Book Thoughts: When We Collided by Emery Lord

““What I’m saying is that you should listen - really listen - to the slosh of the waves and the distant call of the Pacific Birds. You should feel a boy’s pulse against your cheek; you should fill your lungs with ocean air. While you can, I mean.””

In When We Collided, Lord constructs a perfect tale of love, without the novel being your stereotypical 'love story.' The narration switches between the two perspectives of the main characters: Jonah and Vivi. Vivi is one of the most vibrant characters I've ever read; her excitement bleeds off the page, reminiscent of the splattered paint that decorates the cover of the book. Jonah, on the other hand, reminds me of a rock in the middle of an ocean; he's worn down, but still stands (he also reminds me of Julian Blackthorn from Cassandra Clare's Lady Midnight, if you've read it). 

When We Collided is one of those books that is character driven, in the sense that both Jonah and Vivi's backstories propel the plot, but you only find more about them as the story goes on. Their lives are almost like a tapestry, falling apart, piece by piece, as the story unravels.

The story pleasantly lacks the formulaic plot that most contemporaries have, making the story that much more intriguing. Lord truly delivers both a heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale of love, honesty, grief, and mental illness. 

It's almost impossible to talk about the book without giving too much away, but When We Collided is such an appropriate title, as it shows the collision between the quiet strength of a boy and a rollercoaster of a girl, and how a collision has the chance to change two lives forever. 

This book is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, fun read, but be careful: you might have to wipe some tears off along the way.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publisher: Bloomsbury