If you love books and bookstores and all that they both entail, then this wonderful new YA novel is for you! Gayle Forman’s We Are Inevitable follows the journey of Aaron, whose love of stories stemmed from his family’s bookstore. As the novel opens, however, he finds himself no longer in love with books when faced with the challenges of owning and operating the bookstore itself. The story continues describing the hardships and rewards of running a small business.
I loved the way Gayle Forman wove literary references and bookish culture into her work. Here is one quote that stuck with me: “‘Are all the answers to all life’s questions in books?’ ‘Of course,’ he says. ‘That’s what makes them miracles.’” I couldn’t agree more! Or as Aaron puts it towards the end of the novel, “I continue reading, remembering why I used to love books. Because they show us, in so many words, and so many worlds, that we are not alone.” Book lovers will surely concur. I highly recommend We Are Inevitable for YA fans and voracious readers of all ages!