reviews
Brant’s debut is an absolute treat. First-person narrators can so easily slide into sameness, but Eva’s voice
as a gifted math geek with a sense of humor is fresh and compelling. Though the plot coincidences stretch
belief at times, they are forgiven in light of the strengths of the story, which include a unique premise,
natural dialogue, and complex characters. This story could be classified as speculative fiction, romance, or
a contemporary realistic novel. It is indeed all of the above, and well done on all fronts.
—Starred review, Booklist
Brant deftly navigates changing friendships and parental bonds with a taciturn, angst-ridden teen protagonist who is also loving and thoughtful—a refreshing yet authentic balance. With the added boost of a surprising (but well-resolved) plot twist and a hint of the paranormal grafted onto a main trunk of realistic YA fiction, this sophisticated debut depicts teen issues with nuance and aplomb. Eva and Zenn’s sexual relationship is referenced, but with a light, not-too-graphic touch. VERDICT Readers who love quirky, character-driven romances, such as John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines and heartstring-yanking melodrama in the vein of Lauren Oliver’s YA books will enjoy this novel, which seems to be an intriguing blend of both.
--School Library Journal
Brant patiently and carefully develops Eva and Zenn’s relationship, as well as the surprising and problematic connection between their families; as a result, Eva’s visions can feel like an unnecessary and distracting gimmick. But otherwise, this novel about complex emotional connections, painful family histories, hope, forgiveness, love, and romance is a promising start for Brant.
—Publishers Weekly
ZENN DIAGRAM is a fantastic read that paints a beautiful picture of family, friends, romance, dreams, hardships, and life. The relationship between Eva and Zenn is especially electrifying and will leave the readers swooning.
—YA Books Central
as a gifted math geek with a sense of humor is fresh and compelling. Though the plot coincidences stretch
belief at times, they are forgiven in light of the strengths of the story, which include a unique premise,
natural dialogue, and complex characters. This story could be classified as speculative fiction, romance, or
a contemporary realistic novel. It is indeed all of the above, and well done on all fronts.
—Starred review, Booklist
Brant deftly navigates changing friendships and parental bonds with a taciturn, angst-ridden teen protagonist who is also loving and thoughtful—a refreshing yet authentic balance. With the added boost of a surprising (but well-resolved) plot twist and a hint of the paranormal grafted onto a main trunk of realistic YA fiction, this sophisticated debut depicts teen issues with nuance and aplomb. Eva and Zenn’s sexual relationship is referenced, but with a light, not-too-graphic touch. VERDICT Readers who love quirky, character-driven romances, such as John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines and heartstring-yanking melodrama in the vein of Lauren Oliver’s YA books will enjoy this novel, which seems to be an intriguing blend of both.
--School Library Journal
Brant patiently and carefully develops Eva and Zenn’s relationship, as well as the surprising and problematic connection between their families; as a result, Eva’s visions can feel like an unnecessary and distracting gimmick. But otherwise, this novel about complex emotional connections, painful family histories, hope, forgiveness, love, and romance is a promising start for Brant.
—Publishers Weekly
ZENN DIAGRAM is a fantastic read that paints a beautiful picture of family, friends, romance, dreams, hardships, and life. The relationship between Eva and Zenn is especially electrifying and will leave the readers swooning.
—YA Books Central
