The Pull of Gravity

by Gae Polisner

Nick Gardner’s life is falling apart. His dad is fat. Too fat. But Nick still doesn’t know what to think when Dad leaves town to walk off the weight and pursue some destiny that doesn’t seem to include the rest of the family. Meanwhile, The Scoot, Nick’s best friend, is dying from an incurable disease. And Scooter’s last wish is crazy: find his own long-lost father and return the signed first edition of Of Mice and Men that his father gave him before he took off.

Before Nick knows what’s happening, he and the quirky Jaycee are off on an odyssey of their own to track down Scooter’s dad—and to discover a little something about themselves, their friendship, and growing up in the process.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Friendship, Romance, Teen

202 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2011

About the author

I am a wannabe mermaid and the author of THE MEMORY OF THINGS, SEVEN CLUES TO HOME and several other novels for readers young, old or in between.

Please note that, although I originally tried to assign star-ratings to my book reviews (and, thus, you will see some of my favorite books with stars), I have stopped doing so. A 3-star review, for example, can mean such different things to readers and reviewers, some rarely give more, so 3 means pretty great, to others 3 is barely mediocre. Because of this, it feels arbitrary and capricious to assign them, and I'd rather merely provide (in some cases) my brief thoughts on the book (unless I really can't help myself in giving it 5-stars, which usually means I wish there were lots more to give. . .). But for the most part, I'm only going to add the word recommended.

As for writer-me, if you want to know more about me, you can find me at my website, gaepolisner.com. You may also find me on Instagram or twitter @gaepol or on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/gaepolisnera....

I'd love to interact with you here or there. :)

Reviews

[emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

i have such a fondness for past me.

take this book, for example. i don't remember one thing about it. well, okay, i remember exactly one thing: i found an ARC of this and another gae polisner book at my library's three-for-a-dollar sale, and i remember being like what!! another book influencer in the community!!

also, that cover is pretty bad. i think i remember it for it being traumatically sealed into my brain reasons.

but the plot? the characters? the writing style?

nada.

and yet 17 year old me helpfully gave me that one star rating for reference. thanks, past me. your vitriol is always an inspiration.

part of my series in which i review books i read a long time ago while sharing as little about the book itself as possible

[Sarah (YA Love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pull of Gravity is sweet, honest and touching. It has moments that will make you laugh out loud and even become teary. Those teaching Of Mice and Men will want to read this and add it to their library, if not their curriculum. John Steinbeck’s novel isn’t part of our curriculum in my district, but I will be including The Pull of Gravity in my classroom library.

My favorite character is the unique and completely honest Jaycee Amato. Her witty dialogue and comebacks with Nick had me giggling multiple times throughout the book. She’s the one that introduces Nick to Of Mice and Men by reading it to him as they head out on their journey to fulfill the request of The Scoot, their dying friend. They’re looking for Scoot’s father (without telling their parents), and the chances of finding him are slim, but Jaycee is prepared and optimistic. You’ve gotta love a girl who can plan an entire secret trip and stay optimistic while doing so. :)

The trip itself is fun to read because so many aspects of the story unravel and come together there. Besides Nick and Jaycee looking for Scoot’s dad, we watch Nick take chances (on love and his family) and become more independent. And even though Scoot isn’t on this journey with him, we get to find out more about his life and character. Plus, there’s all of his great Yoda and Star Wars references. Steinbeck and Yoda together?! AWESOME! If you’ve read John Green’s Paper Towns (I’m thinking of Quentin’s journey to find Margo), you’re sure to enjoy The Pull of Gravity.

A great element to the story are the emails Nick receives from his dad. Nick and his dad lack a strong relationship because his dad has pretty much checked out as a father. The emails appear in between some chapters and give us insight that we otherwise wouldn’t have. We know why Nick is upset with his dad, but I wish these feelings were more developed before we read the emails. I also wish we could have read more of his emails simply because they’re a cool element to the story.

I definitely recommend reading this. Girls will enjoy the relationship between Jaycee and Nick. Boys will love the Star Wars references and will easily relate to Nick. Teachers and librarians will, of course enjoy the story, but will also appreciate the ties to Of Mice and Men and Gae’s wonderful writing! Congrats on your debut, Gae, and I eagerly look forward to more of your books!

P.S. Don’t you just LOVE the final cover?! (If it doesn't show up here soon, check out my blog to see it http://addicted2reading.wordpress.com... )

[Kat Goldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pull of Gravity
This overwhelmingly brilliant story about friendship, pain, lose, death and discovery is a must for all teen, tween and the parents and adults who mentor them through the journey of young adult life, in other words this is a coming-of-age adventure. This novel is set in the life of a group of friends who realize life is not easy or what they expected it to be. One character’s family is on the slide and falling fast, another character is literally dying and does not even know where his father is… so together, they start on a life altering quest to deliver Of Mice and Men with a third friend and classmate. After reading this book, you will want to read and view Of Mice and Men and Star Wars to see the relevance of the novel to this storyline. This is a dazzling first novel by Gae Polisner.

[Anna Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I could not possibly love this book more. If one of John Green's books had a baby it would be this book. And that would be so much more than okay! This is such an odyssey and I loved Nick and Jaycee by the end so much, I didn't want it to be the end!!! Plus the Scoot was so real to me that it made my heart hurt. I laughed so hard when Nick had the fever hallucination of the Cola Can chasing him.....not enough words in the world. I think I want my own copy of this book and the author is totally on my watch list. Cannot WAIT to see where she goes next!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (May 10, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374371938
• ISBN-13: 978-0374371937

Ah, at last a book with many of my favorite things all mixed up. But, what do you get when you mix troll dolls, Slinkies, John Steinbeck, and Yoda? From past experience, I can tell you some of my best laid culinary plans have gone wildly astray. Take for example, the peach, date, banana ice cream my Aunt Jeanne and I whipped up one summer. She and I loved the sweet caramel colored confection, but we were the only ones. The rest of the family wanted vanilla.

Gae Polisner, on the other hand, has created a winning combination in The Pull of Gravity. She’s blended a tasty mix of timeless classic literature, pop culture, and kitschy fun that’s not only readable, but highly memorable and instructional as well.

Nick Gardner’s fifteen, which is really bad enough for anyone. Add to that, his Dad’s suffering extreme depression since the family moved from Manhattan to the suburbs and has spent most of his time lying on the couch gaining a massive amount of weight. Abruptly, his Dad decides to get off that couch and walk the 170 miles back to Manhattan in order to regain his physique and self esteem. His older brother’s changing fast, too—getting interested in girls and other related activities that are just TMI for Nick.

Add to that, his best friend’s dying. This isn’t news, exactly. Reginald Reyland, aka The Scoot, was born with progeria, a genetic defect which results in babies being born with an eighty year old’s system and a vastly shortened lifespan. Scoot handles his impending demise with far more grace and aplomb than the adults in his life. His RN Mom works double shifts at the hospital and leaves the kid mostly on his own and Scoot’s Dad left shortly after he was born unable to cope with the emotional crisis having a handicapped kid creates.

Scoot’s got one dying wish, which Nick learns from Jaycee Amato, Scoot’s odd new female friend. While Scoot’s Dad’s never been a part of his life, he’d like the man to have the signed first edition copy of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men he left for him. Jaycee suggests they honor Scoot’s wish and find Guy Reyland and hopefully bring him back to see Scoot one last time.

Together, they plan and embark on a journey to find Scoot’s Dad with only an out of date Rochester, NY address to go on. As the Robert Burns’ poem for which the Steinbeck novel’s name derived goes: The best laid plans of mice and men oft times go astray.

The Pull of Gravity offers much for readers of all ages. The novel’s populated with characters you won’t forget, but you wish you could make friends with. For a non-POV character who’s mostly off-screen and seen from the eyes of others, Scoot manages to come alive with a memorable mix of heartbreak and humor. Jaycee Amato, the brains behind the master plan, is also one of the most vividly drawn non-POV characters I’ve seen in a long time. She’s got a fashion sense which is a mix of Tim Burton and vintage toys and the kind of heart any friend would want to have.

In addition, the issues of family disintegration and loss of friends are some of the hardest people of any age have to face, particularly together. Married couples grow apart without having a physical move as inciter. Most of us don’t risk losing a close contemporary until we’re quite a bit older. Each step the characters take isn’t just a point of grief, but an opportunity for growth which is an amazing lesson for readers of all ages.

Speaking of lessons, the best YA doesn’t just entertain readers, it provides what my friends in the education field call “teachable moments.” Ms. Polisner handles disability in a frank and wise manner. Tolerance of differences and keeping one’s promises are the big themes of The Pull of Gravity and lessons each of us could learn at whatever stage of our lives we’re going through.

The highest compliment I could give any book is I wish I’d written it. I also wish I’d had The Pull of Gravity to read when I was fifteen.


Rebecca Kyle, February 2011

[Allison Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut novel by Gae Polisner, who manages to capture the voice and personality of her main character, Nick Gardner, with so much authenticity that I felt like I had a whole new insight into how teenage boys think. But it was really the character of Jaycee Amato who shined the most for me, with her penchant for toy jewelry and spunky wit. However, she's also wise and serves as a great guide for Nick who, at times, seems baffled by all the events swirling around him and unable to grasp the courage he needs to face the obstacles of his own angst, grief from the death of his best friend, and the dying marriage of his parents.

The book also took an unexpected twist for me, when it turned out the plot element I thought was going to be part of the book's climax happened far earlier than I expected, leaving me to wonder just what was going to happen next. Therefore, the events of the actual climax were unexpected. This is not a criticism, but my way of attempting to say (minus spoilers) that this book may just surprise you. It doesn't fall victim to a formulaic plot. It's not about the destination, it's about the journey of these two kids and Nick's ultimate coming of age.

Oh how I would have liked to stay with these two to learn more. I wanted to know more about Jaycee's life. I would love to see a story from her POV.

I think all authors releasing their first book should aspire to do something as wonderful as Gae has here. The Pull of Gravity is a story that younger readers of all ages would enjoy or relate to in some way, and it appeals to both boys and girls, which is rare. I cannot wait to see what Gae comes out with next. She could re-write the phonebook and make it a compelling read.

[Megan Bostic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick’s family is falling apart. On top of that, his friend, Scooter, is dying from a rare disease. Scooter’s dying wish is to return a valuable copy of, Of Mice and Men to his father. Only problem is that his father disappeared years ago and no one knows where he is. Nick and the girl with the Siberian husky eyes, Jaycee, decide to go on a quest to fulfill Scooter’s wish.

Gae’s characters are quirky and real. Nick is an awkward teenager, dealing with hormones, tragedy, and family dysfunction, along with hallucinations, wax lips, and cherry cola. His friend Scooter, is very thoughtful, and though he’s dying, is brutally honest about his future, and stays strong for those around him. Jaycee is unusual, precocious, and somewhat a clairvoyant, making her intriguing and fun. The rest of the supporting cast, even in their minimal roles, are real and unique.

Gae weaves a coming of age story with elements of comedy, tragedy, love, and loss so expertly, it’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. With twists, turns, and surprises along the way, this was a book, I could not put down once I started it. Her writing is poignantly beautiful, evocative, and compelling.

To integrate the classic story, Of Mice and Men, throughout shows her commitment to literature and literacy, making this a story librarians and Language Arts teachers could share with their teen readers to teach them about classic and contemporary literature.

This book made me cry for many reasons, which I won’t share because I don’t want to give anything away. I suggest you read it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

[AnQi · Rating 2 out of 5]

REVIEW FOR THE PULL OF GRAVITY

The Pull of Gravity was a short, sweet, and juvenile realistic novel, set in the present day where our main character Nick is set on granting his dying friend Scooter’s final wish. Along with a friend named Jaycee Amato, their mission is to send a thousand dollar copy of Mice and Men back to his father, who walked out on Scooter and his mother just a few days after he was born. Nick, who has his own conflicts with his father- (his dad is described as huge in the beginning of the book, and decides to walk all the way to New York City from their small, countryside town,) knows what the situation feels like, though is uncertain whether to follow on with the interesting and unique Jaycee. Eventually, though, Jaycee and Nick are on a whirlwind adventure to uncover the missing father of Scooter Reyland and Nick and Jaycee’s own complicated family ties.
Although the premise was interesting and The Pull of Gravity looked like a very short, very easy read, I could not get into it. I think it was more of a ‘this is not my type of book’ situation instead of anything the author did or did not do. I did not feel compelled to read into the night with this book, nor was I really excited when I picked it up to read. The lack of real action might have been one thing, or maybe the slow turning of events. All in all, The Pull of Gravity was an okay read, but considering the number of good reviews I’ve seen on The Pull of Gravity, I might try it sometime again in the future.

[Lindsey Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book. This book. I get bored with YA Fiction after a while because so much of it is so heavy. I get the heaviness. I do. Kids these days live in a cold, hard world that demands so much of them and they have to make difficult choices before they are ready or informed enough to understand how those choices will affect their future. Of course they want to read books about kids that have even harder lives and make even worse choices, it gives them perspective.

But every once in a while, isn't it better to be reminded that the world can be a beautiful place, too? That our choices can bring us something surprising and good?

This book is so wonderful, because while the main characters do live in a cold world that demands a lot from them and some really sad and tragic things happen, in the end there's this thread weaving through the whole thing that if you learn to trust, (give in to the pull of gravity, as it were) really cool things can happen, too. I love how Polisner takes a common theme, Steinbeck's ominous "the best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry," and turns it in to a humorous and apt repetition of "gangly angly" by the protagonist who has yet to learn to take himself seriously.

It's an honest book. It's honest about the fact that life doesn't always turn out the way we want it to, or plan for it to; but, it's also honest about the fact that sometimes it turns out better.

Did I mention it's coming out in paperback? So buy a couple of copies, or a couple of cases of copies, and give them to the melodramatic teen in your life.

[Mindy/fangedmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
I fell in love with these characters. When I first read about this book, I knew I wanted to read it. With a best friend dying & being asked to fulfill his one dying wish, I could only imagine what adventures would transpire for our character Nick. BOY was I in for an eye opening read. Nick's life seems to be crumbling all around him. Parent issues, growing up, an illness that he suffers from and just life in general is testing every bit of strength he has.

This book did not follow anything I thought it would. I was so pleasantly surprised at every turn. Author Gae Polisner kept me guessing (wrongly I might add) though out the whole book. By the end of the book, not only did I feel a closeness to the characters but also felt a huge uplifting in my spirits. You always have an idea of how you expect a book to end when reading it. When you get to the end of a book and it does not end the way you expect it to makes me giddy. This book made me GIDDY!

Author Gae Polisner has taken the impending death of The Scooter and used it to bring opposites Nick & Jaycee together for an adventure in life, death & possibilities. I had a very strong attachment to this book after reading it. This is definitely a book I will be buying and encouraging my kids to read.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher to review.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/16/11 ** Day 19, Book 28 ** Nick and Scoot are best friends (though Nick is a little embarrassed about this friendship); Scoot and Jaycee are friends (unbeknownst to Nick). Scoot is dying, Nick's father has left home, and Jaycee has decided that Nick needs to help her make a dying wish of Scoot's come true.

This poignant tale weaves together threads from the characters' lives with quotes and themes from various Star Wars movies and Of Mice & Men, creating a tapestry that inexorably pulls you along. After falling asleep reading the book on my first evening, the characters talked to me in my dreams; I wanted to know what was happening to them. You'll want to meet Nick, Jaycee and Scoot too; sometimes it takes a friend to recognize what you need even when you don't know yourself.

[Cathy Blackler · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Paul Hankins great praise for this book I was fortunate enough to receive a copy via Alyson Beecher. Polisner's coming of age novel did not disappoint. Reminiscent of As Easy as Falling off the Face of the Earth (interesting connection with the titles, btw) readers will make an instant connection with Nick. Family problems, including a depressed father and a distant older brother, along with a best friend who is dying, send Nick hurtling toward Jaycee; a girl who appears to be as unlike Nick as possible. They are united through their friendship with Scoot and set out on a journey of discovery that is full of laughter, sadness, heartbreak, and the assurance that things rarely go as planned.

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gae Polisner's The Pull of Gravity was a beautiful, bittersweet novel that will have you crying and laughing out loud. You will grow to love all of the characters, even minor characters, like Nick's brother, Jeremy, and you'll wonder about people put on this earth for such a short while who leave us with gifts that will change our lives forever. Like Paul Hankins I felt this book connected on so many levels to A Prayer for Owen Meany as part of a reading ladder. As I was reading The Pull of Gravity I kept thinking of that book, and how the friendship between Nick and Scooter was so much like Owen and Johnny, although it was Johnny who had the missing father and Owen who had the parents present, but in many ways absent.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I posted a full review on my blog www.kidlitfrenzy.com so I will just sum up my thoughts. Here are some of what I liked about this book:
likable characters; short, readable chapters; humor; characters who are quirky and real; a road trip with a purpose; and a realistic ending. A solid debut offering by author Gae Polisner.

[Mike Mullin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heady mix of Steinbeck, Yoda, love, death, teenage romance, grief, bizarre diseases and pitch-perfect teenage romance. Go. Read it now. Thank me later.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’d be hard-pressed to find two places more dissimilar than the dust bowl of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men,” and the almost sterile futurism of the Star Wars saga.* Similarly, you’d be hard-pressed to find two characters less alike than Lennie—the physically huge, mentally challenged co-subject in “Of Mice and Men”—and tiny, wise Yoda from the Star Wars saga. Yet both of these worlds and these characters are prominent in Gae Polisner’s excellent novel, “The Pull of Gravity.”

Nick is about to begin his freshman year of high school. He’s reasonably excited, even though the town is small enough that there is only one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school, so there won’t be any new classmates. Nick’s best friend, Scooter Reyland, is a grade ahead, already in high school, when he can attend. Scooter has Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, which speeds up the aging process. Scooter is sixteen years old, though his body is the age of a very old man. He knows he’s going to die soon, and he’s okay with that.
Scooter’s other good friend is Jaycee Amato, a sort of eccentric girl who wears troll dolls around her neck and Slinkys for bracelets. Scooter and Jaycee seem an unlikely pair of friends, but Scooter has lots of friends, more than “normal” teenager Nick.

Nick first meets Jaycee when she accompanies her stepfather—a local TV celebrity—on a story. Soon after, Jaycee emails Nick to come over sometime and play shuffleboard. (Her stepfather’s gigantic house has its own shuffleboard court.) So Nick and Jaycee begin their friendship over shuffleboard and talk of Scooter.

Scooter has given Jaycee a mission: after he dies, he wants Jaycee to find his long-gone father, and return to him a book—an autographed first edition of “Of Mice and Men” worth about $15,000. Jaycee cajoles Nick into going with her. The only Reyland they can find in all their computer research lives in Rochester, a few hours’ bus ride from Albany, the nearest city to their tiny New York town. One Thursday, Nick’s mom leaves town for the weekend, and the pair take that opportunity to set off for Rochester.

By the time the two are on their way home on a late night Trailways bus, both of them have learned a lot about themselves, about life, and about how things happen in the real world. As carefully scripted their mission is, Steinbeck haunts them, just like the source of Steinbeck’s title, from poet Robert Burns: The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.

In the end, whether they succeed in their mission doesn’t really matter. It’s that they make the journey, that they grow their friendship, and that Nick becomes a braver, stronger person along the way.

This is the kind of book where you feel yourself traveling along with the characters. Nick and Jaycee are amazingly well-drawn in their stark differences and their sad similarities. A lot of friendships come out of the latter—people with common backgrounds and interests find each other fairly regularly—but it’s rare that two complete opposites bond as tightly as Nick and Jaycee do.

In “The Pull of Gravity,” author Gae Polisner brilliantly describes both the physical landscapes the two encounter, and their individual mental landscapes.

Their catalyst is Scooter. His machinations bring about this mission, and cement Nick and Jaycee’s friendship. He’s like a wizened Yoda—his favorite Star Wars character—and sagely, he knows how much Nick and Jaycee need each other. Metaphorically, through his constant Yoda quotes, Scooter has provided wisdom for the future. The past—the Steinbeck book—is a small thing, safely hidden away within its own pouch. Nick and Jaycee are charged with giving away the past, and moving on into the future. After following them around on their adventures, we get the impression that their future will glow like a light-saber on a dark Tatooine night.

Most Highly Recommended

*- I realize the Star Wars saga was set "A long time ago," but it's pretty futuristic for us.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from my blog: http://christitheteenlibrarian.blogsp...

I first heard of this book at a Booklist webinar, where several publishers were promoting their favorite upcoming YA titles. I requested and received an ARC; in the meantime, I used this title for my Waiting on Wednesday for that week. Gae Polisner saw my WOW (squee!), and commented how happy she was to see her book on my blog.

I'm very happy to report that I loved this book. It is, as Gae mentioned in an email, a "quiet" book (compared with paranormal fiction, at any rate), but it's a strong storyline with incredible characters. Our narrator, Nick, is just your average kid--he's not extraordinarily handsome or athletic--in other words, he's pretty much just like most of us. His family life isn't great--there's nothing earth-shatteringly bad about it, it's just not spectacular (again, like most of our families). Mom works harder than she should have to, because Dad, a former journalist, has gained an obscene amount of weight and literally sits on the couch all day. Nick's older brother, Jeremy, is just like most older bros--most of the time he can't stand Nick, but once in a while (when it really counts), he steps up.

What makes Nick special is his friendship with Scooter, who was born with a form of progeria, which causes rapid aging in young children. So basically the Scoot is a teenager with the body of an old man. And because there's no treatment or cure for progeria, and because he ages so quickly, he will die way sooner than he should. The Scoot is a remarkable character. His level of maturity is one not often seen in adults, let alone young teens. He regards his pending death with a quiet dignity not often seen anywhere.

Jaycee rounds out this little group. She's the stepdaughter of a local news personality, and meets Nick when Stepdad interviews the family. Nick's dad makes a decision to emulate a man who gained some fame walking from CA to NY, and this causes the family to gain a bit of popularity. (Based on truth: http://www.thefatmanwalking.com/)

Although the only commonality Nick and Jaycee appear to share is Scoot's friendship, they decide to honor his last wish and head out to try and find Scoot's dad. And of course, as is true of almost all road trip stories, Nick learns a lot about himself, Scooter, Jaycee, and even his family while searching for Scooter's dad.

Jaycee is a fun character, using Slinkys and Trolls are accessories to her outfits. She was just slightly quirky, and reminded me a little bit of Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl. She's a strong character who knows what she wants, and almost always knows how to go about getting it. And, if she doesn't know, she'll either fake it, or ask for help. I love to see characters who aren't afraid to ask for help--that's realism.

There are a lot of references to Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (the book Nick and Jaycee are attempting to deliver), and it's been soooo long since I've read it that I can barely remember it. All the references are explained pretty well, though. Fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy this novel. It's not a tear-jerker (at least it wasn't for me), but it does tug at the heartstrings, and you will care deeply about these characters by the end of the story.

[Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally read adult fiction. I haven't been a teenager since the seventies, and even my children are no longer teens. Normally I would hardly give a YA or teen novel a second look. But lately I've been reading, and reviewing books outside my usual reading list. I'm glad I gave The Pull of Gravity a chance.

In her debut novel author Gae Polisner shows an uncanny ability to capture the heart, mind, and voice of a teenage boy. Nick Gardner is an average teen who finds himself caught in a whirlwind of life changing events. The first-person narrative proceeds in such a natural, true, and believable fashion it's hard to imagine that it isn't taken directly from the mind of a fifteen year old boy.

Nick suffers all the normal angst of puberty, but he also has a best friend who is dying and a father who literally walks away. Throw a quirky older girl into the mix, Jaycee, who has an interest in Nick and an adventurous plan to help the Scoot, and Nick can do little more than 'trust the force' and cope as best he can. When the couple take a road trip in search of the Scoot's absentee dad, Nick soon experiences how far the best laid plans can go awry.

I well remember how difficult those teen years can be, and how it often seemed the most intimate thoughts and emotions were plastered like a billboard for all to see. The author beautifully embodies that exposed feeling with Jaycee's apparent ability to know Nick's every thought. He is both intimidated and enthralled by her seeming fearlessness and self-sufficiency while he suffers from quite normal adolescent insecurity.

I opened The Pull of Gravity and quite literally read it in one sitting. I never put it down, from cover-to-cover. I was drawn into the life of Nick Gardner and felt such a strong connection that I at times read through the blur of tears. It is an emotionally charged novel that is one moment hilariously funny and the next heart-wrenching and tragic. Ms. Polisner has burst onto the literary scene and shown herself worthy to be shelved with the likes of Steinbeck.

I recommend The Pull of Gravity to all who love literature, and as a must read for teens. If my sons were still teens it would be required reading in my home this summer.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first draft SLJ review might have been too complimentary because I was asked to revise and indicate that the plot did indeed have some holes, particularly with regard to the main character's father, but ultimately, I'm not sure most teen readers come away from a reading experience wondering what happened to the adult characters. Am I prejudiced in thinking that their concern for fictional characters is unlikely to extend to those over 30?

Nick Gardner's father is famous, infamous?, for attempting to walk from Connecticutt to NYC at an enormous 395 pounds. What got FatMan2 off the sofa is in part his guilt that after climbing as a result of a high fever Nick takes a fall from the town water tower while his father sleeps through the event. An unemployed journalist, Nick's dad seeks drastic change and to communicate with his son, but Nick won't even read the emails that chronicle his journey. Later, he finds out his dad is altering not just his behavior but his love life as well. Nick's more prominent concern is next door neighbor Scooter, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that causes him to look like an elderly person for his abbreviated life. Nick has grown up watching Star Wars movies with the Scoot, but at fifteen, he is ready to move on--and it appears that Scooter might be moving on soon after a debilitating stroke. When Jaycee Amato, another friend of Scooter's, starts hanging around Nick, he finds her strange but somehow irrestible, especially when she presents him with Scooter's dying wish: Nick and Jaycee must find Sooter's long absentee dad to give him a letter and an heirloom autographed first edition of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Bus trips, reading the novel, and ultimately kissing feature large in the last third of the book, and Nick enters a rites of passage. Quirky like Fransciso Stork's novels while being more approachable.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pull of Gravity is a coming-of-age story that features Nick Gardner. His father has just left the family and his best friend, the Scoot, is dying. His last wish is for Nick and a quirky classmate, Jaycee, to deliver a prized first-edition copy of Of Mice and Men to his father. The problem is that the Scoot’s father walked out years ago and hasn’t been heard from since.

While short, The Pull of Gravity is a fascinating read. I like that it was told from a boy’s perspective and Nick’s pretty emotive for a boy. He’s not exactly having the best of times but he’s coping with the best he can. His interactions with Jaycee were fun to read and it was really rewarding to watch their friendship blossom. I found myself anxious as to whether Nick and Jaycee will ever succeed in their mission. There were certain moments that were pretty gut-wrenching and tears-inducing so prepare a tissue, just in case.

There were a few plot lines that were left untied, or at the very least, weren’t properly resolved but I think that’s the whole point because life isn’t perfect and The Pull of Gravity is a pretty realistic shot of reality in fiction.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all hate required reading. In fact, anyone who says they love required reading is lying. Yes, we may love it later but we do not love it at the time we are required to read it.

IMHO, the best thing for required reading is companion novels. So, if you have to read Of Mice and Men, also read The Pull of Gravity. Steinbeck, Star Wars, friendship, and a road trip: realistic teen characters will relate Steinbeck’s epic messages to today’s teens in a fun way. Yoda gets quoted just as much (maybe more?) as Steinbeck. Yes, there is some heaviness here (pardon the pun, Nick’s Dad): friend with terminal illness, depressed Dad, abandonment. But all is relayed with a lightness that is refreshing.

The shorter chapters and keeping it at just barely over 200 pages, reluctant readers will be able to enjoy this while also being introduced to a key piece of American literature.

[Jeff Fielder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fever is what started it all. And then the story takes off at a feverish pitch and doesn't let up until the final words. Beautifully written and wonderfully paced, "The Pull of Gravity" does just what the title implies: It pulls you in.

Believable characters from the quirky Jaycee to the stumbling Nick to the insightful Scoot, everything about this book just works. It's a very fast read, but the story will stick with you even after you put it down . . . which you'll have a hard time doing.

It's not just a YA book for teens, adults will love the heart of Polisner's storytelling.

There is some language and subject matter that younger readers may find objectionable, but it's not overly wrought with it. Where it is, it feels right and true to the story and the characters.

Highly recommended, but make sure you bring Kleenex for some of the sadder scenes.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appealing characters. The sweet story reminded me of another favorite - The Cardturner by Sacher.
I will skip across the top of the plot and characters, otherwise I will sink us in the details that Nick relates in a disarming manner in the book.
Nick narrates a compressed space of time when he faces crises all around. He has badly broken his leg, his grossly overweight father has literally walked out- as in walking to Manhattan to jump start some kind of change in his own life, his friend, the Scoot is dying, his brother is leaving for college...
In a fresh voice, Nick tells of Scoot's friend Jaycee's quest (Nick gets roped in) to get a rare edition Of Mice and Men to Scoot's long absent dad. In the tradition of quests everywhere the duo find more than they were seeking.
Completely charming.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pull of Gravity reminds me of the books I read when I was a teen, fell in love with, and still pull out to reread. Nick and Jaycee set out to fulfill a promise to a dying friend which entails a road trip, a special copy of Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men", troll dolls and the wisdom of Yoda. In parts funny and sad, the story is a timeless reminder that try as we might, plans go awry. But just as life delivers sadness it also delivers joy. And the joy of this book is in the characters -- Nick, who is doing his best in tough circumstances, and crazy, quirky Jaycee who pushes him beyond himself.

This is a coming of age story both boys and girls will love. Absolutely recommend.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Pull of Gravity. It was a fast pace read that dealt with some tough issues including divorce, death and illness. With references to Of Mice and Men and Star Wars this book has elements that will appeal to many readers. Jaycee & Nick undertake a journey to find Scoot's father but it becomes much more a journey of self discovery.

The ending didn't wrap up quite as I expected it to and left me with a few unanswered questions but overall it was a satisfying read.



Rating: 4 Stars

Content: Language & groping hands

Source: ARC Tour

[Hart Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mix of classic, quirk, and real life--the combination of Of Mice and Men, Yoda wisdom, the fragile formation of a friendship that will prove SO important because... life really sucks sometimes. I felt the characters were real, the events they had to face and the emotions they responded to them with, completely realistic, and my overall impression was just that it was very sweet. I loved it.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the references to Star Wars and Yoda as well as the allusions to Steinbeck's OF MICE AND MEN. An interesting combination of 'do or do not, there is no try' and 'the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.'

I didn't love the characters -- found them forced, one-dimensional and stock. Too many questions at the end...check it off my list, but I'll be forgetting this one sooner than I usually do

[Caroline Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story. :) Definitely recommend it!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had just started and put down a couple of YA novels because the writing didn't draw my interest, but I knew I could count on Gae Polisner’s words. I was hooked at the opening sentences. Polisner’s characters may not be remarkable, but they are memorable. In The Pull of Gravity Nick, the Scott, and Jaycee all have family problems, but when Scoot dies, Nick and Jaycee become each other’s family as they do what they can to carry out the Scoot’s wish because, as Yoda said, “There is no try.” This novel, as did Polisner‘s The Memory of Things, focuses on the power of peer relationships.
With the many references and quotes from Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, The Pull of Gravity would be an effective way-in novel to prepare and interest students in the classic.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was filled with tears, love, and adventure and I really liked it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good story that might make you cry. The end was great, but it ended suddenly. I love this book and it should totally go on your to-read list!