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Love Is the Higher Law

Book Summary

Reviewed by Debra Bogart

Three teens in New York City  witness and later bond over the tragedy of 9/11. One high school girl, a gay high school boy, and a young gay college student who have crossed paths before the Twin Towers are destroyed on 9/11 find they have more in common as they try to reconcile the tragedy and its impact on their daily lives. Rushing to donate blood and aching to help and then finding group solace in attending memorial concerts, these teens find themselves growing up overnight with a little help from their friends. Peter and Jasper go on their first date days later, but their romance is over before it starts as Jasper tries to reconcile his despair over the incident. 

Is It Any Good?

5

Written in first person by each character in alternating chapters, Levithan has crafted a beautiful story of hope.The incident is brought vividly to life for those too young to clearly remember the day, and for those who witnessed it from outside of New York City. References to and quotes from songs the teens love and listen to, including "Love Is the Higher Law," help convey the emotions of the teens and create an immediate bridge for teen readers unfamiliar with that historical day.  It's hard to imagine a more evocative or compelling version of this event. Understanding what it was like to live through that day and its aftermath will help readers comprehend American life today.

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