'Dear Evan Hansen' review: overcoming pain

Val Emmich, Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul come together to create a young-adult novel based on the hit musical, Dear Evan Hansen. The soundtrack from the musical is highly appealing to the ears. The book connects well with the storyline of the actual show.

Evan Hansen, a high school student, struggles with anxiety and depression that causes him to struggle through what most students at his age would find to be easy tasks. He wants to stay as hidden as possible and enjoys being alone. As the book progresses, this philosophy changes when one of his “friends” commits suicide.

After this “friend”, Connor, tragedy passes away, Connor is drawn into a series of lies that keep getting deeper and worse for him. As Evan is forced to face these lies, Connor tells his story from the afterlife and what he is experiencing. This only makes matters worse as Connor cannot stand up for himself.

This book is an easy, quick read as the reader will not want to put the book down. It is definitely a page-turner and will keep everyone on their toes as they will be eager to find out Evan’s next move.

The novel portrays the severity of mental illness and how it can affect someone. This is a must-read for teenagers and adults alike. Even If someone does not know anything about the musical, they will enjoy this book.

Readers get a look into what it’s like to live while secretly suffering, the dangers of social media, heartbreak, love, death of a loved one-all very important life lessons.

The one aspect of the book that is truly missing from the musical (for those who have seen it, or have listened to the soundtrack), some characters do lose their flavor and aren’t as respected in the book. Evan’s mom and Zoe are not huge characters in the book, but of course, still have their moments.

Thanks for reading,

Elisa Reamer

“There is no darkness. There is simply Absense of light.” --Clear Blue Skies, RH Fowler