MMGM on Tuesday - Liesl & Po

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Liesel & Po
by Lauren Oliver

Goodreads Blurb:

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

I was in love with this book by the time I finished reading Lauren's note to readers at the very beginning. That's right--BEFORE I had even read page one! It's no secret that I struggled with the endings of both Before I Fall and Delirium (although I LOVED Delirium) but this book is a whole different flavor.

Liesl is so utterly loveable; I adore her. And Po is . . . wow. And Will? I love him. My heart ached for him at first. The characters in this story feel like they could just walk off the page and into your heart forever. 

The writing is just as wonderful as the characters. Her world building is powerful, but it felt effortless. Her descriptions and dialogue flow like water. Some of my favorite lines are almost like afterthoughts or asides in their simplicity, yet they are incredible and powerful and musical--deep thoughts at their best. 

Happy Monday!