I read this before I went to Italy because it's about Americans going to Italy. I thought it was great. ( )

I didn't feel that his particular style of writing quite worked for this one as it did his other novels, but it was a short and sweet kind of read. ( )

[review written 2011]

Are We There Yet by David Levithan is one of those books you don’t think are very good until you read it. It’s a quick read, yes, but it’s good. It makes you think. It’s inspiring, and the writing is phenomonal. Levithan is defintiely one of my favorite authors.

The funny thing about this story is the use of present tense, which normally isn’t that good of a writing style to use. Maybe only in fanfiction, short stories. But he manages to make a novel perfect using the use of present tense, first person. Go read this now. I promise you it’s one of the best stories you’ll read. ( )

This was an interesting story of two brothers being forced together and then choosing to come together. I think the older brother gets more out of the experience than the younger brother does, but I also think he's ready to get more out of it. I think the younger brother will get more out of future experiences because of it. I liked the format- it was very informal and short and switched perspectives often, but it worked and kept things light and quick. ( )

I love getting to know something about brothers & the young male point of view. I have sons, but I don't really understand them, especially the details of their r'ships with one another, and how much (or little?) they resemble other young men. I appreciated that Danny & Elijah have a lot going on inside, and they do care about each other & wish they'd get along better, but don't really talk much or know how to approach each other.

The scene at the Pantheon is, of course, key - that experience, rather than a lot of talking, is what worked the magic of uniting them. Though of course Ari and Julia were catalysts, too.

Of course the book is beautifully written. Serendipity is a narcotic."
And the illusions to old & newer pop culture are interesting.
I am charmed by Cat and would like to get to know her better.
And of course it's a short book, but not necessarily a quick read because there's a lot there, to be read carefully, and to savor.

But all along, especially when I was trying (and failing) to understand Julia, made me feel like I was reading a retelling of a myth or a classic. Something about two brothers and a random encounter with a messed up girl just felt *L*iterary to me. If you recognize the theme, please comment!" ( )