The Lover’s Dictionary
Author: David Levithan
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Want to learn a whole bunch of new and interesting words, and also read a great story at the same time? If your answer is yes, you will definitely enjoy THE LOVER’S DICTIONARY by David Levithan.
An extremely short and quick read, THE LOVER’S DICTIONARY explores a relationship between two people. Simple idea, yes? However, what makes this book unique is that the story is told entirely in dictionary form. Each page is a different word that somehow connects to the passage and shapes into a story of a two-year relationship.
dumbfounded, adj.
And still, for all the jealously, all the doubt, sometimes I will be struck with a kind of awe that we’re together. That someone like me could find someone like you-it renders me wordless. Because surely words would conspire against such luck, would protest the unlikelihood of such a turn of events.
One thing I loved about this book was how it jumped in time. The book didn’t start with the couple meeting. The story wasn’t told chronologically. It was told in bits and pieces- through memories and flashbacks. This approach certainly kept me engaged and forced me to put pieces of the relationship together myself. Plus, relationships, love and life are messy. They aren’t neat and tidy and all tied up with a bow. I like how THE LOVER’S DICTIONARY accurately reflected real life relationships. To be honest, this book reminds me a bit of the way the movie 500 Days Of Summer is told (love that movie- and loved this book!).
Something else that kept my attention while reading this book? The fact that we never learn the names of the two main characters, or even their gender. We don’t even get a physical description. But somehow, these two nameless and faceless characters meant so much to me- and I cared so much for how their relationship played out. This approach worked especially well in THE LOVER’S DICTIONARY.
This is the kind of book you can read again and again. Perfect for a rainy day, or a day when you’re feeling particularly romantic/depressed/happy. This book covers an array of emotions. Because of the way the story is told, you can basically flip to any page and get lost in the story from wherever you decide to pick it up.
The story was told so beautifully. It’s almost strange to say, but even though the entire novel was clearly told in fragments and definitions, the story flowed extremely well. Almost poetic, Levithan’s writing completely blew me away (this is the first novel I’ve read by him AND the first male author I’ve ever reviewed on this blog…crazy, I know). I’ll definitely be picking up more of Levithan’s work in the near future.
5/5
I just borrowed this book for my Nook. I think almost every single review I’ve read has been 5 STARS! I can’t wait to read it! I think it looks so cute. I hope that the page layout and everything shows up right on my Nook. I know that’s part of the beauty of it!
I just got into David Levithan at the end of last year. I really enjoy his writing, and I LOVED 500 Days of Summer, so I’m betting I’ll love this book. I’ll have to pick it up.
I still need to read this! David Levithan read quite a large section at his signing and it made me want to read it that instant. I love how the gender of the couple is never mentioned – truly showing that love knows no bounds. Great review!
I really loved this book too. Such a fresh take on story telling. I loved that it was non-linear. I loved that it wasn’t all happiness and sunshine. I loved that it was so generic it could be about any two lovers out there. It was just a great book.
I absolutely loved this book! I was fortunate enough to go to a signing of David’s in January and he is amazing! I definitely recommend all of his books, I’ve read all of them but two!
Oh and I of course recommended The Lover’s Dictionary on my blog! http://www.imperfectionisthenewpink.com/2011/01/book-review-lovers-dictionary-by-david.html
@Tameka, So jealous you went to one of his signings! I would LOVE that!
Great review! I really want to read this since I’ve loved David Levithan’s YA books.
This is one I really want to read! I’ve read two books by Levithan and absolutely loved his writing. I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading more from him – and after your great review, I’ll have to make sure to read this one soon. I love stories that aren’t told chronologically.