Book Review Summary: Unboxed

Introduction

"Unboxed" by Non Pratt is a heartwarming and emotional story about four teenagers who come together after several months apart. In previous years, they had put together a time capsule about their best summer with a friend who was dying. Now that their friend has passed, they reunite to open the box. Pratt, a talented author known for her ability to capture the essence of friendship and its power to withstand challenges, weaves a tale that resonates with readers. In this article, we will explore the book's summary, author background, analysis of views, and reasons for recommendation.

About Non Pratt

Non Pratt, the author of "Unboxed," began her career working on non-fiction activity books at Usborne before becoming an editor at Catnip Publishing. Her debut novel, "Trouble," was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize and the Branford Boase Award, with rights sold to the USA, Germany, and Brazil. Pratt's second novel, "Remix," came out in 2015, and a novella, "Unboxed," was published by Barrington Stoke in 2016. Her third novel with Walker Books, "Truth or Dare," will be released in 2017. Pratt's writing is known for its raw honesty, sharpness, and understanding of the power of friendship. She captures the essence of teenage life and the challenges faced by young people.

Analysis of Views

Short and Meaningful Read: Many readers praised "Unboxed" for its short length, which allows for quick reading but still packs a punch. The story is meaningful and touches on themes of friendship, regrets, bereavement, and growing up.
Emotional Connection: Readers were deeply moved by the emotional connection they felt while reading the book. The dynamics between Alix, Ben, Zara, and Dean resonated with readers, and they appreciated the diversity and hopefulness portrayed in the story. The letters written by their friend Millie, who couldn't be with them, evoked strong emotions and added depth to the narrative.
Realistic Portrayal of Friendship: The book's portrayal of friendship was praised for its realism and relatability. Readers appreciated the way Pratt captured the complexities of friendships, including the ups and downs, the moments of joy and sadness, and the bonds that endure through time. The story provided a relatable experience for readers who have experienced similar friendships in their own lives.
Hopeful Message: "Unboxed" conveyed a message of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges faced by the characters, they found strength in their friendship and discovered that even though time passes, memories remain. The book encourages readers to cherish their friendships and make the most of the present moment.
Engaging Characters: Readers were drawn to the characters in "Unboxed." They found Alix, Ben, Zara, and Dean to be well-developed and relatable. Each character had unique qualities that made them stand out, and their interactions with one another added depth to the story. The character of Ash was particularly memorable for some readers, who found him to be complex and intriguing.

Reasons for Recommendation

Short but Meaningful: "Unboxed" offers a meaningful reading experience despite its short length. The story is packed with emotional depth and explores themes that resonate with readers. It is perfect for those seeking a quick but impactful read.
Realistic Portrayal of Friendship: Pratt's portrayal of friendship in "Unboxed" is realistic and relatable. Readers appreciate the authenticity of the characters' relationships and the challenges they face. The book provides a relatable experience for those who have experienced similar friendships in their own lives.
Hopeful Message: The book's message of hope and resilience resonates with readers. It encourages readers to cherish their friendships and appreciate the memories they share. The hopeful tone adds a positive aspect to the story, making it uplifting and inspiring.
Engaging Characters: The characters in "Unboxed" are well-developed and engaging. Readers connect with them on a personal level and find themselves invested in their journey. The diverse cast of characters adds depth to the story and makes it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Conclusion

"Unboxed" by Non Pratt is a short but meaningful read that explores themes of friendship, regrets, bereavement, and growing up. With its realistic portrayal of friendship and hopeful message, the book resonates with readers who appreciate authentic storytelling. Pratt's engaging characters add depth to the narrative, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. Whether you're seeking a quick but impactful read or looking for a book that captures the essence of teenage life, "Unboxed" is definitely worth considering.