The Nature of Jade

"The Nature of Jade" can be dismissed as unrealistic (as I once heard someone say). Except it can't. This most intriguing and wonderful story about a girl who falls in love with a mysterious boy with a baby will keep readers awake late into the night to find out how the story develops. Okay, so because of the book jacket and descriptions, we know what will eventually come to pass. But how author Caletti gets us there is emotional, impressive, and enjoyable. Jade is a perfectly real character, one with whom many different readers can relate (studious, a good friend, nervous, etc.). Her worries and anxieties are perfectly believable and are well-played. Her relationships may develop quickly and almost abruptly, but they maintain a well-rounded feel to them. Caletti's writing is great. Not only is "The Nature of Jade" really well-written, but it's also got great characterization, believable dialogue, and a comfortable yet interesting plot. While it will appeal to readers looking for books on slightly different sorts of situations, it will also appeal to "fluff fans", those in search of heart-warming (at times) books that will make the reader cry. "The Nature of Jade" has that without succumbing to cliches and dull plotlines. It's a really great book, one that touches on a really interesting topic. Sebastian's relationships with everyone provided me with a lot of food for thought, as did Jade's take on it. Wonderfully written, engaging, intriguing... overall great. Animal lovers may also find how the elephant theme is played. Jade's work with elephants and relationships with them give a sort of clearer mirror of human behavior. There, Jade sees her family problems, her social problems, and her anxiety. And is almost able to overcome it. Certainly recommended.

"Nature of Jade" is an amazing, captivating book. The characters and plot are unique, and the style of writing is fresh. I love the relationship captured between Jade and elephants- it is truly heartwarming. I would highly recommend this book to animal lovers, or to anyone looking for a good read. You won't be dissapointed!

Since being diagnosed with Panic Disorder, Jade DeLuna does not know how to cope with the shortness of breath and dizzy feelings, but could this all change when she meets the boy in the red jacket? Jade,18, is in her senior year of high school when she is diagnosed. She knows nothing good can come out of it and she thinks not even the support of her family can help her through. Not only that, but her other family members have problems of their own. Like her little brother, Oliver, who loves reading The Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set books, but their dad has other plans for him. Dad wants Oliver to love sports, but even though Oliver has tried many times with soccer, baseball, and football, he can't seem to enjoy them. Jade and Oliver both notice their parents' marriage is falling apart, with mom always at PTA meetings and dad locking himself downstairs with his wooden city sculptures. With all of this, Jade doesn't feel relaxed a bit. Soon Jade finds an escape from everything, and that escape is the elephants. Not only do the elephants calm her down, they make her feel important and not so tied up in her schoolwork. Jade puts a video cam on the local zoo's elephants cage so she can have the elephants anytime she wants on her computer screen -- but one night she notices on the live video a boy in a red jacket with a toddler. Jade is so intrigued by the young man and the toddler that she volunteers at the zoo's elephant park. One day, while leaving the zoo, she finally meets the young man. The moment he speaks, Jade knows she likes him and she knows she wants to see him again. Will I ever see the mysterious young man and the toddler again ? If I do, will it develop into a relationship? And is the toddler his kid? These are all questions that Jade asks herself, and if you read this book you will find the interesting answers. THE NATURE OF JADE by Deb Caletti is a great novel that keeps you attached and interested until the end. Ms. Caletti definitely knows how to write an engaging life story and I totally recommend this book to anyone who loves reading. I give it 5 stars!!! Reviewed by: Kylie

Deb Caletti's THE NATURE OF JADE tells of Jade, who has been diagnosed with Panic Disorder and who finds it difficult to remain calm in the face of life's many uncertainties. When she becomes involved with a strange boy who stops by to watch the elephants at the nearby zoo - a boy carrying a baby who is raising his son alone - she finds something new and different to focus on in this vivid story of secrets and recovery.

Jade doesn't know yet that she wants something more out of life - and that she is about to meet someone that will change her life. Good student Jade is an overachiever who has developed panic disorder. Sometimes, the medicine she takes makes her antsy at night, so she's taken to watching the online elephant cam from her local zoo. One night, the camera shows her a young boy in a red jacket with a baby boy, and she is inexplicably drawn to them. Throughout the course of her senior year, Jade finds herself feeling more and more out-of-place with her friends as they discuss their future plans. She's ready for her life to change, but she's not sure how. When she gets a job at the zoo and befriends the elephants and their caretakers, things seem right again. Then she meets the boy in the red jacket face-to-face. As their relationship grows, secrets are revealed on both sides, and it is that relationship which ultimately gives her the strength to make some extremely difficult choices. I have never worked with elephants. I never knew a Sebastian. I (thankfully) haven't suffered from panic attacks. But there was something about Jade that mirrored something in me, and that really made me connect with the character. Deb Caletti's novels are all poignant, well-written, and solid. The Nature of Jade, my favorite of her works, is strong and true. Highly recommended to adults and teens, and placed high on my Best Books of 2007 list.