Plot Summary

Where Things Come Back

John Corey Whaley
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Where Things Come Back

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

Book Brief

John Corey Whaley

Where Things Come Back

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lily, Arkansas • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

960L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.0

21,684 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Where Things Come Back?

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.

4.0

21,684 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lily, Arkansas • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

960L

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