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The Big Crunch
A funny, clear-eyed view of the realities of teenage love from National Book Award winner Pete Hautman.
Jen and Wes do not "meet cute." They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they are instant soul mates destined to be together forever.
This is not that kind of love story.
Instead, they just hang around in each other's orbits...until eventually they collide. And even after that happens, they're still not sure where it will go. Especially when June starts to pity-date one of Wes's friends, and Wes makes some choices that he immediately regrets.
From National Book Award winner Pete Hautman, this is a love story for people not particularly biased toward romance. But it is romantic, in the same way that truth can be romantic and uncertainty can be the biggest certainty of all.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2011
42 people are currently reading
3290 people want to read
About the author
Pete Hautman
60 books358 followersPeter Murray Hautman is an American author best known for his novels for young adults. One of them, Godless, won the 2004 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. The National Book Foundation summary is, "A teenage boy decides to invent a new religion with a new god."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
March 4, 2011
The Good Stuff
* Lovely realistic tale of first love
* very honest simple and so real, author knows and understands the up and down emotions of teens. Really brought me to my teen years & made me feel almost nostalgic
* poignant and beautifully written
* Teens trying to find their place in life, bumping around aimless at times and making stupid decisions -- yup pretty damn realistic from my memories
* Delightful quirky humour
* Although there was very little excitement, I just couldn't put the book down, because I wanted to know what would happen to the couple
* Not overly angst y so it will appeal to adults as well
* Realistic honest ending which seriously impressed me
* And my favorite part -- realistic parents -- loved the line about us being scared shitless half the time -- that's bang on!
The Not so Good Stuff
* A little slow at times with very little action which may turn off many a ya reader who is used to a little more excitement - just sayin
* telling story in alternative POV was a little difficult for me to get into at first because well I am 40. This will probably appeal more to the target audience for the book
* Seriously bad Typo on the jacket of the book with the main character being listed as Jen not June!
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"For example, if she joined the book club — there was always a book club — and hung out with them, her choice of guys would be limited to the dark and moody Chuck Palahniuk/Kurt Vonnegut/Life-Sucks-and-Then-You-Die brooders"
"She found that reassuring-- that no matter how messed up the universe got, it would eventually have another chance to get it right."
"You're wrong. He needs us. He's .... you know, just because your father and I are adults doesn't mean we're not scared shitless half the time."
What I Learned
* Man I wish I could go back to being a teenager, but with the confidence I have as an adult
Who should/shouldn't read
* For the more sophisticated realistic YA reader
* Not for those who like a lot of excitement, this is one for slowly savoring
* May appeal more to adults than teens
4 Dewey's
I received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2010
The first time Wes meets June, he thinks her mouth is too wide and her eyes are too far apart. June, in return, thinks his hair is shaggy. It would seem these two were not meant to be together right from the start. And yet, against all odds, their paths continue to cross. Thus begins a romance where nothing is easy to explain or simple to figure out. Navigating through friends, family, and their own heads, Wes and June fumble towards a unique happy ending.
Wow, this book was incredible. It's funny, sad, tender, and exciting. The only other book by Pete Hautman I have read was Sweetblood, which I also enjoyed very much. Still, this one was above and beyond good. The characters, the emotions, the situations were all so raw and realistic. It showed the honest side of love - that it always isn't the clean-cut, love-at-first-sight other books make it out to be. On the contrary, Hautman creates a rather messy situation for these poor characters. I found it difficult to sympathize with June sometimes, as she wasn't very nice a lot of the time. But Hautman gives her a viable back story to explain her reserve. Readers won't be able to help but root for Wes, especially the males out there. Which brings me to one last comment: this book is equally great for girls and boys. Each will have someone to identify with, and the scenarios are common enough to speak to just about anyone. Hautman writes all of his secondary characters excellent too, with Wes' friends supporting him and June's acquaintances having their own agendas. I'll say it one last time - this book was amazing. A short read that's highly recommended!
Wow, this book was incredible. It's funny, sad, tender, and exciting. The only other book by Pete Hautman I have read was Sweetblood, which I also enjoyed very much. Still, this one was above and beyond good. The characters, the emotions, the situations were all so raw and realistic. It showed the honest side of love - that it always isn't the clean-cut, love-at-first-sight other books make it out to be. On the contrary, Hautman creates a rather messy situation for these poor characters. I found it difficult to sympathize with June sometimes, as she wasn't very nice a lot of the time. But Hautman gives her a viable back story to explain her reserve. Readers won't be able to help but root for Wes, especially the males out there. Which brings me to one last comment: this book is equally great for girls and boys. Each will have someone to identify with, and the scenarios are common enough to speak to just about anyone. Hautman writes all of his secondary characters excellent too, with Wes' friends supporting him and June's acquaintances having their own agendas. I'll say it one last time - this book was amazing. A short read that's highly recommended!
March 5, 2011
Sidenote: The front flap copy refers to the main female character as Jen. Repeatedly. Her name is June. Not once is she called Jen. Oops.
This is sort of like that movie 500 Days of Summer. There seems to be a whole lotta "unconventional" love stories coming through the pipeline these days. But, although this one is tagged as one of those "This is not a love story" love stories...it is. Just because it's not love at first sight doesn't mean it's not conventional.
I sound antagonistic, but I'm really not. My point is this: The Big Crunch is more typical than it wants you to believe. This book is the girl next door who gets decent grades and wants people to think she's wild and artsy, so she dyes a pink streak in her hair. It makes her hair artsy, but not her personality.
I will say, I liked the male lead more than I expected to. He's a straight guy trying to get the girl without being a jackass jock, a nice guy without being super emo-sensitive writing songs on his guitar, a...well, he's just a guy. The ending is a bit of a reach, but overall it felt pretty authentic.
Authentic and typical. That's my final answer.
This is sort of like that movie 500 Days of Summer. There seems to be a whole lotta "unconventional" love stories coming through the pipeline these days. But, although this one is tagged as one of those "This is not a love story" love stories...it is. Just because it's not love at first sight doesn't mean it's not conventional.
I sound antagonistic, but I'm really not. My point is this: The Big Crunch is more typical than it wants you to believe. This book is the girl next door who gets decent grades and wants people to think she's wild and artsy, so she dyes a pink streak in her hair. It makes her hair artsy, but not her personality.
I will say, I liked the male lead more than I expected to. He's a straight guy trying to get the girl without being a jackass jock, a nice guy without being super emo-sensitive writing songs on his guitar, a...well, he's just a guy. The ending is a bit of a reach, but overall it felt pretty authentic.
Authentic and typical. That's my final answer.
March 5, 2011
Firstly: June. June, June, June. What is your deal, June? You're all hating the moving and then you're all falling in love and then you're all screwing things up.
And what was it about everyone not calling people back in this book? Every time I turned the page, someone was calling someone, looking at the caller ID, and ignoring the call. Or hanging up on each other! And then after they hung up on each other they would text each other. Society, I'm sad about you if this is what we're doing now.
