistic YA fiction novel. For 3/4 of the book, I thought this was a contemporary, realistic YA fiction novel. Then, it shifts and becomes almost sci-fi. Like what the heck. I was not expecting that and I don’t think it worked well. I’ve talked about this before in reviews…I think that if too many genres are present in a book, it loses its potency. The book itself can become frazzled and disjointed. And this ruined the book for me.
Also I just have to say, the cover is not good. It’s the just the title. It should not be all over the place like that. It would look so much better if the title was just all next to each other and straight…But maybe the cover is a symbol for the genre. Just kind of all over the place. No? Okay.
So, personally I didn’t like this book. But it’s a story about deep friendship between two boys…something you don’t see that often in YA lit. And it’s gotten great reviews from others. So don’t let mine stop you if contemporary/kind-of-scifi sounds like your kind of thing.
alice_alexandra's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rosiep08's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
crbrodie's review against another edition
3.5
Was a really lovely book to read and covered so many topics in such a nice endearing way.
I enjoyed the style it was written between the 2 pen pals. As if you were reading the letters between them.
However, I just couldn't get round to liking Ollie (hence 3.5 and not 4 stars). God he was such a self centred character that I felt didn't really have any growth. His character couldn't have a really good 180 turn but I felt he basically stayed the same. He got called out for being selfish but he still turned to other people to validate him. Ew no, goodbye.
I enjoyed the style it was written between the 2 pen pals. As if you were reading the letters between them.
However, I just couldn't get round to liking Ollie (hence 3.5 and not 4 stars). God he was such a self centred character that I felt didn't really have any growth. His character couldn't have a really good 180 turn but I felt he basically stayed the same. He got called out for being selfish but he still turned to other people to validate him. Ew no, goodbye.
fresh_tepid_snoozed's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I wish I would have read this book when I was younger, about the age of Ollie and Moritz. I liked this book and it was interesting to see the author's take on the type of person who is secluded from society and has only met a few people. When creating a character like that, you need to think carefully and logically about the words that person would know - would they use slang? Do they use a certain dialect? What accent do they have?
The ending was a great way to end a book like this! To me, it felt like the end of a movie when the credits are rolling and the main character has a heartfelt moment.
The ending was a great way to end a book like this! To me, it felt like the end of a movie when the credits are rolling and the main character has a heartfelt moment.
rin_varga's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A new favorite that has shaken, taken, and stolen my whole heart!! I love both Ollie and Moritz so much, and you can't help but cheer, cry, or feel so damn proud of them for how much they grow over the course of their correspondence. It hits home the sentiment that just because you've never met someone doesn't mean they aren't real, and even if you may be physically isolated or feeling like a ghost in a sea of strangers, you're never as alone as you think or as unworthy of love/understanding/forgiveness as you believe. Even if all another person knows about you is what they've revealed to you, it doesn't mean that everything you've built is fabricated. Your words alone have the power to change lives, as they discover so vividly!
I'm not sure if I should say that this book has been on my TBR list for almost a decade now, but I do feel as if I've been waiting until just the right time in my life to finally pick it up, when it most needed to find me and when I could best appreciate its big-hearted wisdom the most.
I have a vivid memory of being in college and seeing its cover in the shelves of new arrivals of the Barnes & Noble a few minutes off-campus. I remember reading the synopsis and the premise struck me as so unique, I took a picture of the cover and made a note of the title on a phone I barely knew how to use so that I wouldn't forget it again--I never had to look at the note again, because it's been in my mind all this time and I remembered exactly what it looked like, what it was called, and what it was about.
I'm thirty this year, and I can't help but feel grateful that I put off reading this book until now. You know how some people talk about not feeling guilt over your TBR pile or not reading a new addition to your collection immediately, that books are like fine wine for you to open at the right occasion? I don't think I would have been able to truly appreciate "Because You'll Never Meet Me" as a teenager, or even at 22 when it was first published. But now, as a queer person who's forged a bond with someone almost exclusively through text/messaging halfway across the world, and as someone who's dealt with the pain of love, acceptance, sorrow and hardship that can't always be dealt with when there's an ocean between you, this book tugged on my heartstrings in the BEST ways!!
If you're someone (queer or not) who's ever felt the sting of feeling isolated from your peers even when they're right next to you/closed off from the world just because of who you are, then this book will be exactly the dose of serotonin and self-acceptance that you've been needing!
I'm not sure if I should say that this book has been on my TBR list for almost a decade now, but I do feel as if I've been waiting until just the right time in my life to finally pick it up, when it most needed to find me and when I could best appreciate its big-hearted wisdom the most.
I have a vivid memory of being in college and seeing its cover in the shelves of new arrivals of the Barnes & Noble a few minutes off-campus. I remember reading the synopsis and the premise struck me as so unique, I took a picture of the cover and made a note of the title on a phone I barely knew how to use so that I wouldn't forget it again--I never had to look at the note again, because it's been in my mind all this time and I remembered exactly what it looked like, what it was called, and what it was about.
I'm thirty this year, and I can't help but feel grateful that I put off reading this book until now. You know how some people talk about not feeling guilt over your TBR pile or not reading a new addition to your collection immediately, that books are like fine wine for you to open at the right occasion? I don't think I would have been able to truly appreciate "Because You'll Never Meet Me" as a teenager, or even at 22 when it was first published. But now, as a queer person who's forged a bond with someone almost exclusively through text/messaging halfway across the world, and as someone who's dealt with the pain of love, acceptance, sorrow and hardship that can't always be dealt with when there's an ocean between you, this book tugged on my heartstrings in the BEST ways!!
If you're someone (queer or not) who's ever felt the sting of feeling isolated from your peers even when they're right next to you/closed off from the world just because of who you are, then this book will be exactly the dose of serotonin and self-acceptance that you've been needing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Body horror, Panic attacks/disorders, Confinement, and Bullying
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Physical abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Terminal illness, Torture, Child abuse, Confinement, and Grief
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Outing, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Animal cruelty, Gore, and Pregnancy