Bone Gap
Ruby, L. (2016). Bone gap. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.
I have to say, Bone Gap is one of my latest favorite books! It's been out a while, but since I've been working on my master's degree, if it isn't part of a required assignment, I'm probably not going to read it. (Insert crying emoji here). But something about this book called to me and I felt compelled to read it back during the summer. I. LOVED. IT!! In a time when YA books often tend to seem like copies of one another, Bone Gap is fresh and unique. The characters are all carrying different baggage- Sean is burdened with caring for his odd younger brother, Finn, who is a dreamer and just "different" in a way most people can't put their finger on. Roza is the woman who just appears and seamlessly fills in the gap that Sean and Finn's mother left in their lives right up until she mysteriously disappears. Petey is the daughter of a single mom/beekeeper and the girl no one notices because she is not pretty but who possesses an inner strength that so few have as well as a knack for working with the bees. Even Petey's mom, a minor character, is interesting and adds depth to the story.
Bone Gap is a heartfelt, intriguing tale of mystery, fantasy, and realism all woven together to create a story that leaves you thinking about it long after it's over. When Roza appears at the O'Sullivan brother's house out of nowhere one day, she weaves her way into their hearts, then, just as suddenly, she disappears and only Finn is witness to her disappearance. No one takes Finn seriously because he has always been a dreamer who's head is elsewhere most of the time, so he makes it his mission to prove to everyone by solving the mystery that he isn't as flighty as they all believe him to be. Love plays a major role in Bone Gap as well-- true, unconditional love that touches you to the core and makes you believe that in a world where people are often hardened and cynical, that there really is such a thing.
I think for anyone who as ever felt left out or different for any reason, Bone Gap is a terrific story to read and even if you haven't experienced those things, it is just simply a wonderfully captivating story. Also, for some interesting backstory from the author herself, go on over to The Nerdy Book Club where Ms. Ruby talks about herself as an adolescent and how that played a role in the development of character in Bone Gap.
