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Dear Evan Hansen

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Val Emmich

Dear Evan Hansen

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Suburban USA • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich follows Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high school senior who unintentionally becomes entangled in a lie after classmate Connor Murphy dies by suicide. Believing a therapy letter of Evan’s was written by Connor, Connor's grieving family finds solace, leading Evan to perpetuate the falsehood in an attempt to bring comfort and gain a sense of belonging. Topics of suicide and mental health challenges are addressed.

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.3

74,858 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich captures the emotional depth and complexity of its Broadway predecessor. Readers praise its heartfelt portrayal of teenage anxiety and the search for belonging, though some find the plot predictable and reliant on the musical's success. Overall, it effectively translates the story to a new medium, resonating particularly with young adult audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dear Evan Hansen?

Ideal for teens and young adults grappling with identity, loneliness, and mental health, readers of Val Emmich's Dear Evan Hansen will appreciate relatable characters and emotive storytelling. Fans of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why will find this book particularly compelling.

4.3

74,858 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Evan Hansen

A shy, timid high school senior who struggles with severe social anxiety and finds solace in nature and writing. Despite his challenges, he is a talented writer and won third place in a national short story contest.

The outcast at school known for his angry outbursts and drug use. His actions set off the main conflict of the story, and he shares unexpected similarities with Evan.

Evan’s crush and Connor's sister, known for her musical talent in playing the guitar. She navigates complex feelings about her brother after his death.

Connor and Zoe's emotionally expressive mother who sought multiple treatments for Connor when he was alive. She struggles to see beyond Connor’s behavior.

Connor and Zoe's father, a lawyer who copes with family stress by working long hours and relies on alcohol. He has a stricter approach to parenting than his wife.

Evan’s mother who raises him alone while juggling long hours at work and night classes. Despite her busy schedule, she cares deeply about Evan.

Evan's self-proclaimed “family friend” who maintains a casual distance in public. He is noted for his trendy outfits and penchant for coding independently at lunch.

An overachieving classmate of Evan’s who readily involves herself in the Connor Project. She is ambitious and leads many student organizations and internships.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Suburban USA • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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