And the ending was spectacularly anticlimactic. So then I looked up Pete Hautman and he's, like, written stuff before. This is not his first attempt. Pete (can I call you Pete?), I like your character development. I like that your characters are real. I don't like the decisions your characters make because I don't think it's in keeping with their actions and feelings. I don't suppose you'd like to rewrite this, so maybe we just keep in mind for next time?
Also, there's some porn talk in this book. And the porn talk sometimes puts me off of recommending it in ze library. Otherwise, not that much to be concerned about-not even language.
And what was it about everyone not calling people back in this book? Every time I turned the page, someone was calling someone, looking at the caller ID, and ignoring the call. Or hanging up on each other! And then after they hung up on each other they would text each other. Society, I'm sad about you if this is what we're doing now.
And the ending was spectacularly anticlimactic. So then I looked up Pete Hautman and he's, like, written stuff before. This is not his first attempt. Pete (can I call you Pete?), I like your character development. I like that your characters are real. I don't like the decisions your characters make because I don't think it's in keeping with their actions and feelings. I don't suppose you'd like to rewrite this, so maybe we just keep in mind for next time?
Also, there's some porn talk in this book. And the porn talk sometimes puts me off of recommending it in ze library. Otherwise, not that much to be concerned about-not even language.
February 14, 2016
The reason I picked up the book is just because of the cover. It has a pretty cover and that's all. I'm so sorry but, this is not a book that I will pick up for myself. But, if you really like some YA fiction with not too much romance in it, this might be the right book for you.
The story is about two students that go to the same school. The girl just moved to the neighbourhood while the guy, who has been raised in the neighbourhood, just broke up with his girlfriend. And I bet you can guess what comes after that because you can look at the cover for that, apparently.
It consists of things that teenagers should know by their age. All the things they felt, all the hardships in a relationship and what does science have to say about that. It is all covered in this book, but maybe, because I'm already 21, I already know such things, I'm not entirely impressed at all. But yes, in a way, it gives a good education to the young readers.
My whole problem with this book is that it doesn't have a direction. It seems like Pete Hautman wrote this book without a destination. I read this and I'm not even sure what I'm reading. I cannot see the path I'm taking so, it is simply very hard for me. Usually, I can grab all the literary meanings behind a piece, but this book doesn't reach me that way. I couldn't see what the author is trying to say.
Not just that, I also encounter a problem with the writing style. It was simple and quick to read and I love the short chapters, of course. But, despite all that, I think it is a bit draggy here and there. Some of the detailings are very unnecessary. I don't even know why it is there.
I believe if Hautman improves the writing a bit, everything will fall into place perfectly since I don't have any problem with other things. I am fine the characters, they are real and not exaggerated. The whole plot is understandable, but only if the it is not draggy and messy, I would like to give it more stars.
The story is about two students that go to the same school. The girl just moved to the neighbourhood while the guy, who has been raised in the neighbourhood, just broke up with his girlfriend. And I bet you can guess what comes after that because you can look at the cover for that, apparently.
It consists of things that teenagers should know by their age. All the things they felt, all the hardships in a relationship and what does science have to say about that. It is all covered in this book, but maybe, because I'm already 21, I already know such things, I'm not entirely impressed at all. But yes, in a way, it gives a good education to the young readers.
My whole problem with this book is that it doesn't have a direction. It seems like Pete Hautman wrote this book without a destination. I read this and I'm not even sure what I'm reading. I cannot see the path I'm taking so, it is simply very hard for me. Usually, I can grab all the literary meanings behind a piece, but this book doesn't reach me that way. I couldn't see what the author is trying to say.
Not just that, I also encounter a problem with the writing style. It was simple and quick to read and I love the short chapters, of course. But, despite all that, I think it is a bit draggy here and there. Some of the detailings are very unnecessary. I don't even know why it is there.
I believe if Hautman improves the writing a bit, everything will fall into place perfectly since I don't have any problem with other things. I am fine the characters, they are real and not exaggerated. The whole plot is understandable, but only if the it is not draggy and messy, I would like to give it more stars.
November 20, 2014
Man, can Pete Hautman write accurately about what it's like to be a teen! The one drawback to this book, and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is that it's so realistic that it may not stand out in a world where everything is turned up to 11. I hesitate to call this book a "romance" because it implies sweeping emotions and insurmountable obstacles and dramatic climaxes. But the emotions in the book are quite sweeping--they sweep up Wes and June in ways that confuse and frighten them. And there are obstacles: they're just things like not having a car and having to move because of your dad's dumb job and not being able to afford more cell phone minutes. This seems so ordinary, but it felt so poignant to me: all they want to do is be together, but they have no say in where they have to live or when they're allowed to act on the feelings that are so all-consuming. But there aren't any big dramas: she gets mad because he's playing a computer game while they're talking, he feels like he has to be perfect all the time, which is exhausting, things like that. But, in a way, that's what makes the moments when they see each other after being apart or when they just can't stop kissing all the more beautiful--that they take place in this banal setting. There's gentle humor and believable, three-dimensional characters. I'll recommend it to fans of the subtle and the well-written.
August 6, 2014
The jacket of this book describes it as “a love story for people not particularly biased towards romance.” The novel follows two teenagers — June, the daughter of a consultant who is always on the move, and has learned to keep herself disconnected in each new place; and Wes, a “semi-cool semi-geek” who lives in the little Minnesota town to which June’s family has recently relocated. On the first few days of school, June goes through the usual motions of trying to find a couple of decent girls and guys to hang out with, and meets Jerry, a nice guy who aspires to be class president and has already started campaigning for the election in the spring. Wes, recently broken up with his girlfriend of a year-and-a-half, spends his time hanging out with the guys and occasionally attempting to tidy his parents’ messy garage. June manages to worm her way into a friendship with three girls, while Wes is recruited by Jerry to be his campaign manager. Eventually June and Wes start talking since their walk home from school partially follows the same roads, and begin to build a friendship, which is only propelled into something more after Wes and Jerry have a fight at school.
The cover art is attractive, if a little misleading, since it is a four-panel of the seasons which looks very much like a graphic novel’s layout. Although the book is easy to read, I found myself feeling disconnected from the main characters. Wes seems a little flat and unengaged with the world around him, although his concern over his parents’ messy garage is one of his more endearing qualities. June is somewhat more dynamic, since much of the novel is slanted towards her perspective. As I neared the end of the book, I kept waiting for something to happen — some sort of clashing tension, dramatic incident — something! Instead, it closes on a quiet, reflective note, with a good dose of reality regarding young love.
The cover art is attractive, if a little misleading, since it is a four-panel of the seasons which looks very much like a graphic novel’s layout. Although the book is easy to read, I found myself feeling disconnected from the main characters. Wes seems a little flat and unengaged with the world around him, although his concern over his parents’ messy garage is one of his more endearing qualities. June is somewhat more dynamic, since much of the novel is slanted towards her perspective. As I neared the end of the book, I kept waiting for something to happen — some sort of clashing tension, dramatic incident — something! Instead, it closes on a quiet, reflective note, with a good dose of reality regarding young love.
January 22, 2011
This was more of a 3.5 star book for me.
