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45 pages 1 hour read

The Rest of Us Just Live Here

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Patrick Ness

The Rest of Us Just Live Here

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

345

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL700L

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Super Short Summary

The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness follows Mikey, a high school senior in Washington, as he navigates anxieties about love, friendship, and the future, while supernatural events unfold around him involving "indie kids" who battle these occurrences. Mikey deals with his OCD, family issues, and complex relationships as he approaches graduation. The book includes mentions of suicidal ideation, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcohol addiction, disordered eating, and anti-LGBTQ+ bias.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Humorous

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

63,791 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Patrick Ness’ The Rest of Us Just Live Here is praised for its unique premise and character-driven narrative, effectively depicting the lives of ordinary teens in an extraordinary world. The blend of mundane and fantastical elements is intriguing, but some readers find the pacing slow and the plot occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and fresh take on the YA genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Rest of Us Just Live Here?

A reader who enjoys The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness likely appreciates unique twists on young adult genres, prefers character-driven narratives, and enjoys subtle satire. Comparable to the audience of John Green's Looking for Alaska and Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park, they value introspective and emotionally rich stories.

3.9

63,791 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Mikey Mitchell

An 18-year-old high school senior navigating the stresses of impending graduation and personal relationships, while also confronting his obsessive-compulsive disorder and supporting his friends and family.

Mikey's closest friend who is navigating his own journey of self-discovery and independence, often serving as a source of emotional support and insight for Mikey.

Mikey's older sister who contends with academic pressures, their mother's political ambitions, and ongoing recovery from an eating disorder, while also maintaining a protective bond with Mikey.

A close friend of both Mikey and Mel, grappling with family expectations and romantic uncertainties, often engaging openly with the possibilities of her future.

An indie-kid character from a parallel narrative who comically illustrates the contrast between action-driven plots and the everyday experiences of normal teens, highlighting typical genre tropes.

Book Details
Pages

345

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL700L

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