Always a bit skeptical when authors try to write from the viewpoint of the opposite sex. I really loved Reinhardt's first book (I've been less enthusiastic about the others--in fact, I disliked Harmless) and was hoping to get back the depth we saw in ...My Impossible Lif. The Things A Brother Knows tries to go deeper but doesn't quite get there. That isn't necessarily a failing. The topics Reinhardt digs into from a 17-year-old boy's perspective (War, how a lifechanging decision affects the family as well as the individual who makes the decision, what it means to take stance) are big topics that can't be fully fleshed out in this YA format. That being said, there were several scenes that did move me to tears, and several times when the dialogue was spot-on perfect and made me laugh out loud (Prime example on pg 116-Pearl has agreed to drive Levi several hours to Poughkeepsie and has played a mix cd (created specifically for a road trip) she made when she was 14. They've been discussing the pros and cons of the road trip. Levi says "Yeah. It has. But if I'm wrong at least you learned your road trip mix sucked the big one." Pearl responds: "True that. Another question, if I may.") These characters--Levi, Pearl and to a lesser extent, Zim--are totally in sync and really enjoyable to learn about. Overall I am still longing for the sense of satisfaction I got from ...My Impossible Life. But who knows--I read that more than a few years ago. Maybe my perspective has changed!

Satisfying and complicated book about a young Jewish man whose brother returns from fighting in Afghanistan. Loved the main character and his two best friends, but particularly liked the way the relationship between the brothers developed over the course of the book.

I am just not sure what to think about this book, the one dimensional characters nor the rushed finish.
I think that the author had grand plans and build up to an emotional finale and resolution for all the characters but it never quite got there.

Excellent book, I'll definitely be looking for others by this author - I'm glad to have discovered her. This novel tackles the difficult issues faced by soldiers returning home from war, a timely and sensitively written work.

This one was really moving. Well-written, well-paced. It reminded me some of Split, in large part because the narrator was the same.

Thought-provoking, a younger brother struggles to connect with his brother who is recently home from 3 years of war as a US Marine. This YA read addresses many issues that young men face in the confusing times of the 21st century.

I read a lot of books. And there are a lot of characters is those books that I wish I could be. This may be the first book in which I've been afraid to finish because I felt like I WAS the main character. Let me explain...

At first glance, Levi Katznelson and I have nothing in common. Levi is a 17 year old jewish boy who is still trying to find his place in the world. I am a thirtysomething year old woman who identifies herself as a christian with a well established identity. The differences end there. We both have a life that has been indirectly turned upside down because of war. See, Levi and I have brothers who have gone to war and returned as someone that is unrecognizable. We've expended an enormous amount of energy trying to figure out just what the hell happened to them.

Levi and I have taken different approaches in our dealings with said brothers. Levi takes an active approach and maybe even a more mature way than I have. I've remained silent in my sadness (I haven't spoken to my brother in almost two years) and I really enjoyed seeing how Levi's situation played out. I almost picked up the phone and called my brother. Almost.

I promise this book is not ALL doom and gloom. There are some laugh out loud parts reminiscent of John Green. I loved hearing the thoughts of a 17/18 year old boy. Always funny! I'm so very thankful Gayle Forman put this book on her list of recommended reads. I would have never found this book without her help.

A final note: There are some very strong political statements in this book, all of which I completely agree with. Be warned, however, that you may be offended if you have sensitive feelings about the ongoing war in the Middle East. Even so, read this book.

This is a book I've grown to like more and more the longer I sit with it and think about it once I finished. I think this could be a really important story for students who have parents or siblings serving our country.

Illustrated Review

Audiobook.