I loved the "Fall" and "Winter" sections of the novel, but I felt like the story lost its way after that. Wes and June spent lots of time staring off into space and acting generally mopey, and many of the secondary characters simply disappeared or stopped being important to the story in the way they were during the first part of the book. I'm glad I read the last page of this one, because Hautman explains that originally he'd written the book to end about a hundred pages earlier, and that David Levithan, who edited the book, asked for more.
While I agree that the book needed more than what the author had originally written, I wish he had taken the story in another direction. Here is how I wish the book had ended:
June's father ends up getting a permanent position in Minnesota, which means that June and Wes can stay together. This would be a good thing, except June, who has never before had to actually maintain a relationship with anyone outside of her family, gets cold feet and kind of freaks out a little bit. She doesn't know how to be a real friend or a real partner and tries to break it off. Wes, however, is unshakable in his love for her, and has to figure out how to win her back.
Also--David Levithan--You edit books too? How do you have time to do all of the things you do!? I'm starting to think you're at least 3 different people, or that maybe you found a way to contact Bizarro David Levithan in an alternate universe and are putting him to work, too.
I loved the "Fall" and "Winter" sections of the novel, but I felt like the story lost its way after that. Wes and June spent lots of time staring off into space and acting generally mopey, and many of the secondary characters simply disappeared or stopped being important to the story in the way they were during the first part of the book. I'm glad I read the last page of this one, because Hautman explains that originally he'd written the book to end about a hundred pages earlier, and that David Levithan, who edited the book, asked for more.
While I agree that the book needed more than what the author had originally written, I wish he had taken the story in another direction. Here is how I wish the book had ended:
June's father ends up getting a permanent position in Minnesota, which means that June and Wes can stay together. This would be a good thing, except June, who has never before had to actually maintain a relationship with anyone outside of her family, gets cold feet and kind of freaks out a little bit. She doesn't know how to be a real friend or a real partner and tries to break it off. Wes, however, is unshakable in his love for her, and has to figure out how to win her back.
Also--David Levithan--You edit books too? How do you have time to do all of the things you do!? I'm starting to think you're at least 3 different people, or that maybe you found a way to contact Bizarro David Levithan in an alternate universe and are putting him to work, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2011
Fun... I can see these two, June and Wes, at my school. June's dad moves the family a couple of times a school year, and it's probably time for the family to slow down, to think about June for a change. She's so good at being the new girl, but she shouldn't have to!
Wes is typically lovable. Goofy friends, smart, but embarrassed by his little sister's brutal honesty.
June and Wes notice each other immediately and ignore their attraction until they literally bump into each other...and June gets a black eye. As they dance around each other, June's dad takes another job.
Things get even more complicated, with a wild Valentines Day trip that ends in jail, and a sweet summer vacation.
Hautman's written a little gem here...I absolutely believe both of these kids. A romance, as one reviewer said, without the mushy romance. They both know something big's happening, and they don't quite know what to do about it.
The book is organized into four seasons, and we follow June and Wes through almost a year of their lives as they try to navigate life.
I read the author's note, and Hautman said David Levithan is his editor, and Levithan insisted on 100 pages more...instead of ending the book on Valentine's Day, it ends at the end of summer. Levithan was right...even Hautman knows it.
Don't go thinking you'll figure out the title until the last page. Great way to end the book...I do love these two.
Wes is typically lovable. Goofy friends, smart, but embarrassed by his little sister's brutal honesty.
June and Wes notice each other immediately and ignore their attraction until they literally bump into each other...and June gets a black eye. As they dance around each other, June's dad takes another job.
Things get even more complicated, with a wild Valentines Day trip that ends in jail, and a sweet summer vacation.
Hautman's written a little gem here...I absolutely believe both of these kids. A romance, as one reviewer said, without the mushy romance. They both know something big's happening, and they don't quite know what to do about it.
The book is organized into four seasons, and we follow June and Wes through almost a year of their lives as they try to navigate life.
I read the author's note, and Hautman said David Levithan is his editor, and Levithan insisted on 100 pages more...instead of ending the book on Valentine's Day, it ends at the end of summer. Levithan was right...even Hautman knows it.
Don't go thinking you'll figure out the title until the last page. Great way to end the book...I do love these two.
March 8, 2011
What I really liked about this book;;
• The characters. They were all really real and relatable, not blown-out-of-proportion and overly perfect like in a lot of YA books with a romance. Wes and June were really likable, which is one of the reasons I kept reading. They had their flaws, and that just made me like them all the more.
• The relationship between Wes and June. Unlike sooo many YA books you see, this book didn't use the cliche "boy/girl of my dreams... literally" or "instantaneous, deep, passionate connection". Instead, it had a cute and funny approach where the two didnt like each other right away and definitely didn't have that "HOT INSTANT CONNECTION" that I hate so much! The whole relationship was very real and was like dating in real life. There were the fights, the flaws, the heartbreak, the crazy schemes. But you could tell they really loved each other. It was fabulous.
The rest? Meh. Average. Sub par. Whatever you want to say, it was generally just... dull. Not horrible, but not too original and gripping either.
And even though this has been mentioned 1000 times, the typo with the synopsis on the inside cover of the book where they call her Jen instead of June irritated me. I mean, how do you mess up the main characters names?! :P
• The characters. They were all really real and relatable, not blown-out-of-proportion and overly perfect like in a lot of YA books with a romance. Wes and June were really likable, which is one of the reasons I kept reading. They had their flaws, and that just made me like them all the more.
• The relationship between Wes and June. Unlike sooo many YA books you see, this book didn't use the cliche "boy/girl of my dreams... literally" or "instantaneous, deep, passionate connection". Instead, it had a cute and funny approach where the two didnt like each other right away and definitely didn't have that "HOT INSTANT CONNECTION" that I hate so much! The whole relationship was very real and was like dating in real life. There were the fights, the flaws, the heartbreak, the crazy schemes. But you could tell they really loved each other. It was fabulous.
The rest? Meh. Average. Sub par. Whatever you want to say, it was generally just... dull. Not horrible, but not too original and gripping either.
And even though this has been mentioned 1000 times, the typo with the synopsis on the inside cover of the book where they call her Jen instead of June irritated me. I mean, how do you mess up the main characters names?! :P
January 23, 2012
I love realistic and romantic fiction. This would have been a wonderful story for me to read. In fact, I even liked the story. But, imagine for a moment a fresh teen romance story that you were so eager to read... Now imagine that story being told by a ROBOT.
I could not tolerate the third person distant weird storytelling. It drove me nuts. I felt like my 5 years old daughter was methodically telling me what happened in a movie. It was just so emotionless, dull and utterly frustrating narration that it ruined the book for me.
Such flat narration even flattened out the characters that were actually a tad more thought-out characters than I would have expected from this writing. Had it been told in first person alternating povs, I would've probably devoured it, but sadly, it's not. I feel like realistic teen fiction should stick to first person narration, and that might be just me but I'm willing to bet a lot of readers agree.
I could not tolerate the third person distant weird storytelling. It drove me nuts. I felt like my 5 years old daughter was methodically telling me what happened in a movie. It was just so emotionless, dull and utterly frustrating narration that it ruined the book for me.
Such flat narration even flattened out the characters that were actually a tad more thought-out characters than I would have expected from this writing. Had it been told in first person alternating povs, I would've probably devoured it, but sadly, it's not. I feel like realistic teen fiction should stick to first person narration, and that might be just me but I'm willing to bet a lot of readers agree.
September 3, 2011
Hauptman's romance novel was quite a disappointment to me. There was a lot of narrative; emphasizing the third person point of view. As a result, I felt bogged down as I read. The entire first half was very slow-paced and tedious; not to mention whoever designed the cover told the entire story in just four panels. I never felt any empathy nor did I relate to any of the major or minor characters. They all felt stilted, stereotypical, and forced. The latter half of the book had some innovative action; however, by then the reader is so numbed, it is difficult to care.
For a YA romance reader, I really would not recommend this book. The premise is solid: a girl whose father's job forces her to move extremely frequently; she meets a boy she feels she truly loves. But not only the ending, but the description of the relationship is just not interesting.
For a YA romance reader, I really would not recommend this book. The premise is solid: a girl whose father's job forces her to move extremely frequently; she meets a boy she feels she truly loves. But not only the ending, but the description of the relationship is just not interesting.
April 17, 2023
El final!? Broh… te podías haber esmerado un poco más
January 12, 2024
So underwhelming
January 7, 2012
June and Wes do not fall in love at first sight. They do not think it's destiny they met. They hardly even noticed each other at first, and then Jen starts dating one of Wes' friends. June and Wes do finally find each other, but it's right before June learns that she's moving. Again. And that's a problem, because June has been taught to sever all connections every time she moves.
This was a thoughtful book and one I enjoyed reading. I certainly appreciated there was no eye contact from across and room and then they knew they were destined to be 2gether 4eva 4L. June and Wes came together slowly. They became aware of each other. They become interested in what the other person is doing. They talk, a little. But then June starts dating Jerry, Wes' friend. And Wes realizes he feels kind of funny about that.
The book is divided into four section: Fall, winter, spring and summer. The emotion that each sesction expresses is pretty well illustrated on the cover of the book. This is one of the few times that I feel like the cover of the book was actually made for this particular story, rather than just picking a stock image that sort of fits. In the fall, June thinks Wes is weird and Wes thinks June looks like a fish. In winter, for a brief moment, they get to be together. Then June leaves, and it's spring. Finally it's summer, and they see each other again.
June was a fascinating character. Because of her father's job, her family moves constantly. She often doesn't even finish a school year in one place. She's become an expert at making friends and finding a group. Getting herself a boyfriend and then completely disengaging when it's time to move again. June is not looking for anything or anyone that requires an emotional attachment because she knows she'll be leaving soon. She started dating Jerry because he was nice enough and acceptable as a boyfriend. That was pretty much all she felt for him though. It was actually kind of disturbing the way her parents didn't allow her to contact any of the people she'd met in the many places they'd lived. "The past is the past," they said, and it was best not to make any attachments. June has to delete all the numbers from her phone and everything. Her parents think they are sparing their child, when they are actually royally screwing her up.
When June and Wes finally collide (literally, they smack heads in a convenience store), they only get to be together for a matter of weeks, and really, they have one date. Then June finds out she's moving again, and tries to distant herself from Wes. For the first time, it's really difficult. She's created an attachment and there's nothing she can do about it.
What follows is an incredibly realistic portrayal of a long-distance high school relationship. They miss each other. June finds she just can't break it off and move on. She gets permission to talk to Wes on the phone. And they do, but time goes on. They think about each other less, even while they talk every day. They aren't perfect. They annoy each other sometimes. Sometimes they don't really feel like talking to each other. It wasn't fantasized at all. June probably would have eventually moved on if she went on not seeing Wes, even though she missed him, but then Wes decides to be crazy and romantic and drives hundreds of miles to see her, which ends with him getting arrested for car theft (it was all a misunderstanding) and both June and Wes get into trouble.
Over the summer, June gets a job that's close to Wes that allows them to see each other every day. The book ends with June and Wes having a very philosophical discussion about what comes next. They don't know what's going to happen. They don't swear to each other that they'll always love each other or that they'll always be together, because they both know that they might not. It's left very open. You can believe that they continue their relationship and end up together, or you can believe that they grow up and grow apart. It doesn't say, and that was really nice. You're left with a feeling that they'll both be OK though, in the long run, and that was very satisfying.
This was a thoughtful book and one I enjoyed reading. I certainly appreciated there was no eye contact from across and room and then they knew they were destined to be 2gether 4eva 4L. June and Wes came together slowly. They became aware of each other. They become interested in what the other person is doing. They talk, a little. But then June starts dating Jerry, Wes' friend. And Wes realizes he feels kind of funny about that.
The book is divided into four section: Fall, winter, spring and summer. The emotion that each sesction expresses is pretty well illustrated on the cover of the book. This is one of the few times that I feel like the cover of the book was actually made for this particular story, rather than just picking a stock image that sort of fits. In the fall, June thinks Wes is weird and Wes thinks June looks like a fish. In winter, for a brief moment, they get to be together. Then June leaves, and it's spring. Finally it's summer, and they see each other again.
June was a fascinating character. Because of her father's job, her family moves constantly. She often doesn't even finish a school year in one place. She's become an expert at making friends and finding a group. Getting herself a boyfriend and then completely disengaging when it's time to move again. June is not looking for anything or anyone that requires an emotional attachment because she knows she'll be leaving soon. She started dating Jerry because he was nice enough and acceptable as a boyfriend. That was pretty much all she felt for him though. It was actually kind of disturbing the way her parents didn't allow her to contact any of the people she'd met in the many places they'd lived. "The past is the past," they said, and it was best not to make any attachments. June has to delete all the numbers from her phone and everything. Her parents think they are sparing their child, when they are actually royally screwing her up.
When June and Wes finally collide (literally, they smack heads in a convenience store), they only get to be together for a matter of weeks, and really, they have one date. Then June finds out she's moving again, and tries to distant herself from Wes. For the first time, it's really difficult. She's created an attachment and there's nothing she can do about it.
What follows is an incredibly realistic portrayal of a long-distance high school relationship. They miss each other. June finds she just can't break it off and move on. She gets permission to talk to Wes on the phone. And they do, but time goes on. They think about each other less, even while they talk every day. They aren't perfect. They annoy each other sometimes. Sometimes they don't really feel like talking to each other. It wasn't fantasized at all. June probably would have eventually moved on if she went on not seeing Wes, even though she missed him, but then Wes decides to be crazy and romantic and drives hundreds of miles to see her, which ends with him getting arrested for car theft (it was all a misunderstanding) and both June and Wes get into trouble.
Over the summer, June gets a job that's close to Wes that allows them to see each other every day. The book ends with June and Wes having a very philosophical discussion about what comes next. They don't know what's going to happen. They don't swear to each other that they'll always love each other or that they'll always be together, because they both know that they might not. It's left very open. You can believe that they continue their relationship and end up together, or you can believe that they grow up and grow apart. It doesn't say, and that was really nice. You're left with a feeling that they'll both be OK though, in the long run, and that was very satisfying.
