Nowhere Near You
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Nowhere Near You tells the story of two boys with unusual health issues who become pen pals. In this sequel to Leah Thomas' Because You'll Never Meet Me, Ollie and Mortiz are taking risks and moving forward with their lives after learning some startling things about their early years. This novel is similar in structure to the first book, with the added interest of Ollie and Mortiz meeting a few kids who have similar issues and pasts to theirs. Nowhere Near You will make a lot more sense if you've already read Because You'll Never Meet Me. Like the first book, the story is told in letters between the two boys and the other kids like them. Themes of friendship, growing up, loss, and empathy figure largely in the book. The romance angle is mostly tame, but there is one sexual encounter that isn't described graphically. Characters swear a little, with the word "fluff" often standing in for "f--k."
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
NOWHERE NEAR YOU is a novel of letters between kids who have unusual physical conditions. This sequel to Because You'll Never Meet Me finds American Ollie Paulot and German Moritz Farber still trading letters, supporting each other, and sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears. Even though they both still struggle with their congenital health issues, Ollie and Moritz are pushing themselves to be less isolated. Ollie leaves the Michigan woods on a trip with his doctor, and Moritz starts a new school. The boys meet other kids from their childhoods who have unusual disorders and powers. While this makes them feel less alone, it also opens their eyes to the serious health risks they may be facing. It doesn't help that their doctor is clearly holding some secrets that Ollie works hard to tease out of him. Ollie and Moritz mature dramatically in this sequel, experiencing the ups and downs of putting your heart on the line -- in romance and in friendship. They also learn that everyone has their struggles and problems, not just those with obvious outward illnesses or deformities The book highlights the importance of friendship, empathy, and pushing yourself to experience new things, no matter how scary it might be.
Is It Any Good?
In this charming story told in letters, two lonely pen pals push themselves to face their fears and engage in the world. Nowhere Near You picks up where Because You'll Never Meet Me leaves off: Ollie and Moritz are reeling from losses and the discovery of dark secrets about their early years. However, they're no longer letting their isolation control their lives. They take risks and learn how to move forward. Like the first book, this story moves slowly and stalls out in sections. The boys' doctor has some secrets, which is supposed to build tension, but few hints are dropped, and it ends up being more irritating than intriguing.
The boys meet kids who share their unusual background. The new characters add a lot to the story, in that they teach Ollie and Moritz compassion and empathy. In their letters, the differences between the characters leaps off the page. Ollie's still funny, energetic, and outgoing, while Moritz is formal, withdrawn, and dramatic. Their rapport and love for each other is touching. Many of the book's themes -- coming of age, friendship, empathy, loss, isolation, love -- will give readers lots to discuss and think about.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way Nowhere Near You deals with conveniences many of us take for granted. For example, Ollie can't be near anything electric and Moritz can't read anything on a screen. What would your life be like if you had to give up computers or social media?
Ollie and Moritz are opposites in every way, but they have a deep connection. Do you have friends like that? Do you think different perspectives make friendships more interesting?
Do you have a way you like to express yourself, such as writing, drawing, building things, or sports? What about that activity helps you?
Book Details
- Author: Leah Thomas
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Publication date: February 7, 2017
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 16, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Because You'll Never Meet Me
Sweet friendship tale of isolated teen boy pen pals.
-
The Scar Boys
Witty tale of a bullied teen boy saved by rock 'n' roll.
-
Never Let Me Go
Gripping sci-fi paints teens' bleak, unforgettable world.
-
Bone Gap
Beautiful tale of missing girl explores magic, love, loss.
For kids who love coming-of-age and friendship stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate