Where Things Come Back
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011
256
Novel • Fiction
Lily, Arkansas • 2010s
2011
YA
14-18 years
960L
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley follows high school senior Cullen Witter in the small town of Lily, Arkansas, as he grapples with his brother Gabriel's sudden disappearance amidst the commotion over a supposedly extinct woodpecker's reappearance. Parallel narratives include missionary Benton Sage's crisis of faith and events that interconnect with Lily, ultimately leading to revelations about Gabriel's fate and deeper reflections on loss and belief. The book addresses themes of suicide, grief, and mental health anguish.
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Emotional
21,684 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley is a compelling YA novel praised for its innovative narrative structure and well-developed characters. Many reviewers highlight its emotional depth and Whaley's adept blending of realism and mystery. However, some critics feel the pacing can be uneven, and the plot's complexity may be challenging for younger readers.
Readers who enjoy introspective young adult fiction with a blend of mystery and coming-of-age themes, such as John Green’s Looking for Alaska or David Levithan’s Every Day, will appreciate John Corey Whaley’s Where Things Come Back. The novel’s exploration of grief, small-town life, and self-discovery resonates with fans of deep and thought-provoking narratives.
21,684 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Lily, Arkansas • 2010s
2011
YA
14-18 years
960L
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