January 27, 2011
June moves around a lot due to her parents business. Her parents help companies come up out of the red, and then they move on to the next hurting company. So June winds up in Minnesota. Wes just broke up with his girlfriend of nearly 18 months, because he just needed some time to be himself. Then Wes sees June. The connection is not really instant. Wes can only really recall her aqua colored eyes. As they glimpse at each other more and more, and eventually have a conversation though, something develops between them. Then June ends up dating Wes's best friend because she doesn't figure she's long for this town. What Wes and June don't realize though is that they have a connection, whether they like it or not and they will have to explore it as much as they can.
Can I just mention again that I love Pete Hautman. He just writes the perfect little books. They aren't super-filled with teen angst (though there is some) and they also aren't all supernatural-y. This was a great story about a girl who is trying not to hold on to the past, since she moves from place to place so often, that she never has time to really set roots down. This was a story about a boy who is trying to figure out who he is without the definition of a girlfriend, but finds himself inexorably drawn to June. I appreciated that June's father seemed to fill the whole room whenever he was in the scene. He is the type of person who does seem big and is full of isms for himself. I also enjoyed the use of the word "Next!". This reminded me of Vonnegut's "so it goes" and I liked the way Next! would quickly change the subject and the mood in the story. If you liked the book Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick you should definitely check this one out. It had the same romance without being a romantic book and teen drama, without being angst ridden. The tension and relationship between the characters was genuine and wholly realistic. Wes has uncontrollable anger toward his friend when he talks about going out with June, which though Wes doesn't realize it, is because he is jealous. This novel was just a perfect curl up in bed read. June and Wes at the beginning seem completely determined not to like each other and I love that they are drawn together anyways. Be it fate, or coincidence June and Wes are bound to each other in the way that young love can do. I thought at times June was a little awkward and harsh, but I think she was just cranky form being moved around so much. I did love her voices in her head. Sarcastic June and the others added a bit of humor to June's tormented mind. This story was told in alternating 3rd person between following June and following Wes. It kept the story fresh with one narrative overlapping the next. This is a book you should definitely read.
First Line:
"The first time Wes saw June, he thought she was kind of funny-looking."
Favorite Line:
"For example, if she joined the book club — there was always a book club — and hung out with them, her choice of guys would be limited to the dark and moody Chuck Palahniuk/Kurt Vonnegut/Life-Sucks-and-Then-You-Die brooders."
Can I just mention again that I love Pete Hautman. He just writes the perfect little books. They aren't super-filled with teen angst (though there is some) and they also aren't all supernatural-y. This was a great story about a girl who is trying not to hold on to the past, since she moves from place to place so often, that she never has time to really set roots down. This was a story about a boy who is trying to figure out who he is without the definition of a girlfriend, but finds himself inexorably drawn to June. I appreciated that June's father seemed to fill the whole room whenever he was in the scene. He is the type of person who does seem big and is full of isms for himself. I also enjoyed the use of the word "Next!". This reminded me of Vonnegut's "so it goes" and I liked the way Next! would quickly change the subject and the mood in the story. If you liked the book Her and Me and You by Lauren Strasnick you should definitely check this one out. It had the same romance without being a romantic book and teen drama, without being angst ridden. The tension and relationship between the characters was genuine and wholly realistic. Wes has uncontrollable anger toward his friend when he talks about going out with June, which though Wes doesn't realize it, is because he is jealous. This novel was just a perfect curl up in bed read. June and Wes at the beginning seem completely determined not to like each other and I love that they are drawn together anyways. Be it fate, or coincidence June and Wes are bound to each other in the way that young love can do. I thought at times June was a little awkward and harsh, but I think she was just cranky form being moved around so much. I did love her voices in her head. Sarcastic June and the others added a bit of humor to June's tormented mind. This story was told in alternating 3rd person between following June and following Wes. It kept the story fresh with one narrative overlapping the next. This is a book you should definitely read.
First Line:
"The first time Wes saw June, he thought she was kind of funny-looking."
Favorite Line:
"For example, if she joined the book club — there was always a book club — and hung out with them, her choice of guys would be limited to the dark and moody Chuck Palahniuk/Kurt Vonnegut/Life-Sucks-and-Then-You-Die brooders."
April 7, 2011
The Big Crunch is a story I think most people can relate to. It shows how you don't choose who you fall for, and that sometimes you can't even control the situations around you. One of the main characters, June, moves around a lot, so she usually keeps her distance and she goes for guys that she knows she won't get too attached too. She usually even ends up with similar friends in each school that she goes to. I've honestly never had to move, I went to the same Elementary School from Kindergarten to Grade 6, and to the same High School from Grade 7 to 12, I had the same kids in my class that whole time, so I've honestly never had to go through the same things that she did, but I still found her easy to relate to. I thought that she was funny, and kind of awkward, which I could definitely relate too. ;)
Wes, definitely wasn't the typical heartthrob, he wasn't too smart or too handsome, he was average, which again, was totally easy to relate too. I think that was my favourite part about The Big Crunch, how real the characters were, they weren't the popular cliched characters, or the nerdy outcasts, they were the ones that are average, that are rarely the focus in books, yet are the ones that readers can often relate too. Again I have to say something about my background, I'm from a super small place, not even a town really, technically it's a village, we have under 1000 people living there, so my class was pretty small. We didn't really have cliques, sure we had the ones that took general courses and the ones that took academic courses once we got into high school, but that was as far as cliques went, so I'll be honest, I find cliques in stories really hard to relate to. I don't know if anyone else feels that way, but I do, and because of that The Big Crunch was refreshing. There were slight mentions of cliques, but nothing that made me go all 'huh?' or 'interesting...' and I really liked that. :)
This book does involve some romance, but it's definitely not your typical boy meets girl story. June and Wes' love is really gradual and they honestly resisted it for as long as they possibly could. The tension was incredible between the two, and once they finally got together it was awesome, yet also sad...but I won't ruin that for you. This book alternated POV's between June and Wes, and sometimes it was a little abrupt because both of their sections would be really short, but all in all, I thought that the alternating POV's worked really well. I also loved that the story was separated in sections according to the season of the year and that the book had the pictures from the cover on the pages separating the sections, it looked fantastic and I thought it was a really neat touch.
The Big Crunch was a sweet and funny story, and if you're looking for something that isn't all fluff and paints life in a realistic way, then you should really check out The Big Crunch. :D
Wes, definitely wasn't the typical heartthrob, he wasn't too smart or too handsome, he was average, which again, was totally easy to relate too. I think that was my favourite part about The Big Crunch, how real the characters were, they weren't the popular cliched characters, or the nerdy outcasts, they were the ones that are average, that are rarely the focus in books, yet are the ones that readers can often relate too. Again I have to say something about my background, I'm from a super small place, not even a town really, technically it's a village, we have under 1000 people living there, so my class was pretty small. We didn't really have cliques, sure we had the ones that took general courses and the ones that took academic courses once we got into high school, but that was as far as cliques went, so I'll be honest, I find cliques in stories really hard to relate to. I don't know if anyone else feels that way, but I do, and because of that The Big Crunch was refreshing. There were slight mentions of cliques, but nothing that made me go all 'huh?' or 'interesting...' and I really liked that. :)
This book does involve some romance, but it's definitely not your typical boy meets girl story. June and Wes' love is really gradual and they honestly resisted it for as long as they possibly could. The tension was incredible between the two, and once they finally got together it was awesome, yet also sad...but I won't ruin that for you. This book alternated POV's between June and Wes, and sometimes it was a little abrupt because both of their sections would be really short, but all in all, I thought that the alternating POV's worked really well. I also loved that the story was separated in sections according to the season of the year and that the book had the pictures from the cover on the pages separating the sections, it looked fantastic and I thought it was a really neat touch.
The Big Crunch was a sweet and funny story, and if you're looking for something that isn't all fluff and paints life in a realistic way, then you should really check out The Big Crunch. :D
January 31, 2011
The Big Crunch is one of the most sincere and realistic contemporary reads I've ever read. For sure, this is a romance novel... but it's not in a way that the two characters feel an instantaneous attraction and fall head-over-heels in love at first sight. No, this was an everyday story that I think anyone could relate with... and that's the aspect I thoroughly enjoyed while reading this novel.
On the first day of junior year, Wes surveys his classmates in his language arts class only to briefly pause on the new student who he immediately pegs as Aqua Girl for her eyes. June is well used to the routine of being the 'new girl' at school. She's already been to over 5 schools in the past few years, constantly moving because of her father's job. She doesn't even notice Wes in her first class; she's just tired of having to really connect with anyone when she knows she's just going to move away again soon. So when she meets Jerry Preuss, a friend of Wes, she knows he's a safe option to date and that she won't feel bad saying goodbye when the times comes like it always does. But throughout the course of the year, June and Wes will become irrevocably closer than they ever would have thought on that very first day...
It's the oddest thing, but even though nothing absolutely amazing or exciting occurs, I still found it quite difficult to put this book down. I simply became lost in Wes and June's story! The novel is told in alternating points of view in third person but sometimes it's really random the way it comes about. Sometimes it switched after a chapter... and sometimes it was after only a few paragraphs. Despite this fact, it really wasn't confusing at all to read and simply added to the story, allowing you to see how Wes and June felt about each other and really giving you a feel for their personalities.
Wes and June are truly just your everyday teens that you and I could know in our own lives. They're your average students who attend school, hang out with friends... you know, ordinary stuff. As their feelings for each other grow, you can see just how well these two connect and understand each other, and the drama that forms which stands of chance of stopping them from being together is entirely out of their control. It's how each of them deal with these obstacles that have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers that Wes and June will make to the other side okay together.
I really do feel like this novel is flying completely under everyone's radar... which is just wrong! If you're looking for a not-so-typical romance story with a touch of offbeat humour and quirkiness, then definitely take a closer look at Pete Hautman's The Big Crunch.
On the first day of junior year, Wes surveys his classmates in his language arts class only to briefly pause on the new student who he immediately pegs as Aqua Girl for her eyes. June is well used to the routine of being the 'new girl' at school. She's already been to over 5 schools in the past few years, constantly moving because of her father's job. She doesn't even notice Wes in her first class; she's just tired of having to really connect with anyone when she knows she's just going to move away again soon. So when she meets Jerry Preuss, a friend of Wes, she knows he's a safe option to date and that she won't feel bad saying goodbye when the times comes like it always does. But throughout the course of the year, June and Wes will become irrevocably closer than they ever would have thought on that very first day...
It's the oddest thing, but even though nothing absolutely amazing or exciting occurs, I still found it quite difficult to put this book down. I simply became lost in Wes and June's story! The novel is told in alternating points of view in third person but sometimes it's really random the way it comes about. Sometimes it switched after a chapter... and sometimes it was after only a few paragraphs. Despite this fact, it really wasn't confusing at all to read and simply added to the story, allowing you to see how Wes and June felt about each other and really giving you a feel for their personalities.
Wes and June are truly just your everyday teens that you and I could know in our own lives. They're your average students who attend school, hang out with friends... you know, ordinary stuff. As their feelings for each other grow, you can see just how well these two connect and understand each other, and the drama that forms which stands of chance of stopping them from being together is entirely out of their control. It's how each of them deal with these obstacles that have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers that Wes and June will make to the other side okay together.
I really do feel like this novel is flying completely under everyone's radar... which is just wrong! If you're looking for a not-so-typical romance story with a touch of offbeat humour and quirkiness, then definitely take a closer look at Pete Hautman's The Big Crunch.
February 12, 2011
If you’ve ever wanted to read a romantic story featuring two completely normal, well-adjusted people, look no further because this is the book for you. Wes and June are average suburban middle-class teenagers; they don’t have any dark secrets, troubled pasts, abusive families, addictions, jealous exes, or any of the other Big Problems™ that are typical of so many YA and adult romances (even their parents are still happily married). Neither is really looking for a relationship when they first meet, but to their surprise, as the months go by they find themselves falling in love. Both of them are very likeable characters, and their attraction and relationship feels very realistic and believable; you just can’t help rooting for them. That’s important because this is a character-driven book with not much action, so if they or their relationship had fallen flat it would have sunk the whole thing. Now it’s not a happily-ever-after fairy tale romance – there are obstacles to deal with and they have their ups and downs and bumps and bruises like any couple - but Hautman proves here that Big Problems™ aren’t always necessary to create a compelling story. In fact, one of the things I love is that he puts in those little bumpy moments familiar to any couple - like taking a bad mood out on your partner and having to apologize for it later - but here they're just ordinary, everyday things; Wes and June talk it over, offer apologies where necessary, and move on. With most authors, they'd either a) not write in those moments at all or b) artifically inflate them into massive misunderstandings in order to add Drama. Fortunately, Hautman is too good of a writer to fall into either trap. Speaking of Hautman, this book seems almost atypical for him at first glance. His best work is often wickedly and delightfully subversive, whereas The Big Crunch plays everything straight and delivers exactly what the jacket cover promises, "a love story for people not especially biased towards romance" (like me!). But as I gathered my thoughts about this book, it occurred to me that for a culture where many teens are getting their ideas about love and romance from the likes of Twilight, Jersey Shore, and Gossip Girl, maybe a story about two perfectly normal high schoolers developing a healthy, positive relationship together is the greatest subversion of all. 4.5 stars.
March 11, 2012
June rarely stays at one school for more than six months, as her father's job (downsizing and streamlining failing companies) moves them often. She's learned not to hold on to anything, including friends, and especially boyfriends. Wes has lived in Minneapolis his whole life, and has just broken up with his long-term girlfriend because she was too omnipresent. Neither are looking for serious romance, and when they find themselves irresistibly drawn together, it takes them completely by surprise. Until June's father moves the family again. But this time, June doesn't want to give her boyfriend up, and he doesn't want to let her go.
