Title: Why We Came to the City Author: Kristopher Jansma
Links: Bookshop (affiliate link) |Goodreads
Rating:
Summary: This book was so perfect – the writing, the author’s ability to capture the feel of being a young professional, but mostly the writing.
I’m tempted to skip describing the plot, because it’s really beside the point. I’d read a grocery list if Kristopher Jansma wrote it, that’s how much I loved his writing. Here we go though… This was a story that’s what I wish the New Adult genre had become. Four college friends and an acquaintance who has re-entered their lives have all moved to New York City and share a New Year’s Eve celebration together. “Amid cheerful revelry and free-flowing champagne, the friends toast themselves and the new year ahead—a year that holds many surprises in store. They must navigate ever-shifting relationships with the city and with one another, determined to push onward in pursuit of their precarious dreams. And when a devastating blow brings their momentum to a halt, the group is forced to reexamine their aspirations and chart new paths through unexpected losses.” (Source)
The writing in this book was so beautiful. It spoke to me, resonated with me, made me want to read it out loud to savor every sentence. I loved the cadence of the sentences and I loved how so many of them expressed things I couldn’t put into words, but that perfectly described things I’ve felt before. It was sublime. As with Anthony Marra, I feel as though the author’s skill is beyond me to describe. If I could tell you precisely why this writing was so perfect, I could write with something much closer to the author’s own inspiring skill.
I know I said the plot wasn’t important, but that’s only because the writing was so amazing. The plot was also very good. It was like a coming of age story for every character, as together, they struggled to find their place in the world. Nothing that happened was unrealistic and the author brought every moment vividly to life. What the fantastic writing accomplished for me was to add a feeling of significance to these little moments.
I wish I could better express how much I loved this book, but all I can do instead, is suggest – no, insist – that you read it for yourselves. I’ve definitely discovered a new favorite author.
Deepika Ramesh
I prefer to read a book for its writing to the plot. So, looks like I will like this book. Thank you for writing about it. And, I love the cover too. 🙂
DoingDewey
It is a great cover! If you’re after good writing, I’d definitely suggest picking this up. I hope you love it as much as I did 🙂
Vicki
Great review! I love your enthusiasm for this book!
DoingDewey
Thanks! I’m recommending this to people already, but I love it so much, I not only want everyone else to read it, I’m also nervous about whether or not other people will love it like I did! I hope so 🙂
Naomi
This is the guy who wrote The Unchangeable Spots of Leopards, I think. And I still haven’t read that one! I’m glad to hear he’s written another winner!
tanya (52 books or bust)
This one is so different from Unchangeable Spots. I liked both but this one will have braoder appeal.
DoingDewey
That’s right! And the good news is, I haven’t read his first book yet, which means I still get to read it for the first time. I can’t wait 🙂
susan
Yes I had this one on my TBR list before this review but now I’m even more encouraged. Thanks so much!
DoingDewey
Wonderful! I hope you love it as much as I did 🙂
Jennine G
Oh you really can’t beat good writing. It takes everything so much further than just plot line.
DoingDewey
It’s true! Sometimes I just want a fast plot, but I’m often more excited about good writing.
Julianne - Outlandish Lit
You should read his first book!! It’s one of the books that got me into contemporary literature and book blogging
DoingDewey
I really must! I loved this one so much, I can’t believe I haven’t read his first book already.
tanya (52 books or bust)
I’m almost halfway through, and I agree, it’s perfect. I just love it and can’t put it down. It’s not because of the story, but i do like the story. It’s the writing.
DoingDewey
Exactly! It’s not that it’s not a good story, it’s just that the writing is where it’s at 🙂