Navigating Adolescence and Change in “Stepping Off” by Jordan Sonnenblick

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the STEPPING OFF by Jordan Sonnenblick Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: STEPPING OFF

Author: Jordan Sonnenblick

Pub. Date: June 4, 2024

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/STEPPING-OFF 

Jesse Dienstag’s favorite sweatshirt says, “The real world isn’t real.” That’s the slogan of the vacation-home community in Pennsylvania where his family has always spent every vacation and weekend for as long as he can remember. In the summer of 2019, as Jesse is about to enter his junior year of high school in New York City, he desperately wants to believe the slogan is true. For one thing, the two girls he loves — equally and desperately — are in Pennsylvania, and all the stresses and pressures of his daily life and school are in New York.

But when his parents stop talking to each other, it gets harder and harder for Jesse to maintain his dream life in Pennsylvania. And when Covid shuts New York City down in March 2020 just days after Jesse’s mother leaves his father, Jesse’s worlds collide.

 

 

Why Should You Read It?

Jordan Sonnenblick’s “Stepping Off” is a poignant coming-of-age story that captures the tumultuous period of adolescence set against the backdrop of a world in flux. This three-star novel offers a relatable exploration of love, family dynamics, and the impact of the pandemic, though it occasionally falters in pacing and depth.

The protagonist, Jesse Dienstag, clings to the idyllic world of his Pennsylvania vacation-home community, a place that seems to promise escape and simplicity. His favorite sweatshirt, emblazoned with “The real world isn’t real,” becomes a symbol of his desire to evade the complexities of his New York City life, especially as he navigates the stresses of school and the emotional turmoil of loving two girls equally and desperately.

Sonnenblick’s portrayal of Jesse is authentic and engaging. Jesse’s struggles with his parents’ failing marriage, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and his attempts to reconcile his two worlds are depicted with sensitivity and realism. The author skillfully captures the essence of a teenager caught between childhood dreams and adult realities, making Jesse a relatable and sympathetic character.

The novel’s setting in the summer of 2019, leading up to the early days of the pandemic in 2020, provides a poignant backdrop. Sonnenblick effectively conveys the surreal experience of the early pandemic days, enhancing the story’s emotional resonance. The collision of Jesse’s worlds—his idealized Pennsylvania escape and the harsh realities of New York City life—is a central theme that is explored thoughtfully.

However, “Stepping Off” is not without its shortcomings. The pacing of the novel can be uneven at times, with certain sections feeling rushed while others drag. Some plot points, particularly those involving Jesse’s romantic interests and the pandemic’s impact on his life, could have been developed more deeply to provide a richer narrative experience. The dual love interest subplot, while adding to the teenage drama, sometimes feels underexplored and lacks the emotional depth that could have made it more compelling.

Despite these issues, “Stepping Off” succeeds in addressing significant themes such as the fragility of family bonds, the anxiety of growing up, and the struggle to find stability in an uncertain world. Sonnenblick’s writing is heartfelt and sincere, capturing the confusion and resilience of youth during a time of unprecedented change.

In conclusion, “Stepping Off” is a worthwhile read for those interested in contemporary YA fiction that tackles real-world issues with empathy and authenticity. While it may not be perfect, it offers a genuine portrayal of a teenager’s journey through love, loss, and the search for a place where the real world isn’t quite so real.

 

 

About Jordan Sonnenblick:

Jordan Sonnenblick is the author of the acclaimed Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, After Ever After, Notes from the Midnight Driver, Zen and the Art of Faking It, Falling Over Sideways, and The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade. He lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two children.

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of STEPPING OFF, US Only.

Ends July 16th, midnight EST.

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