Title: Infinite in Between
Author: Carolyn Mackler
First published September 1, 2015
480 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061731075 (ISBN10: 0061731072)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
They were five strangers who made a pact on the first day of high school. They wrote letters to their future selves and agreed to open them on graduation day.
Little did they know, the next four years would be filled with unexpected twists and turns. Gregor’s world is turned upside down by a tragedy that leaves him desperately in love with Whitney.
Zoe is trying to escape her past, her secrets, and her famous mother. Jake is struggling to come to terms with his feelings for his best friend Ted.
Whitney may seem perfect, but she’s hiding secrets of her own. And Mia is silently observing them all, waiting for her moment to speak up.
Follow their unforgettable journey through high school as they navigate through love, loss, and everything in between. Carolyn Mackler’s latest novel is a heartwarming, humorous, and honest portrayal of teenage life in the twenty-first century.
About the Author
Meet Carolyn Mackler, an accomplished author of teen novels that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Her impressive list of works includes The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, which earned her a Michael L.
Printz Honor Book recognition, as well as Infinite in Between, Tangled, Guyaholic, Vegan Virgin Valentine, and Love and Other Four-Letter Words. Carolyn’s collaboration with bestselling author Jay Asher, The Future of Us, also received rave reviews and became a bestseller.
Aside from writing for teens, Carolyn also penned a novel for younger readers called Best Friend Next Door. Her works have been published in over twenty countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Denmark, Israel, and Indonesia.
Currently residing in New York City, Carolyn finds joy in spending time with her husband and two sons. Fans of her work can look forward to her upcoming novel, The Universe is Expanding and So Am I, a sequel to the Printz-honor winning novel, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, set to be released in May 2018.
Editoral Review
Infinite in Between by Carolyn Mackler is a young adult novel that was first published on September 1, 2015. Mackler is a renowned author, whose books have won several awards and have been translated into over a dozen languages.
The novel, Infinite in Between, belongs to the coming-of-age genre and deals with themes such as identity, friendship, love, and loss. The story revolves around five high school students, each from different paths of life.
The author takes a unique approach by telling the story through multiple perspectives, which showcases each character’s personality, background, and struggles. The main characters are Zoe, a theater geek, Jake, a jock, Mia, a musician, Gregor, an academic, and Whitney, a new student.
The story begins when they all meet on the first day of high school, and it follows their journey through their four years. Each year, the characters face their share of challenges, whether it be family problems, romantic complications, or secrets, which ultimately make them stronger as individuals.
One of the strong points of the novel is Mackler’s ability to depict the emotions and growth of the characters realistically. Each character is relatable in their own way, and readers can’t help but feel invested in their stories.
The author also addresses various social issues such as sexuality, parental pressure, and mental health. The portrayal of these issues is tasteful, and the author does not shy away from exploring the complexities of each issue.
The pacing of the book was well balanced, and the different perspectives kept the story engaging. The writing style is simple and accessible, which makes it easy for the reader to connect with the story.
The setting is contemporary, and the author does an excellent job at painting a picture of what it’s like to be a high school student in today’s society. However, the book may suffer from some cliches, which is expected from a coming-of-age novel.
Some of the storylines felt predictable and could have been more nuanced. Additionally, the conflicts between some of the characters felt contrived, which detracted from the authenticity of the story.
Despite these minor flaws, Infinite in Between is a highly recommended read for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories. The author’s ability to develop the characters and their relationships in a compelling and realistic manner is impressive.
The themes presented are relevant and thought-provoking, and they are handled with sensitivity and empathy. The book is rated 4 out of 5 for its strong writing, engaging plot, and thoughtful portrayal of complex issues.