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    We Are All Made of Molecules: A Novel
    Unavailable
    We Are All Made of Molecules: A Novel
    Unavailable
    We Are All Made of Molecules: A Novel
    Audiobook5 hours

    We Are All Made of Molecules: A Novel

    Written by Susin Nielsen

    Narrated by Jorjeana Marie and Jesse Bernstein

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

     *"This savvy, insightful take on the modern family makes for nearly nonstop laughs."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred

    Stewart, 13: Socially clueless genius.
    Ashley, 14: Popular with everyone but her teachers

    Ashley's and Stewart's worlds collide when Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom. The Brady Bunch it isn't. Stewart is trying to be 89.9 percent happy about it--he's always wanted a sister. But Ashley is 110 percent horrified. She already has to hide the real reason her dad moved out; "Spewart" could further threaten her position at the top of the social ladder.

    They're complete opposites, but they have one thing in common: they-like everyone else-are made of molecules.

    In this hilarious and deeply moving story, award-winning author Susin Nielsen has created two narrators who will steal your heart and make you laugh out loud.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateMay 12, 2015
    ISBN9780553556292
    Unavailable
    We Are All Made of Molecules: A Novel
    Author

    Susin Nielsen

    Susin Nielsen got her start writing for popular television series, Degrassi Junior High. Since then, she’s written for many Canadian TV shows and her young adult novels have received considerable critical acclaim. Word Nerd and My Messed-Up Life won multiple Young Readers’ Choice Awards. The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the UKLA Award, the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s Children’s Book of the Year and many Young Readers’ Choice Awards, while We Are All Made of Molecules was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Susin lives in Vancouver with her family and two extremely destructive cats.

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    Reviews for We Are All Made of Molecules

