Title: The Theory of Everything
Author: Kari Luna
Release date: July 11, 2013
Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 320
Source: Netgalley/Publisher
Reading level: YA
Challenge(s): Debut Author Challenge
One part Libba Bray’s GOING BOVINE, two parts String Theory, and three parts love story equals a whimsical novel that will change the way you think about the world.
Sophie Sophia is obsessed with music from the late eighties. She also has an eccentric physicist father who sometimes vanishes for days and sees things other people don’t see. But when he disappears for good and Sophie’s mom moves them from Brooklyn, New York, to Havencrest, Illinois, for a fresh start, things take a turn for the weird. Sophie starts seeing things, like marching band pandas, just like her dad.
Guided by Walt, her shaman panda, and her new (human) friend named Finny, Sophie is determined to find her father and figure out her visions, once and for all. So she travels back to where it began—New York City and NYU’s physics department. As she discovers more about her dad’s research on M-theory and her father himself, Sophie opens her eyes to the world’s infinite possibilities—and her heart to love.
Perfect for fans of Going Bovine, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and The Probability of Miracles.
The Theory of Everything, Kari Luna’s debut novel, has definitely put her on my radar. It’s an emotional, fun-filled story full of fabulous characters, sweet romance, and wonderful family dynamics.
It can’t be easy seeing things (especially a giant shaman panda) but Sophie Sophia is used to it. She can’t escape the things she sees but she’s mostly learned to live with them. This crazy life makes Sophie a very quirky character. She has this awesomely unique way of looking at life and a personality that never dulls or fades. She doesn’t let anything bring her down. She reminded me a lot of Lola from Lola and the Boy Next Door with her quirky attitude and fabulous sense of style.
Then there were her few friends, Finny and Drew. Finny accepted Sophie from the start, no matter how odd she seemed. He was such a good friend to Sophie through everything. And he was a totally awesome science nerd! Then there was Drew who was a little more than just a friend to Sophie. He was so sweet! He had a harder time accepting Sophie’s problems than Finny but he did accept her. They were adorable together.
The science aspects weren’t my favorite things about The Theory of Everything but they were not boring. I’m not a fan of physics but every physics reference was explained and easy to understand.
The family dynamics in The Theory of Everything were very different from regular YA family dynamics. Sophie’s mom knows what is going on with Sophie and all she wants is to help her. She’s always there for Sophie and plays a huge part in her life. Sophie’s dad isn’t present physically but he does have a role in helping Sophie learn about her “episodes” and learning how to grow.
Overall, The Theory of Everything is a fabulous read, unlike anything already out there. It will take you on an emotional roller coaster and will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.
What others are saying about The Theory of Everything:
Stacked’s review: “The Theory of Everything is an enjoyable read, but it won’t be one of my favorites.”
This one sounds pretty interesting. I like that it doesn’t sound like every other book out there.
I’m so glad that you liked The Theory of Everything. I just bought it at Barnes and Noble the other day, completely on a whim. I might start it tonight. I’m excited to see a mom involved in her daughters life!
Oh the characters in this one sound so so good!! I love quirky characters, especially ones like Lola and I love it when characters try to be hopeful.
The boys sound very nice, both of them, and I love how they’re nothing like bad boys!!I thought this one would be too out there but it seems like it’s perfect 🙂
Lovely review 🙂
I loved Finny, of course, since he’s really great, but Drew sucked. BAD!!!!!! He was extremely underused. I mean, she meets him once, they GO OUT, and then she likes him, leaves after an episode… He’s hardly even in the book, but she thinks about him way too much. Also, he kind of has a douchey vibe. (sorry.)
Also, it ends with her kissing him and then telling Walt… I think it should end more to do with Finny, since he’s an active part of the book. All in all, I like the book. And hate the boyfriend.