The Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff

The Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff (ARC)
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
Versions: hardcover
Received from: One ARC Tours

Summary (from goodreads):
The absolute value of any number, positive or negative, is its distance from zero: |-1| = 1


Noah, Lily, and Simon have been a trio forever. But as they enter high school, their relationships shift and their world starts to fall apart. Privately, each is dealing with a family crisis-divorce, abuse, and a parent's illness. Yet as they try to escape the pain and reach out for the connections they once counted on, they slip-like soap in a shower. Noah's got it bad for Lily, but he knows too well Lily sees only Simon. Simon is indifferent, suddenly inscrutable to his friends. All stand alone in their heartache and grief.


In his luminous YA novel, Steve Brezeonoff explores the changing value of relationships as the characters realize that the distances between them are far greater than they knew.

This is one of those books that is very real and raw and worthy of a good read. Each five or ten chapters is told through one of these characters: Noah, Lily or Simon. They have been best friends for a long time and Lily also has feelings for Simon. Simon doesn't really notice and it drives Noah crazy since Noah likes Lily. They aren't known to be the best students due to them doing drugs but they are pretty good friends. And even though they all have their own things going on in their families-they stay friends and help each other out.

I liked that each character was so different. Simon was kind of the know it all and he just doesn't care about a lot of things. Noah is the sweet and kooky one who does a lot of weird stuff. And Lily is a girl who has a crush and also has insecurities with her body. Together they make good friends and even though their personalities clash at times, they understand each other.

Will I reread it?
I don't think so, but it is worth the first read. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for something that will stand out.