    4/5

    126 ratings24 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Well-written, family dynamics, with a very clever plot, as are all Susin Neilsen's books that I've read so far. Some of the characters appear from earlier stories written by Nielsen, which provides a friendly sense of connection and community. This story from a 13-year old's point of view likely resonates with how a lot of kids feel in similar situations. The themes that develop in the novel are complex and perhaps too numerous ~ a lot of baggage for a YA reader to absorb (cancer, death, school bullying, gay relationships, assault). Star rating (3-1/2) also reflects two issues that I felt should have been presented with less stereotyping: Ashley comes across as too much of an air-head (although she isn't really, she just being a normal teenager). She ends up in a near-assault situation through being naive. Stewart is oh-so bright and the novel seems to contrast these two protagonists somewhat in a gender divide. However, the resolution for the family becoming tighter was plausible and there was enough suspense to keep the reader fully engaged.
    • 3/5
      An interesting read about two children and their newly blended life. Stewart and Ashley are facing many important issues (bullying, gay parenting, blended families, date rape) sometimes with humor and sometimes with anger. I enjoyed the majority of the story, I however thought the "protection" club was a bit far fetched. Not that it would not be a good idea in some form. This book would bring a lot of good discussion points for kids.
    • 3/5
      I'm giving three stars, but a weak three. Would I purchase this book for the library? Yup, because it covers so many hot topics that I'm sure there would be a number of kids who could relate in some way. So, then why didn't I like it? For that exact reason; too many hot topics were covered! Blended family, grief, character possibly on the spectrum, bullying, dating violence (more potential for than actually realized, but enough of the way there that I cringed), gay parent, mean girls...it was just too much.
    • 5/5
      Even though this wasn't really aimed at my age group, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the diversity of characters and the strong message that came through in the book. The way the two characters' stories developed and the different ways in which they expressed having to come to terms with their blended life was enjoyable and quite funny at times. There's a lot going on in this book and many topics and issues are covered, but this makes the story even stronger. One enjoyable read and one that can challenge the thinking if you allow it to.
    • 4/5
      A good book in most ways. Well written, interesting, funny, thoughtful, gives kids a headsup on a thing or two. BUT it distresses me that the girl is made to seem dumb and that is funny, whereas the boy is smart and that is less funny. I think there is some anti-non-nerd stuff happening here. But mostly we get past that and just enjoy the book.
    • 4/5
      Thirteen-year-old brilliant but socially-challenged Stewart and mean-girl Ashley must find common ground when, two years after Stewart's mother died, his father moves in with his new girlfriend--Ashley's mother, whose gay ex-husband lives in their guest house.
    • 5/5
      This book was about two teens, who are as different as can be, and their lives while they are going through the difficult transition of having to live together. Their alternating perspectives of this story made it so much more enjoyable as you got to see both of their thoughts and reactions to the same situations. This story included a wide variety of personalities that exist in the real world, which gives younger readers a better idea of the people they will encounter. It also tackled a few tough situations that teens in our current society have to deal with in realistic ways, which leaves a good impression on the reader. Ultimately, this book teaches the reader that even though everybody is different, we are all made of molecules.
    • 4/5
      I loved this book! Both Stewart and Ahley had terrific voices which the reader could easily identify and relate to. The dual narrative and humour had me engaged from the start, However, there were some serious issues and fairly dark moments, especially in the second-half of the book, which stopped it being just a light, fluffy read. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.
    • 4/5
      This book deals with a myriad of issues - death of a parent, divorce, mixed families, step siblings, homosexuality, bullying, date rape. Well written and a recommended read as a YA novel.
    • 4/5
      I received a copy of author Susan Nielsen's fictional YA book "we are all made of molecules" compliments of the Early Reviewers program and appreciated the opportunity! I will start by saying I loved this book for it's humor, the diverse characters and the bias that I have for Canadian authors! This is a fast paced tale that covers a variety of themes including terminal illness, bullying, homosexuality, blended families and sexual assault. The main characters, Stewart and Ashley, worlds collide and they are forced to live together in a blended home, while experiencing major life transitions. Their differences far exceed their similarities and emotions fly as they start to navigate their new circumstance. Their tragedies are shared in a humor-filled drama, that stays true to many teen's struggles. This book is sure to please both middle years, YA lovers and adults alike. A great summer read!