The reviews of this book were pretty misleading. I was expecting girl meets boy, romance ensues, then the bloom falls off the rose, and they separate amicably. I don't want to spoil the book, but that's not what happens at all. I think I therefore went into the book with the wrong mindset to really take in the story--because I was bracing myself for a different story. Anyway, I think Hautman was trying to write a real romance, warts and all, maybe to counterpoint such ridiculous 'romances' as Twilight. Certainly both June and Wes found faults with each other, with themselves, and with their relationship. For me, it went to the point at which Wes talked about how exhausted he was with his summer job, finding family time, and spending every free minute with June. At that point, the text said, "He'd never been happier in his life," and I totally didn't believe it. Their love just seemed like something they'd both made up that they were trying to convince themselves was real and behaving as it were, and I don't know if that's a realistic portrait of a romance, or if I just didn't connect with the writing style. So, I enjoyed the details and the characters, but didn't love the book.
And what's up with the summary on the book jacket calling the protagonist 'Jen'?
The reviews of this book were pretty misleading. I was expecting girl meets boy, romance ensues, then the bloom falls off the rose, and they separate amicably. I don't want to spoil the book, but that's not what happens at all. I think I therefore went into the book with the wrong mindset to really take in the story--because I was bracing myself for a different story. Anyway, I think Hautman was trying to write a real romance, warts and all, maybe to counterpoint such ridiculous 'romances' as Twilight. Certainly both June and Wes found faults with each other, with themselves, and with their relationship. For me, it went to the point at which Wes talked about how exhausted he was with his summer job, finding family time, and spending every free minute with June. At that point, the text said, "He'd never been happier in his life," and I totally didn't believe it. Their love just seemed like something they'd both made up that they were trying to convince themselves was real and behaving as it were, and I don't know if that's a realistic portrait of a romance, or if I just didn't connect with the writing style. So, I enjoyed the details and the characters, but didn't love the book.
And what's up with the summary on the book jacket calling the protagonist 'Jen'?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2011
I decided to read this book after reading a stellar review on a magazine website (the name of which I can't remember). I had never heard of it before, but it sounded like a fun change from my usual reading. The Big Crunch is the story of two high school students: June, whose family moves about every six months because of her father's job, and Wes, who has just broken up with his first girlfriend. This story does a great job of avoiding cliches or current trends- Wes is not mesmerized or filled with a desire to drink June's blood upon their first meeting (although he later becomes mesmerized, he never develops the desire to exsanguinate her). Wes actually thinks that June is sort of weird-looking, and June pity-dates one of his best friends (you learn this from the front cover, not a spoiler). While I liked the ending, it remains realistic.
The title comes from the theory that the universe will end by crunching in on itself in a black hole (or something like that- I'm a biology teacher, not a physicist), parallel to how the universe began (the big bang theory). I can hear Sheldon shutting me down right now. If you read the book, you will find out what this theory means to the characters.
I loved this book- 5 stars for an excellent, engaging, contemporary love story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it reminded me of my own high school years. I met my boyfriend in middle school, we started dating after 9th grade, we got engaged at 20, unengaged at 21, and are still together at 23, so I appreciate stories about high school sweethearts and the struggles of falling in love so young. This is my first time reading Hautman, and he actually has quite a few books, so I'll be checking those out too!
The title comes from the theory that the universe will end by crunching in on itself in a black hole (or something like that- I'm a biology teacher, not a physicist), parallel to how the universe began (the big bang theory). I can hear Sheldon shutting me down right now. If you read the book, you will find out what this theory means to the characters.
I loved this book- 5 stars for an excellent, engaging, contemporary love story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it reminded me of my own high school years. I met my boyfriend in middle school, we started dating after 9th grade, we got engaged at 20, unengaged at 21, and are still together at 23, so I appreciate stories about high school sweethearts and the struggles of falling in love so young. This is my first time reading Hautman, and he actually has quite a few books, so I'll be checking those out too!
September 3, 2011
June has grown up in a thousand different cities thanks to her dad's job, but has always been able to move on to the next one. Things change though when her family has a stint in Minnesota and she meets Wes, a boy her age just getting over a past relationship. The Big Crunch ends up being a realistic tale of boy meets girl without the movie magic, telling the story of two teens as they try to deal with their feelings for each other in a not so perfect situation.
As I alluded to in the summary, the thing I enjoyed about this book the most is the not so perfect relationship June and Wes build. There aren't any real big flashy standing-on-your-feet-clapping moments like you get in a typical romance, but that's a good thing. Their relationship is funny and sweet, but also awkward and rough around the edges so many times, especially in the beginning when they first meet. It's a realistic portrayal of a teen romance that takes out the flowery aspects, leaving the soul intact in the end.
Despite this, I didn't love this book simply because the romance is really the core and only story in the book for the most part, and that's not really my cup of tea. Sure, it's funny and poignant at times, but by the last 50 pages or so, I was kind of tired of the story and just ready for it to come to a conclusion. I think this is more of my own personal taste though rather than a reflection of the quality of the work.
This is a great read for teens hoping to find a real romance in a book, and I stress real. Real romance isn't great all the time, and this book does a great job illustrating that. But that's all that's really there. If your looking for something more, than you might find yourself a little weary by the end like I did.
As I alluded to in the summary, the thing I enjoyed about this book the most is the not so perfect relationship June and Wes build. There aren't any real big flashy standing-on-your-feet-clapping moments like you get in a typical romance, but that's a good thing. Their relationship is funny and sweet, but also awkward and rough around the edges so many times, especially in the beginning when they first meet. It's a realistic portrayal of a teen romance that takes out the flowery aspects, leaving the soul intact in the end.
Despite this, I didn't love this book simply because the romance is really the core and only story in the book for the most part, and that's not really my cup of tea. Sure, it's funny and poignant at times, but by the last 50 pages or so, I was kind of tired of the story and just ready for it to come to a conclusion. I think this is more of my own personal taste though rather than a reflection of the quality of the work.
This is a great read for teens hoping to find a real romance in a book, and I stress real. Real romance isn't great all the time, and this book does a great job illustrating that. But that's all that's really there. If your looking for something more, than you might find yourself a little weary by the end like I did.
February 24, 2012
Pete Hautman is a Lake Wobegon Minnesotan like me and he's a funny thoughtful guy as a public speaker so when I saw that this book was up for an award today I grabbed it and finished it in a day. The book is billed as being an atypical romance novel. Wes and June are juniors in high school. Wes has just ended a serious relationship with his girlfriend Izzy and he's disjointed. June has a nomadic lifestyle because of her dad's job so she's used to changing schools frequently and deals by being detached. June dates Wes's best friend Jerry for something to do and Wes acts befuddled. Eventually they become involved. Not an exciting premise but, Hautman has a knack for making the mundane very entertaining. His narrative and dialogue flow seamlessly together and it makes for such a smooth witty read. My only sticking points with the book are that once the romance was established and they hit a big bump, I don't think Hautman knew how to end it which is like real life I guess. The other is that for as much as I got sucked into the vortex of the romance story I was surprised that I didn't like Wes and June better. Their disconnects with their feelings and consequent actions didn't seem to add up. But again in a weird way that felt realistic too because most of the time other people's reactions to things are mystifying. So I'm going to quit analyzing that part and conclude by saying that it is an exquisite rush to plow through and read something in one day.
