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Editorial Content for I'm From Nowhere

Book

I'm From Nowhere

Contributors

Chris Colon

Reviewer (text)

Chris C., Teen Board member

I'M FROM NOWHERE by Suzanne Myers is an invigorating read that takes the ever-popular new-girl-at-a-new-school story and makes it exponentially more fascinating.From the unique and quirky character names to the hilariously stark contrast between Wren and Honor to the endearing storyline of Wren trying to uncover her father’s identity, I’M FROM NOWHERE is quite spectacular from cover to cover.

Myers is no stranger to refreshing stories laced with mystery set in New England; her debut novel STONE COVE ISLAND centers around an idyllic New England beach town that discovers an old secret about an even older crime while recovering from a devastating hurricane.  Just like in STONE COVE ISLAND, Myers creates a clash between what’s seen on the surface and reality in I’M FROM NOWHERE. The story finds its excitement not in the idea of a new girl in a new school, but in the secrets and struggles she faces there.

I'M FROM NOWHERE follows the story of Wren Verlaine, a high school student at Ventura High School (in California). At the beginning of her sophomore year, Wren is shocked to discover that her mother, Hannah, has received an important reporting assignment in Greenland. She is even more shocked when she is informed that she will soon be attending the prestigious Hardwick Hall back East.

An invigorating read that takes the ever-popular new-girl-at-a-new-school story and makes it exponentially more fascinating.

Upon arriving at this unfamiliar and illustrious boarding school, Wren meets her cold and unresponsive roommate, Honor. Along the way, she meets an ensemble of other students that play crucial roles in her adjustment to her new reality: Nick, a rower; Chazzy, an eccentric musician; and others, too. While struggling to adjust to her new life at Hardwick, Wren begins to unravel the mysterious and complex story about her mother's most well-kept secret: the identity of her father.

The characters were all quite distinct, and I thoroughly enjoyed how they interacted with Wren and introduced her to the world that is Hardwick. Particularly, I had a love-hate relationship with Honor, who nonchalantly pretended that Wren didn't exist. I’M FROM NOWHERE can resonate with anyone because we all have those quirky individuals in our life that we love, we've all had to be the new kid at some point and we've all known what it feels like to be alone in a new place.

Myers' intent with I'M FROM NOWHERE was definitely to provide an enjoyable read in which a character discovers who she truly is; the identity of Wren's father is earth-shattering. Myers is able to expertly accomplish this by familiarizing the audience with Wren's voice and personality and hooking us on to her long journey to self-discovery.

I'M FROM NOWHERE is perfect for all young adult readers. It takes a new spin on a classic story and it does so in a completely relatable fashion. While reading the book, I found myself advising Wren and voicing my opinions as if I were part of the story. I thought was book was excellent because of the story, character development and overall enjoyability.

Teaser


A few weeks into her sophomore year at Ventura High School in California, all that hanging around is about to come to an end for Wren Verlaine. It’s always been just Wren and her mother, Hannah. But when Hannah receives a reporting assignment in Greenland for six months, Wren is shipped off to Hardwick Hall: Hannah’s alma mater back East, which she’s refused to discuss for as long as Wren can remember.

Promo

A few weeks into her sophomore year at Ventura High School in California, all that hanging around is about to come to an end for Wren Verlaine. It’s always been just Wren and her mother, Hannah. But when Hannah receives a reporting assignment in Greenland for six months, Wren is shipped off to Hardwick Hall: Hannah’s alma mater back East, which she’s refused to discuss for as long as Wren can remember.
 

About the Book

A few weeks into her sophomore year at Ventura High School in California, all that hanging around is about to come to an end for Wren Verlaine. It’s always been just Wren and her mother, Hannah. But when Hannah receives a reporting assignment in Greenland for six months, Wren is shipped off to Hardwick Hall: Hannah’s alma mater back East, which she’s refused to discuss for as long as Wren can remember.
 
Wren tries to befriend her suitemate, Honor, but Honor looks right through her as if she isn’t there. At least Wren finds an escape in hanging out with cute rowers, like the adorably crinkly eyed Nick, or in riding horses, which she discovers she loves. She finds her niche in the campus’s underground music scene with Chazzy, a darkly hilarious fellow musician. But soon clues begin appearing about the darkest secret her mother ever kept and the revelation that follows brings Wren and Honor crashing back together, threatening the lives they’ve started to build --- perhaps forever.