'The Nature of Jade' by Deb Caletti is a young adult novel that follows the story of Jade, a teenage girl struggling with anxiety. Set in Seattle, the book explores Jade's journey as she navigates her anxiety, her relationships, and her love for animals, particularly elephants. The writing style of Deb Caletti is described as authentic and relatable, with witty and fun characters that readers can easily connect with. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, romance, and facing one's fears, all while incorporating unique elements such as a zoo's elephant livestream and the blurring lines between humans and animals.

Characters:

The main characters, Jade and Sebastian, are well-developed, with Jade's struggles with anxiety being central to her character.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is relatable, introspective, and characterized by unique comparisons that provide depth to the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Jade's personal connections, her struggles with anxiety, and her relationship with Sebastian, which brings significant change.

Setting:

The setting is primarily urban Seattle, with a significant focus on the zoo, which plays a key role in the story.

Pacing:

Pacing is initially slow, requiring patience before the story picks up and becomes engaging.

Thanks as well to the superb folks and my happy family at Simon & Schuster, particularly Jennifer Zatorski, Jodie Cohen (woman of a thousand shoes), and Kimberly Lauber. Appreciation, too, to U.K. Sch...

Notes:

The main character, Jade, struggles with anxiety and panic disorder.

Jade's connection with her friends and family is a significant theme in the story.

The love interest, Sebastian, brings lightness to Jade's life and helps her cope with her illness.

The book explores comparisons between animals, particularly elephants, and humans.

The story is set in Seattle, featuring locations like the Woodland Park Zoo and houseboats.

Many readers relate to Jade's experiences, especially those who also suffer from anxiety.

The writing style is described as relatable and authentic, resonating with young adult readers.

Some readers found the pacing slow in the beginning but appreciated the story's eventual development.

The book touches on themes of love, family problems, and personal growth.

The relationship dynamics in the book are highlighted as refreshing and different from typical teen romances.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include mental health issues, specifically anxiety and panic disorders.

Has Romance?

The book includes a medium level of romance, focusing on the developing relationship between Jade and Sebastian.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

A girl grappling with Panic Disorder finds comfort-and love-with a boy who is hiding a terrible secret in this poignant and romantic novel from Printz Honor medal winner and National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti.

Jade DeLuna is too young to die. She knows this, and yet she can't quite believe it, especially when the terrifying thoughts, loss of breath, and dizzy feelings come. Since being diagnosed with Panic Disorder, she's trying her best to stay calm, and visiting the elephants at the nearby zoo seems to help. That's why Jade keeps the live zoo webcam on in her room, and that's where she first sees the boy in the red jacket. A boy who stops to watch the elephants. A boy carrying a baby.

His name is Sebastian, and he is raising his son alone. Jade is drawn into Sebastian's cozy life with his son and his activist grandmother on their Seattle houseboat, and before she knows it, she's in love.

Jade knows the situation is beyond complicated, but she hasn't felt this safe in a long time. And she owes it to Sebastian, her boy with the great heart. Her boy who is hiding a terrible secret. A secret that will force Jade to decide between what is right, and what feels right…

Reader Stats (2):

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About the Author:

Deb Caletti is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of over sixteen books for adults and young adults, including Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, a finalist for the National Book Award; A Heart in a Body in the World, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book; Girl, Unframed; and One Great Lie. Her books have also won the Josette Frank Award for Fiction, the Washington State Book Award, and numerous other state awards and honors, and she was a finalist for the PEN USA Award. She lives with her family in Seattle.

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The Nature of Jade

Deb Caletti