The science fictional novel, When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead was written in 2009, and revolves around Miranda Sinclair, the protagonist, who is asked to write about her future events. The novel has three storylines that entails Miranda’s mother appearing in the $20,000 pyramid, Sal not conversing within Miranda and the appearance of the laughing man. The novels major themes are friendship, independence, and redemption. These are evident as Miranda makes efforts to show the readers the likely events that could occur during her lifespan. This essay focuses on entertain value, didactic value and aesthetic value along with personal reflection on the novel.
In respect to the didactic value, Miranda is able to reveal her own experiences through other people. Her acts of kindness, and selfishness, and the great consequences are very evident in the novel. The entertaining value revolves around the mysterious notes correspondent who mystery is eventually solved. In the first note revolves around her spare key, “Second, please remember to mention the location of your house key” (Stead 60). Upon solving this mystery, readers may be tempted to read the novel again to comprehend the content of the novel in a clear way. The relations around the characters such as saving life, issues of racism, and friendship reveal the aesthetic value of the novel.
The book is recommended for children who are 10 years and older, although to certain extent, it appears a bit tricky but not confusing. To adult readers, the novel is entertaining as it reveals different features of Miranda’s life. The story is written in an impeccable language, and unfolds as it progresses and the reader gains insight into the story as he/ she reads it. The book is perfect, flawless and worth reading.
Works Cited
Stead, Rebecca. When You Reach Me. NY: Wendy Lamb Books. 2009. Print.
