The Way He Lived

by Emily Wing Smith

Book Overview

A new edition of the raw and heartbreaking YA debut about one gay teen's sacrifice and the community that can't come to terms with the way he lived. Sixteen-year-old Joel Espen died of thirst and heat exhaustion while on a hike in the Grand Canyon. He collapsed in a desperate attempt to get water for his friend. In the aftermath, everyone said was the strongest, bravest, and kindest young man anyone knew. But nobody really knew him. The novel tells...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399187227
• ISBN13: 9780399187223
• Release Date: March 2016
• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

An Amazing Book...

Joel died living the way that he lived. He gave away his water on a hike, in order to save the lives of his friends. Six teens are left to find out who Joel was and how much he mattered to each person. His two sisters, Tabbatha and Clair are able to show how they see their family without Joel. Their mom locks herself away from the world and their dad has thrown himself into his work. His debate partner Alden and his best friend Miles are not sure what to think of Joel's death and are slowly trying to get over the tradegy that happened. Norah is trying to get over her confusing crush on Joel. Lissa is trying to move on from not Joel, but her boyfriend Miles and deal with Joel's death. The impact that Joel had on each person is unique and displays how many different dimensions a person has. The characters seemed as real as people that I know. Their personality shine through like a light. This book is unlike anything that I have read. Smith creates a one of a kind tale. Smith is an amazing writer and created such a great story of six teens that are trying to find themselves in such a great tradegy. Smith is an amazing writer. She created a fantastic setting and set of characters that I didn't want to leave. I recommend The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith to anyone that is searching for an emotional story that just make you cry.

Back in High School

I loved this book. It made me feel like I was back in High School again. Emily Wing Smith did a great job showing what it is like to be a teenager in a small mostly LDS community. This book sent me back to my High School days.

Great story and HOT topic

Wow. Great book. I think the author did a great job making this a cohesive story. There are 6 different voices throughout it and yet the book seems to really flow. The other thing that really got my attention was how "in-touch" this author/book is with the audience. I think homosexuality is an issue that so many authors are afraid to touch, but it's also an issue that is front and center with today's youth. And the whole Mormon thing? I don't think readers need to be Mormon to appreciate the undercurrent of religion vs. sexuality, another great feat! This book doesn't shy away from the major issues teens are facing. Great story, big props!

Realistic Fiction at its Best

I found this book at the bookstore and bought it because the author is a local writer. The story caught my attention immediately and held it through the entire book. The writing is superb. She has such a skillful way of capturing the culture in Utah. Most notable is the way she is able to divulge and bring such depth to Joel Espen, the main character, even though he is never actually in the book. This book is beautiful. I hope it wins awards, and I highly recommend this book to both teenagers and adults.

Thought-provoking and beautifully written

I love this book. The writing is strong, sparse, poetic, and beautiful. The author takes risks with style and voice that pay off wonderfully. This book is made up of six short stories told from six diverse but equally strong voices. Each story has its own emotional development and climax, but each story fits together into a larger story that reveals who Joel Espin was and why he did the the things he did. This book poses a few interesting and thought-provoking questions without handing the reader the answers on a silver platter (nor by hammering them over the head.) Very well done.