Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta [Review]

4.5 out of 5 Robots!

   

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Release:  August 26, 2008

Hardcover: 419 Pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

My Copy: Purchased

Reviewer: Shannon

Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:
Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham 17, finally confronts her past. Hannah, the closest adult she has to family, disappears. Jonah Griggs, moody stares and all, is back in town. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

 
Shannon's Thoughts:

On the surface, this book is about a territory war during the summer between the Jellicoe School students, the "Townies" and the visiting Cadets.  Beneath that is the story of Taylor Markham and her tragic past.  And under that is the story of some of the adults in Taylor's life.  And still further under that is the story of a group of friends brought together after a tragic car accident.

Jellicoe Road unfolds slowly. This is not a book to rush through. The beginning takes some time to settle into - it is definitely a "stick with it" type book. But you are infinitely rewarded once you reach the end. Each layer is meticulously peeled back and we further understand how everything is connected. And it IS all connected in a beautiful, tragic way. My heart was breaking for Taylor and Jonah and for the kids that came before them. 

Jellicoe Road is a must read for any one who loves contemporary/realistic YA.