Tags
Bullying, Deaf culture, Eating disorders, Graffiti Artists, LGBTQ Families, Relationships, YA Fiction
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
304 Pages
Synopsis: When Julia finds a slur about her best friend scrawled across the back of the Kingston School For the Deaf, she covers it up with a beautiful (albeit illegal) graffiti mural.
Her supposed best friend snitches, the principal expels her, and her two mothers set Julia up with a one-way ticket to a “mainstream” school in the suburbs, where she’s treated like an outcast as the only deaf student. The last thing she has left is her art, and not even Banksy himself could convince her to give that up.
Out in the ‘burbs, Julia paints anywhere she can, eager to claim some turf of her own. But Julia soon learns that she might not be the only vandal in town. Someone is adding to her tags, making them better, showing off–and showing Julia up in the process. She expected her art might get painted over by cops. But she never imagined getting dragged into a full-blown graffiti war.
Told with wit and grit by debut author Whitney Gardner, who also provides gorgeous interior illustrations of Julia’s graffiti tags, You’re Welcome, Universe introduces audiences to a one-of-a-kind protagonist who is unabashedly herself no matter what life throws in her way.
After reading You’re Welcome, Universe the first word that popped into my head was “Wow!” I started this at 9 p.m. last night and couldn’t put it down until I reached the last page around midnight. The story is told from the first person POV of Julia who is deaf, Indian, and has two moms. So yes, this book is extremely diverse. I know we’re still in the early part of 2017, but I already know Julia is going on my top ten list of favorite fictional characters for this year. She’s confident in who she is and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. She’s sarcastically funny and downright blunt at times, which I absolutely loved. Because she was hurt badly by her former best friend, she has some serious trust issues which makes her eventual friendship with a girl who she nicknames “YP” even more touching. Both girls have been the victims of betrayal so their relationship is rocky and slowly develops throughout the course of the story. While the deaf culture is thoroughly explored in this book, it’s not the only theme. There’s also: bullying, body image, racism, eating disorders, and “slut shaming”. These are all blended into the story in a very realistic way, and I was impressed that the author managed to balance all of these successfully in a just over 300 page book. But what’s really at the heart of this book is Julia’s graffiti, and how it helps her cope with the stresses in her life. As the premise states, the Julia’s graffiti tags are very much a part of her story. The black and white illustrations literally leap off the page and fit in perfectly with the narrative. In my opinion Whitney Gardner is a refreshing and vibrant new voice in YA fiction. You’re Welcome, Universe is an incredible debut and one that I can’t recommend highly enough for teens and adults. It’s touching and full of humor, and Julia isn’t a character you’ll forget anytime soon!
vinnieh said:
I love the sound of this character. I really admire people who don’t give a damn what others think, good on them for having that attitude.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I am so happy right now book-wise Vinnie! Lifeblood (which I reviewed yesterday) and this book were both outstanding reads!😊
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vinnieh said:
I love it when everything is going well on the book or movie front. It’s that extra buzz that you can’t deny.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh! And I meant to say I really do think you’d love Julia Vinnie. Actually I think you’d really enjoy the book even though it’s YA. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a film adaptation in the near future.
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vinnieh said:
She sounds like a cool girl.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Definitely!
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vinnieh said:
I like my cool girls.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know! I think you’d like Ten from the book I reviewed yesterday too. She’s very warrior princess!
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vinnieh said:
Warrior princess, I’ll bookmark that.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome! You know how I love to hear your thoughts.
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vinnieh said:
As I like to hear your thoughts too.
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Jay said:
Another excellent recommendation!
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Birdie said:
i’m so excited to get my hands on a copy of this. It looks so good.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I really can’t express how much I LOVED this book Birdie!💁🏻
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Felicia Denise said:
I can tell you liked this one a little! 😄😄😄
Sounds like an awesome read. Adding it to my print wishlist…that’s the one my kids shop from…and I have a birthday coming up! LOL!
Great review, Kim!
*Can’t believe she has me WANTING to read YA again!* 😏😏
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Ha! I was thinking of you Felicia after finishing this book because I know you’ve gotten a little bored with the same old, same old YA tropes. You wanting to try this just made my day! *Happy Dancing!*🤗
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Felicia Denise said:
You’re just too happy with yourself! ROFL! 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Indeed I am! And if you wind up hating it (which I don’t think you will), I will accept full responsibility my friend!💁🏻
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LizScanlon said:
Love your review, this book sounds fantastic what with diversity, great main character and graffiti!! Love the cover as well…
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Liz! This story really breaks away from the pack!💁🏻
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YAandWine said:
This book is really high on my to read list! You’re review is getting me even more excited. I love that cover too! 💖💖💖
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The cover! The illustrations! The story! I just know you’re going to love this Krysti! I can’t wait to see what wine you’d pair with this!🤗
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projectedlibrarian said:
I love the sound of this book. It has all the “teenage angst” stuff you could want (such as the ex-best friend scenario), but it seems like it’s pulling all of it together really well, in order to be a stand-out YA novel, instead of just another cliché. I look forward to reading it!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is definitely not your typical YA novel. I’d put it in the same category as far as unforgettable characters and sheer inventiveness, as Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, by Albertalli, and Everything, Everything, by Yoon.💁🏻
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projectedlibrarian said:
Someone else was just telling me how much they loved Everything, Everything! I need to resd that too, apparently lol
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You definitely should!😊💁🏻
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Eve Messenger said:
I love the title, the cover, AND your review. I’m so intrigued to read this now. Must check out NetGalley and see if this is still available.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aww! Thank you so much! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!😊
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Diana said:
This sounds like a wonderful read. Apart from the diversity, the different themes and MC also sound pretty interesting. Thanks for the recommendation. Definitely adding this one to my TBR.
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beetleypete said:
Another five-star review, Kim. You are getting some good ones lately!
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I have been quite lucky lately Pete.💁🏻
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Lekeisha The Booknerd said:
I believe this is already on my list. If not, it is definitely getting put on there now. Just the sound of this one makes me want to dive in. Awesome review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lekeisha! You need to read this ASAP!😁
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Carrie said:
Sounds interesting, don’t remember seeing it on Netgalley. Of course I’ve been trying to submit reviews with my eyes closed on there so I don’t see things until I get some off my list. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s still available if you’re interested Carrie.💁🏻
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Carrie said:
I think I’ll just add it to my library watch list. I really would like to get my Netgalley down more and that doesn’t seem to happen.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
May the Force Be With You!😁
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Wow this book is jam packed with diversity, isn’t it? The story sounds really good!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It is, but it’s done in such away that it’s not over the top.😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Ah great!!
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Chrissy said:
Do you review poetry book?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Hi Chrissy! I’ve never actually reviewed poetry before, but I be game to try it. I do enjoy your poems!💁🏻
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Chrissy said:
Thank you, good to know! 🙏🏼💜
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Sounds really good, full of diversity. Are they pushing it with the diversity or is it well done?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s really well done! 💁🏻
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lostartofreadingblog said:
Very cool
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Jen said:
This book sounds amazing and I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much! Fabulous review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Jen. I can’t recommend this enough!
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
Glad to see how much you loved it through your review! The main character honestly sounds unforgettable and the book seems to tackle so many themes with a pro-diversity cast too. Pretty cool!
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is a really fantastic book, and given that there are so many film adaptations being made of popular YA fiction right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if this one is turned into a movie as well.
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