Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe

Very engaging YA novel with a memorable narrator and numerous interesting secondary characters. I can already see the movie version (although they probably will make Cliff more handsome than he is supposed to be in the book). Suffers a little bit from the John Green syndrome (do teenagers really speak with such articulate wit?) but its well-intentioned messages about kindness and acceptance are enough to overcome the artifice. I'm surprised to say this, as a die-hard romance lover, but the most interesting relationships in the story are the friendships that develop between Cliff and the classmates he formerly hated or kept at a distance, and the changing dynamic among Cliff, his abusive father and his passive mother.

Debut author Preston Norton impressively nails the right balance of humor, drama, comedy and tragedy. I hope he has more stories like this to tell.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
Honestly.... I'm blown away right now.

I requested this book, but by the time it came for me to read I was uneasy about reading it. I'm so glad I bit the bullet because I blew through this book and laughed my ass off at some points.

At first, the book was difficult for me to read because Cliff is going through such a rough patch in his life. His brother committed suicide, people at school make fun of him constantly, he has no friends, and his dad beats him when he isn't happy. Life sucks. When Aaron comes out of his coma, the book picks up. Cliff grows into himself, gains friends, and finds a purpose in life. Of course, the purpose isn't easy and they make mistakes along the way. I'm glad they made mistakes, by the way, it made them seem more realistic. Who knows how to make a bully stop bullying or a drug dealer find a better path in life? It takes some time to figure out.

Aaron and Cliff are a hoot. I should have highlighted the part because I can't remember it now, but I laughed and laughed and laughed. Wow, I needed that laugh. I almost cried. The boys grew on me. They aren't perfect– no one is, but they have their quirks and traits which I could connect with.

Through working on this list, some pretty big issues come to light and are talked out as well. These issues, such as living with epilepsy, lgbt rights, drug addiction, and bullying, aren't always the main focus and might not be dealt with in a complete manner. Perhaps, the conclusions were too easy or not talked too much about.

I love this book. LOVE THIS BOOK. I'm going to recommending this book to everyone. Please go read it. It is so amazing.