By Chandler Baker and Wesley King
3 Stars
Hello (From Here) is a story of two individuals and their difficulties throughout the course of Covid-19. It follows Max (Maxine) and Jonah, who happen to encounter each other in a supermarket on the verge of a pandemic. With the couple engaging in some absurd exchange about toilet paper that goes from a comical banter to flirting. Though before the story goes on we get a background of the two main leading characters. Max isn't as financially secure with selling groceries as she's trying to save up for community college classes, in addition to supporting her and her single-parent mother. On the other hand, Jonah is privileged, and both his father and stepmother are financially secure. However, he also faces issues such as being diagnosed with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and the distress for his deceased mother, as well as having to be extra cautious because his sister (Olivia) is immunocompromised. Which is only made worse by the epidemic. However, the two continue to interact through FaceTime dates, socially distant playground hangs, and other activities. As well as seeing their love grow more and more. Though it isn't happy sailing since even Max and Jonah face relationship problems that coincide with their differences.
Furthermore, my thoughts on the book would be that it's good. As for reading a Chandler Baker book for the first time, it's not that bad since it provides a broader perspective on individuals touched by Covid-19. Along with providing a unique perspective on two separate lives. In addition to highlighting a variety of themes such as mental health, viewpoints on different classes, and racism. Furthermore, the characters are well-written and accurately depict who they are. Personally, Max is my favourite character since she is unique and relevant to the majority of people. However, the book has some flaws. Such as, the story is good, though it could have been stronger with its storytellin
g. For example, in some sequences of the book, the story is just rushed. Some sequences are too detailed, though they are irrelevant to the actual book. As well as, the Character of Jonah could have been written better. However, this is my perspective towards reading this book, and it may differ from others. I would also suggest this book to children aged 13 and up.
Reviewed by Zaynab
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