"Jo Knowles"
Dear Jo,
After reading your amazing YA novel Jumping off Swings, I wanted to jump off my couch, grab my laptop, and write you. Unfortunately, my diva feline, Angel, had other ideas. He refused to give up his cuddle spot (my stomach for maximum cushy needing) and held me hostage. He's 10 lbs of fluff and the undisputed alpha in my household.
Now that I'm pet free (though not pet hair free- it's the bane of my life), I can finally thank you for writing the aptly titled Jumping off Swings. In it, four teenagers leap from childhood to adulthood to cope with the heartbreaking aftermath of a reckless decision. This complex novel delves into the influences and pressures of friends and family. It is the antidote to the pithy, cringe-worthy maxim all teenagers hear and loathe: "Cheer up- these are the best years of your life".
Your four characters, Ellie, Caleb, Josh, and Corrinne, were relatable and sympathetic. Their voices were so distinct that I knew who'd picked up the narrative within the first two sentences of every chapter. Beautiful, damaged Ellie broke my heart. Her need to be loved made me want to wrap her in a snuggie and feed her pasta. Corrinne's strength, compassion, and loyalty made her one of the best friends I've ever met in a book. Who else would risk suspension on the last day of school to turn the word SLUT, scratched on Ellie's locker, into an acrostic poem that made me cry. (Actually a lot did... this is definitely a tissue box book)
Your male characters were just as original and real. Hopeless romantic, Caleb, is the perfect match for one of the girls. I won't give away his ultimate love, but suffice it to say, I want a wedding invite. Josh was the only character I felt like slapping. His unwillingness to rise above the low bar set by his "friends" and do the right thing was maddening. But you unravelled the family history that influenced him and made me like him most of all. His final, explosive realization and action put me firmly on Team Josh.
I'm am now on Team Jo Knowles as well! You tackle hard-hitting issues with a raw and realistic approach. Your writing is emotional without being overly sentimental or phony. Your novel is a mirror held up to teenage life. It is truth serum. You are the female John Green (which is the ultimate compliment from me). Then again, after reading Jumping off Swings, perhaps I should call John Green the male Jo Knowles!
Thank you for sharing this moving story that made me realize that if life is a box of chocolates, they'd all be bittersweet.
Best,
Karen Rock