    • 5/5
      This book is about two kids, Stewart and Ashley, who become step-sibilings. They COULD NOT be more different. Stewart is very smart but not too good in social situations (although he's working on it). Ashley has a big circle of friends and is VERY concerned about what they think. Ashley's mom and dad are divorced because Ashley's dad came out as gay. Stewart's mom died of cancer. They end up at the same high school and end up in a very tangled social situation. I loved how these characters resolved their issues and I think this is a terrific book.
    • 5/5
      This is a very enjoyable read due to the conflicting voices of Stewart and Ashley, two teens forced together when Stewart's dad moves in with Ashley's mom. Stewart and Ashley are about as different as two teens could possibly be, which is one of the reasons why I enjoyed the book, and the other reason is the honest but humorous observations made by Stewart. A few times I did have to question whether Ashley could possibly be as naive and clueless as she appeared, and that was the only thing that stopped me from giving this book 5 stars. Thank you Library Thing for giving me a copy of this book. I've actually purchased a second one so I can have a few on my library shelves.
    • 4/5
      A quick, fun read about a disparate set of step-siblings and their journey to becoming friends. While the narrative of Ashley was almost painfully shallow, her misuse of vocabulary was endearingly funny. Stewart's interpretation of the world was refreshing and you're constantly rooting for him. The ending was warm and fuzzy, but not in an overdone way. Overall: a great YA novel.
    • 4/5
      Stewart and Ashley find themselves living in the same house after their parents have decided to move-in together. Stewart's mom died and Ashley's dad left the family after announcing that he is gay. Ashley is into looks, fashion, and self-centered. She starts dating Jared who as Stewart declares is not a "quality person". He considers Ashley as an object to conquer and does a lot of other questionable things like beating a kid up because he's gay, taking pictures of Ashley when she is passed out. Stewart transfers from gifted school to regular high school. He's nerdy and a little strange. And while Ashley does not appreciate him being part of her life, eventually she begins to change and grow as a person - a much more likable character by the end of the story.
    • 4/5
      Good heavens, I effing love Susin Nielsen. Her characters are always vivid and have something special that makes them zing. This book is simultaneously a family comedy and a heartfelt study of what it means to truly be a family. Just read it, then go back and read all of Susin Nielsen's books.
    • 4/5
      I almost didn't read this book. I don't like YA "issues" novels and after reading the blurbs and a couple of reviews of this I really knew it was not my kind of book and wasn't going to bother reading it BUT I had high expectations of the author. "Word Nerd" is one of my all-time favourite YAs and I really enjoyed "Dear George Clooney", so how could I just not read this? I ended up biting the bullet and dove in. I ended up reading the first half in one sitting and quickly finishing the book in the next! Nielsen is a great storyteller and this is an engaging read that the intended audience is going to lap up. It was not my type of book but Nielsen's writing hooked me and kept me reading right on through. Not overanilyzing it and we have a book about teen issues, so many in fact that you're probably going to have familiarity with some of them and the book will appeal to teens. It's all in here: death of a parent, a gay parent, dating parents, step-families, mean girls, bullying, and a sexual predator jock. The two main charactrs are overyly stereotyped, the dumb self-interested mean girl and the intelectual socially inept nerdy boy. They are both so busy dealing with the myriad of issues facing them there is no character development and no reason to like or care when the girl has an epiphany and suddenly learns the error of her ways at the end and the boy gathers his courage and stands up against the bully at the end. Personally, I also felt sad that the boy had no faith and could only think that all that was left of his mother was molecules. I know this was supposed to be an uplifting thought for humanists, but as a Christian it's a sad thought that would be all someone would have to hang onto without faith. However, in the end it is an engaging read that the intended audience will love and I'm glad I read it as I intend to continue read the author.
    • 4/5
      Increasingly, Young Adult books focus on difficult subjects. I very much liked this book, told from the perspective of two characters, both of whom are facing life-changing events. Ashley's parents split when her very wonderful, kind father told the family he was gay. Stewart's mother died the previous year, and he is still very much in grief.Their lives come together when his father and her mother form a romantic relationship and Stewart's father moves in to the home that Ashley has known since a little girl. Her father lives in the carriage like house in the back of the property, while Stewart not only lost his mother, but his father sold the house holding so many memories of his very special, loving mother.It is difficult for both Stewart and Ashley to form a blended family. Ashley doesn't like Stewart's geekiness, and Stewart has a strong negative reaction to Ashley's phony self absorption. Compounded with the fact that few of their items are moved into the house, Stewart and his father search for a way to feel at home, while Ashley doesn't try at all to accommodate them, and her mother makes a fledgling attempt.While Ashley focuses of popularity, it is plain that Stewart is unpopular and nerdy. While Ashley lives to be recognized, Stewart hides out in the steps during lunch to be avoided. When the most good looking guy who recently moved to the school hits on Ashley, Stewart knows clearly he is trouble.As Stewart finds a niche, and Ashley slowly learns that all the glitters isn't gold, the inevitable melt down results. The only quarrel I have with the book is that it tried to cover too many serious topics including, but not limited to, a gay relationship of a father and his friend, and snail-like, acceptance by his daughter; grief of a serious, mature, intelligent child whose father may have moved too fast to fill a void, severe bullying, gay bashing, parents who struggle to care for the emotions of their children while trying to blend a family and hosting dinners for the former husband and his lover. Still, the book works to handle difficult subjects in a mature way. And the way in which the characters unfold rings true, if only a tad too schmultzie.3.5 stars.
    • 4/5
      What do a 14-year-old snobby princess and a 13-year-old socially clueless nerd have in common? They are both made of molecules—a fact that does little to initially help the pair get along when their parents move in together. Ashley is still reeling from her parent’s divorce and father subsequently announcing he is gay; Stewart is still grappling with the death of his mother from cancer. When Ashley’s mother and Stewart’s father fall in love, their children are thrown together and must learn how to live with each other. While Ashley’s character is entirely unlikeable, Stewart is a loveable, precocious boy who wants everyone to get along. Full of feel goods and humor, WE ARE ALL MADE OF MOLECULES reminds us that no matter how different we may seem, we are fundamentally the same.
    • 5/5
      We are All Made of Molecules by Susin NielsenReviewed by Lou HunleyStewart has a high I.Q. At 13, he has always been the youngest in his class and socially clueless. He really misses his mom who died of cancer a year and three months ago; but is happy that his Dad and found someone new and he has always wanted a sister.Ashley is 14, extremely good looking by her own estimation, has a great sense of style, and is the Queen Bee of her crowd. For 12 ½ years her family was “perfect”; Then a year ago, her father announced that he was gay and that his marriage to her mother was over. For financial reasons, he shares an apartment located just behind the house. Ashley is totally disgusted with her dad for ruining her life. She throws all her energy into boys, fashion and friends. She is not pleased when she learns that her mother’s boyfriend will be moving in “with his egghead, freakazoid of a son.” She finds this totally unacceptable and starts planning for her unconsipation from her family on her sixteenth birthday. (She means emancipation) Ashely is not known for her intelligence.Stewart too has reservations. Moving means leaving so many of his mother’s things behind. Of course; they will find room in the new house for his favorite green and purple chair and his mother’s figurine collection This hilarious and satisfying story is told in alternate chapters by Stewart and Ashely. It’s a quick fun read about an all too contemporary family situation. Both unwittingly reveal more about their character than they intend. Ashely is especially heinous. Her top priority is her position on the social ladder. No one can know that her Dad is gay. She lacks loyalty to her friends exposing secrets and putting them down when it seems advantageous to do so.Stewart is well aware that he is a nerd. His adjustment includes leaving the Little Genius Academy for a new high school where he shares classes with Ashley. Life is tough initially but he soon joins the Mathletes and becomes Borden High’s new basketball mascot. Since making friends with Phoebe and Violet, he no longer eats lunch under the stairway. He narrowly escapes certain torture by telling Jared, the school bully, that Ashley is his “sister.”Ashely is a slower learner than Stewart in studies and life. She falls hard for the mysterious Jared with his good looks and charming personality... When Ashley learns that he was recently kicked out of his Catholic school, it only adds to his appeal. It is obvious to the reader that Jared is bad news leading Ashley and others into danger.I would recommend this books to high schoolers who want a fun read.
    • 5/5
      This is an amusing, realistic fiction novel.Each chapter is told from a different point of view. Stewart’s mom died a couple of years ago, and his father has met and fallen in love with Caroline. They move into Caroline’s house with her and her daughter Ashley because it’s bigger, giving everyone more room. Stewart can intellectually accept all of these changes. His therapist is always on speed dial, and he’s a genius. He is actually excited about having a sister and going to public school. He’s a funny, little guy who doesn’t get upset as to what others think about him; he doesn’t think people are out to get him; and, he goes to the beat of his own drummer. Ashley thinks that she is the top of the social ladder and Stewart is at the bottom, so she has no intention of admitting to anyone that he’s living at her house. She’s got another secret: her parents divorced because her father is gay and living in the backyard in a tiny house. Between Stewart and her father, Ashley is desperate to hang on to #1 status fashion-wise and social-wise. Whereas Stewart is a genius, Ashley is not very smart, which is some of the humor in the novel. Ashley’s life intersects with Stewart’s life at school when she starts going out with Jared. Jared bullies Stewart until he discovers that Ashley is his “sister.” Everything clashes at the end in the final scene.I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Ashley is not a nice person, but her non-intelligence is funny. Stewart is a great character because he’s so logical--his social skills are quite love, but he ends up with the better friends. I recommend this novel.
    • 5/5
      I am a huge fan of first lines, or opening paragraphs, of novels as they give us such a taste of what is to come: They introduce the protagonist, often hint at the conflict, and definitely convey the author’s craft. Susan Nielsen creates such a grabber: “I have always wanted a sister. Brother, not so much. I like symmetry, and I always felt that a sister would crate the perfect quadrangle or ‘family square,’ with the X chromosomes forming two sides and the Ys forming the rest.” Thirteen –year old Stewart thinks at first that he’ll get his wish; his mom thinks she’s pregnant, but it turns out that what was growing inside her wasn’t a baby but cancer. She died 15 months later. It was impossibly hard for Stewart, “because we were missing one-third of our family. We had been like an equilateral triangle” (p. 2). There’s more mathematical language that just nails the kind of kid that Stewart is: “For a long time, [Dad] was Sad Dad twenty-four seven, and I was Sad Stewart twenty-four seven, and together we were Sad Squared, and it was just a big black hole of sadness” (p. 4). Ultimately, as Stewart gets a cat, Dad gets a girl friend, things do look up for this family, sort of. But when Dad and Stewart move in with Caroline and her daughter Ashley, Stewart finally gets that sister, and yes, it’s a be-careful-what-you-wish-for kind of scenario. Ashley’s dad has just moved out, informing the family that he’s gay, and she struggles with that: “It opens up a lot of questions. Questions that I don’t really want to know the answers to. Questions like: Did you ever really love us? Or was that a lie, too?” Told in alternating voices between Stewart and Ashley, this book is filled with every day complications. It’s poignant, funny, and will have middle school and high school readers routing for both the socially awkward Stewart and the mean-girl, self-absorbed Ashley. It deals with blended families, with bigotry, and bullying, coping with loss, and adjusting to new schools. I know librarians in middle school who often have eighth graders asking them for mean girl books: Give them this one. Humorously told, it will trump the books they may have expected and will have them reaching for more books by this author.
    • 3/5
      WE ARE ALL MADE OF MOLECULES provides a hope-filled, lighthearted treatment of darker subjects for preteens and young teens. It's the story of Stewart and Ashley, two teens smashed together by their parents' maturing romance. Stewart and Ashley's story is an odd-couple plot with a step-sibling twist. Stewart's the sensitive but nerdy super-intelligent boy. Ashley's the popular but superficial and apparently dumb girl. When Stewart finds himself in trouble at his new junior high, he uses Ashley to solve some of his problems; but of course doing so leads to more problems, and then more problems, culminating in trouble and then a good-people-have-good-endings resolution. At the novel's conclusion, the world is bright and the step-siblings have grown as people.This is a sweet book; there's no denying that. Sweet, but also, in my opinion, insubstantial. While the novel finishes with a lovely uplift and left me feeling hopeful, within a few days of reading the book, I started reflecting on it less charitably. It reminded me of television — not surprisingly, really, because the author was a writer for Degrassi Junior High, among other television shows.This novel is generating some rave reviews, and it's certainly a fun, entertaining book. I would heartily recommend it to middle school readers. Susin Nielsen presents a relentlessly optimistic and tidy picture of blended families, Canadian society, and teen relationships. I liked it; I just couldn't sustain my belief in it.
    • 4/5
      Molecules is the story of a blended family enduring some bumps in the road as they negotiate the terms of their new arrangement. I often feel like the characters in Susin Nielsen’s books really exist. It might be because they inhabit the same geographic setting as I do, but its more likely because Nielsen so well captures the experience of being a teenager and the complexity of family relationships.
    • 4/5
      Although their characters were completely cliché Stewart and Ashley were great in their own ways. I loved how much they both grew by the end of the book. I actually think that my favorite character was Stewart’s mom. All the flashbacks made her seem like she was such an amazing mother. Funny, too. Overall, I loved We Are All Made of Molecules. It could’ve been more realistic, but it still makes an impact as is.