3.7 out of 4.

I ate this book up! I finished it in three hours because I could not turn the pages fast enough it was so endearing and sweet. Also, it helped that this is a young adult book so my reading performance is that of a high level for its normal library renters 🙂

A story about a twelve-year-old named Suzy who loses her best friend, Franny, to a drowning accident. Her first look at death and grieving she soon becomes infatuated with how Franny could have drowned if she is such a good swimmer. The only plausible answer is that she got stung by a killer jellyfish. Remember she is 12 so this seems like a normal conclusion. Suzy feels she should remain silent until she is able to prove that she has something important to tell and teach about what happened to Franny. This continues on for months while she gathers notes on jellyfishes. She does not speak to her parents, her brother, or her shrink.

Suzy is someone who everyone wishes they were brave enough to be in middle school (the horrible years). She is her own unique person that dares to be different. I love reading young adult books because a majority deliver very important messages straight to the point. I feel as though some adult books have trouble offering the same directness. I believe it is always refreshing to read a tale where you can finish and say, “wow look how far I have come from those types of situations” or “man, glad that isn’t my problem anymore”. It allows you to look at the present and realize what obstacles you have overcome without really awarding yourself for it.

After finishing “The Thing About Jellyfish” I keep finding myself remembering how difficult middle school was and how you never forget those people who stepped forward to make it better or worse. You are in such a fragile state during that time that even the littlest moment seems tragic or even the smallest gestures are a gift from God.

In a way, I wish I could go backwards in time and have my biggest problem be where should I sit in the lunch room but then I remember it wouldn’t be me (Esme of today) facing that “problem” it would be my younger self that has a completely different perspective. One that is going through a body/mind transformation period and just wants to be invisible. If you want to disappear and do your own thing it is almost impossible when you have such a group themed and heavy monitored lifestyle like you do in middle school. I am having trouble breathing just thinking about raising your hand and asking if you can go to the bathroom. Like how invasive?

This is a definite book to read. No excuses, go get it!