November 12, 2012
Reviewed by LadyJay for TeensReadToo.com
The first time Wes saw June, fireworks definitely did not go off. He thought her greenish-blue eyes were set too far apart, and her hair looked as though she had stepped right out of the shower. June resembled a sea-creature, and not in a mermaid-like way.
He started calling her Aqua Girl, and eventually all Wes wanted was for June to be his.
Their affair is tumultuous, just like most teenagers in the throes of first love. Wes soon discovers that his relationship with June is exhausting, especially when it becomes long-distance. Is their Big Crunch a one-shot deal, or will it last?
Hautman uses the changing seasons to mark the progression of Wes and June's relationship. As the seasons change, their intensity and passion changes, as well. They learn about themselves through one another. They discover that there are limits to what they can do, both physically and emotionally.
I loved this book because the story was simple yet poignant. It wasn't flashy or filled with romantic dialogue; it was real. A boy and girl meet, fall in love, and try to make it work. Sometimes it lasts and sometimes it doesn't. Honestly, that really doesn't matter - it's about the story, and that's what makes this novel so wonderful.
The first time Wes saw June, fireworks definitely did not go off. He thought her greenish-blue eyes were set too far apart, and her hair looked as though she had stepped right out of the shower. June resembled a sea-creature, and not in a mermaid-like way.
He started calling her Aqua Girl, and eventually all Wes wanted was for June to be his.
Their affair is tumultuous, just like most teenagers in the throes of first love. Wes soon discovers that his relationship with June is exhausting, especially when it becomes long-distance. Is their Big Crunch a one-shot deal, or will it last?
Hautman uses the changing seasons to mark the progression of Wes and June's relationship. As the seasons change, their intensity and passion changes, as well. They learn about themselves through one another. They discover that there are limits to what they can do, both physically and emotionally.
I loved this book because the story was simple yet poignant. It wasn't flashy or filled with romantic dialogue; it was real. A boy and girl meet, fall in love, and try to make it work. Sometimes it lasts and sometimes it doesn't. Honestly, that really doesn't matter - it's about the story, and that's what makes this novel so wonderful.
January 31, 2011
Wes & June are your typical teenagers. They aren't vampires, werewolves, angels or anything else beautiful & supernatural. They are just trying to survive high school & figure out who they are & where they belong. When they first meet, they don't even like each other very much. Wes thinks June is funny looking & June doesn't really even notice Wes, they just orbit one another’s worlds until they eventually collide (literally) and they fall in love. There is no love at first sight, no gushiness that often accompanies new relationships, and no dramatic moment when the boy and girl realize they are meant to be together forever and ever, the end. Wes & June's love is a very realistic first love, it's full of obstacles and not always easy. When June's father is offered a new job in a different state, their love is put to the ultimate test. They attempt to end things, knowing how hard a long distance relationship can be, but even thousands of miles apart they still feel drawn to one another. But time & distance make them start to question their relationship. This book was very funny & I liked the realness of the characters. It was a good representation of how first love can be.
December 18, 2010
This book is one of the more realistic teenage romances I have read. There's no sweeping, swoon-worthy instant attraction. Nope, June and Wes fall for each other in the more traditional everyday way. Sometimes its nice to break from the supernatural attractions and read something true and Hautman has given us a chance to do just that with The Big Crunch.
This book was a fun, quick read full of intelligent and entertaining characters. June and Wes were both really fun. You get to read about them in equal parts since the narrative switches back and forth. It was really great to see how their relationship unfolds and how they deal with the conflicts that are put in their path. I think it all came together wonderfully.
I really enjoyed this book. If you need a break from those life consuming, I will die without him/her books, I definitely recommend this one! Its clever and fun. I will be reading Hautman's other books for sure!
This book was a fun, quick read full of intelligent and entertaining characters. June and Wes were both really fun. You get to read about them in equal parts since the narrative switches back and forth. It was really great to see how their relationship unfolds and how they deal with the conflicts that are put in their path. I think it all came together wonderfully.
I really enjoyed this book. If you need a break from those life consuming, I will die without him/her books, I definitely recommend this one! Its clever and fun. I will be reading Hautman's other books for sure!
February 10, 2011
I read this book in about 5 hours. I couldn't put it down! I think Hautman is a magnificently candid writer. I love how he crafts a story and builds his characters. I've read reviews where readers think Hautman's books offer little plot, but the journey his characters travel while their lives intertwine is truly remarkable. To captivate an audience through the interactions between characters rather than the places they go or the things they do is highly creative. "The Big Crunch" made me laugh out loud while also bringing tears to my eyes. I related to both characters and found myself deeply engrossed in their lives. Hautman writes realistically about teenage love, falling in love for the first time, and the awkwardness of teenage romance. Make no mistake; this is not an ordinary book about romance and he makes that abundantly clear. "The Big Crunch" is a wonderful story, not just for teens, but for adults as well.
April 16, 2017
I've been looking for a copy of The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman for so long that I was so overjoyed when I found one and bought it right away - regardless how much it cost (it was pretty expensive). Fortunately, I was spared from regretting the purchase. The story contained within this book was worth every penny I paid for it; even though this is mainly a very light read, it had a lot of great moments and I loved that the romantic angle was uniquely executed. The characters were the type you would want to be friends with had they been real, and the writing itself was simple enough that you can really focus on the story itself and not worry about other details.
It should be noted that after I read this one, my Mom went ahead and devoured this book, and she was all mesmerized by the cover.
It should be noted that after I read this one, my Mom went ahead and devoured this book, and she was all mesmerized by the cover.
September 24, 2012
‘The Big Crunch’ is a two hundred and eighty-eight paged young adult romance novel by award winning author, Pete Hautman. It follows two high school juniors – June Edberg, a girl who recently moved to Minnesota because of her father’s job from Chicago and, and Wes Andrews, a confused guy. When they first meet things seem off and Wes isn’t able to figure out whether he likes June or is plain freaked out by her! As time goes on the two find them-selves falling in love, until Jane is forced to move to Omaha. Wes and Jane have to ask themselves whether their feelings will survive with such distance between them. I though rally enjoyed reading this book. An electrifying and unconventional take on the typical high school romance, ‘The Big Crunch’ kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down!
May 25, 2014
God this was just the one of the most incredible match. Mumbai Indians played just like the Netherlands and win the unwinnable match. This somewhat lessen the awfullness of reading this boring predictable book.
You know what will happen in the end by just looking the book cover. And nothing interesting happens in-between. The only time i enjoyed reading it when the girl was leaving and i was just hoping maybe they will forget each other and move on.
Oh well, hopefully next one will be better.
and lol at the cover summary:
""June and Wes do not "meet cute." They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they are instant soul mates destined to be together forever.
This is not that kind of love story.""
well this is a that kind of love story.
You know what will happen in the end by just looking the book cover. And nothing interesting happens in-between. The only time i enjoyed reading it when the girl was leaving and i was just hoping maybe they will forget each other and move on.
Oh well, hopefully next one will be better.
and lol at the cover summary:
""June and Wes do not "meet cute." They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they are instant soul mates destined to be together forever.
This is not that kind of love story.""
well this is a that kind of love story.
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