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54 pages 1 hour read

I'll Give You the Sun

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You the Sun

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL740L

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Super Short Summary

In Jandy Nelson's I'll Give You the Sun, twins Noah and Jude Sweetwine are driven apart by jealousy and personal tragedy after their mother's death, despite having once been inseparable. The novel explores their journey of reconciling with each other and themselves through their art and creativity, narrated in alternating perspectives from the past and present. Contains themes discussing anti-gay bias and attempted suicide.

Emotional

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Inspirational

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

352,342 ratings

78%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson captivates with lyrical prose and compelling characters. Reviews praise the dual narrative and emotional depth but suggest that the nonlinear timeline can be confusing. Readers appreciate the exploration of art and identity, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a vibrant and touching read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I'll Give You the Sun?

Readers who cherished the profound emotional journeys in The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky or the intricate character explorations in Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell will revel in I'll Give You the Sun. Fans of poignant, character-driven young adult novels with artistic and romantic themes will find it captivating.

4.4

352,342 ratings

78%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Noah Sweetwine

A talented young artist who is one of the twin protagonists; his journey is largely told from his perspective, highlighting his personal growth and struggles with identity.

The other twin protagonist whose chapters focus on their teenage years; she is a gifted artist grappling with personal challenges and her relationship with her family.

Noah and Jude’s mother, an art history professor with a belief in the mystical and magical, whose actions significantly impact her family dynamic.

The twins' father, a scientist whose rational and logical approach to life contrasts with Dianna’s beliefs, affecting his relationships with his children.

A renowned stone sculptor connected to Dianna; serves as a mentor figure to Jude and influences her artistic journey.

Noah’s love interest, a skilled baseball pitcher; his relationship with Noah heavily influences Noah's exploration of his identity.

A former addict and model taken in by Guillermo; Jude's love interest, whose presence affects her path toward personal acceptance.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL740L

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